Manchester School of Architecture study abroad/exchange programme 2008/9

Study abroad/exchange students wishing to study within Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) must have completed a minimum of 3 years undergraduate study of architecture on joining the programme in Manchester. Study abroad/exchange students are not required to submit a portfolio of work for admission to the programme but must have strong references and academic grades as per the standard study abroad/exchange entry requirements. There are a very limited number of places for study abroad/exchange students within MSA and early application is strongly advised.

Study abroad/exchange students within MSA undertake a standard programme of study, as outlined below.

Semester study abroad/exchange students:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Year-long study abroad/exchange students:

40 credits dissertation (Research Methods course and History and Theory course plus dissertation)

OR

40 credits Technology: parts A and B and C and D

AND

80 credits Design Studio

Plus

UK Professional Practice Management (attendance only — no credits)

Lectures

All students can, in addition, attend the programme of staff and visiting lectures in semesters 1 and 2.

Credit units

Studio

Studio programmes are directed by colleges. The theme and content change year on year, and, within the parameters of the college, are also negotiated with the individual student. The studio environment involves one day a week of tutorials, workshops or critiqued presentations. Visiting critics and lecturers can also contribute. The college programme sets out a series of architectural briefs, to which the students are expected to respond. Allocation to a college/studio will be determined on arrival in discussion with the adviser within MSA. Student preference for a particular college will be taken into consideration but cannot be guaranteed. 

You can see the current colleges at: http://www.msa.ac.uk/study/colleges/

This will give you a feel for the types of areas in which you could specialise, but please note that decisions regarding allocation to a college can only take place on arrival.

Professional practice and management

A series of lectures and assignments on UK practice management, statutory requirements, development control, construction law and professional conduct.

Dissertation

An academic, 8, 000 - 10,000 word written exploration of the history and theory of architecture. Supported by a research methods lecture course, with assignments for the development of a research topic alongside an inspirational history and theory course. Dissertation supervision is then provided for the production of the document.

Technology
Parts A and B:

Part A: Essay on technological position based on case-study research leading to a proposal for an extended investigation.
Part B: A detailed exposition of an aspect of technology, the form being chosen by the student.

Part C and D:

A structured framework of drawings and specifications produced in a report on a studio design project, demonstrating understanding of compliance with UK statutory and legislative requirements.

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