ARCHImaster

Architectural Design PGDip (GradCert GradDip)
The postgraduate programmes in architecture and interiors offer a number of course and award options to students from a range of backgrounds:
- Architecture graduates seeking professional accreditation who have already gained RIBA Part 1 exemption follow a two-year full-time programme which leads to the award of Diploma in Architecture with RIBA Part 2 exemption. During the second year of the course students may choose between a number of special routes including interior design and urban studies as well as architecture.
- Graduates who do not have RIBA Part 1 exemption may follow a parallel programme which leads to the award of Diploma in Architectural Design.
- Diplomas in Architecture and Architectural Design can be converted to an MA by subsequently completing a part-time one semester top-up programme.
- Graduates from a range of design-related backgrounds who wish to follow an advanced course in interior design may follow a one year full-time plus one semester part-time programme leading to the MA in Interior Design.
- Graduates who wish to follow an advanced theoretical course in architecture may follow a one year full-time plus one semester part-time programme leading to the MA in Architectural Studies.
- After completing the Diploma in Architecture students can join a part-time professional studies programme which leads to the RIBA Professional Practice (Part 3) examination.
Note: the part-time one semester top-up may be accelerated by negotiation.
Students share spacious top-lit studios and have their own individual working spaces. There are also dedicated computer suites as well as photographic and workshop facilities. The staff includes full-time academics who combine teaching with research and consultancy, part-time tutors who are also practising designers, and eminent visiting specialists, critics and consultants.
Study pattern
Diploma in Architecture (with RIBA part 2)
Diploma in Architectural Design
During the first year students elect to join one of a series of vertical studios which focus on selected thematic issues including the urban and cultural landscape, urban regeneration, building conservation, or the idea of the interior. Design studios are underpinned by courses focusing on parallel themes including urban and landscape studies, society and space, interiority and supporting environmental and constructional technologies. Study tours are organised each year to support the studio programmes. Students may also elect to spend up to half a year studying in one of our partner schools in Europe, the USA or Asia.
Within the studio structure second year students develop a major design project which draws on the focus of the studio and from their own particular interests. This is developed through a comprehensive research study and underpinned by theoretical and technical investigations. Each student works within a studio group so as to share common intellectual themes. All students also have access to specialist consultants and a range of guest critics. An integrated studio structure encourages close links between students in architecture and interior design.
MA Architecture
Diplomates in Architecture or Architectural Design may upgrade their diploma to an MA by completing a masterwork (either a dissertation or an advanced piece of design work) during the semester following their diploma.
MA Interior Design
Students studying postgraduate interior design work within an interdisciplinary studio environment comprising students recruited from a variety of design fields including architecture. The programmes are designed to explore both the intellectual idea and the spatial language of interior environments. Where possible, our intention is to develop new skills whilst extending existing design practices in order to precisely articulate spatial design proposals. A case study and a major design project are supported by theoretical units that use lectures, seminars and tutorials to explore the materiality of interior space. Various study units - such as research methods, the culture of materials and the theoretical courses - are shared with the parallel courses in Architecture.
MA Architectural Studies
This course is intended for graduates interested in architectural ideas and theories, and spatial design issues, who wish to work alongside site-specific designers or built-environment specialists. The course is design-based and encourages exploratory work in the fields of architectural and spatial design. The award's orientation is academic rather than professional but has potential career applications in a wide range of spatial and environmental design fields.
Professional Practice (RIBA Part 3)
Students seeking professional accreditation normally follow a year of supervised office training between their degree and pre-diploma. During this 'year out', they attend a series of seminars and tutorials and are required to keep a detailed logbook. Lectures and seminars on professional studies are offered as part of the various postgraduate diploma courses.
Students who have achieved a Diploma in Architecture with RIBA Part 2 exemption can register for the part-time course in professional studies which leads, after a qualifying period of work experience, to the Professional Practice examination (RIBA Part 3) conducted by the university on behalf of the RIBA. Successful candidates are registered with the Architects' Registration Board (ARB) and may apply to become chartered architects and members of the RIBA.
Career Opportunities
Brighton graduates enjoy a reputation for being all-round professionals who are creative, competent and responsive to the needs of people and places. In addition, the postgraduate programme offers opportunities for experimental and exploratory work in spatial design and in the discipline of architecture beyond the confines of the professional courses. Graduates generally succeed in finding challenging and rewarding work, both in the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally. The school maintains close links with a range of architectural and design practices, and can offer advice on employment and career prospects. Students, recent graduates and staff members have been consistently successful in national and international competitions.
Syllabus
Architectural Design Diploma
Architectural Design candidates focus on a chosen area of specialism. The main thesis work is a self-generated architectural design project, the development of a brief, and analysis of a given or chosen site through to final design proposition. This is developed through a research study and underpinned by theoretical and technical investigations. Each student works with a personal tutor and within a group sharing a common intellectual theme. All students also have access to specialist consultants and a range of guest critics.