MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse

For information on how to apply, visit the MSA website

MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse is a programme about existing buildings, situations and places, and how over time these structures and locations can be encouraged to evolve, sustain new uses, and accommodate new users. It allows you to investigate strategies for adaptive reuse - strategies that are not applied as a reaction to current conditions, but in anticipation of future changes.

Adaptation is now at the forefront of architectural practice; two of the most pressing challenges in the 21st century are climate change and urbanisation. To reuse an existing building is an inherently sustainable action. Given that already more than half of the global population live in urban environments, and by 2050, it is projected that over 70% of the world population will live in cities, all societies need to be able to accommodate growth while at the same time, reducing consumption. The existing building stock needs to become both more efficient and more resilient.

You will investigate the three main tenets of sustainable reuse - environmental, societal, and economic – while also exploring inhabitation, heritage, culture, history, memory, community, and the influence these factors have on remodelling activities. Through looking at the impact that context and the environment have upon projects, you will develop an understanding of some of the technical issues including conservation, construction, environmental control, and materials in order to make creative and appropriate proposals for new users of buildings. You will also examine specific examples of adaptive reuse, theories of reuse and explore strategies for the conservation and adaptation of the existing environment, while also looking at the influence that art has upon architecture.

The course is therefore ideal preparation for careers in both professional and/or academic roles associated with sustainable urban, architectural and interior design, and within the heritage industry. Some examples of destinations that graduates on this programme have entered include: architectural and interior practice, conservation architecture, academia, and to progress into doctoral study.

Students benefit from the specialist workshops at Manchester School of Art and the University of Manchester to explore materiality, fabrication, and realisation of their ideas.

The programme is part of the Manchester School of Architecture, an internationally recognised leader in architectural education, with an outstanding employer reputation.

• Shape the future of the built environment by exploring new, heritage-friendly and sustainable approaches to development.
• Benefit from building, industry, and workshop visits alongside collaborative projects with students, clients, and users on a course jointly accredited by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
• Join the Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA) , the largest of its kind in the UK.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

• a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
• a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Study

• Full-time - 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement 75% independent study
• Part-time - 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement 75% independent study

Assessment

• Full-time - 100% coursework; 0% practical 0% examination study
• Part-time - 100% coursework; 0% practical 0% examination study

Supporting creative vision, innovation and research

Architecture students at MSA benefit from the facilities and resources of both The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Two nationally recognised libraries, a wide range of workshops and materials stories are just a few examples of what is available.

Providing space for innovation

Our contemporary studios are located in the purpose built Manchester School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University, with panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

Enabling your creative vision

Whether you’re creating a presentation model, experimenting with materials or devising a conceptual way to show your ideas, our facilities at Manchester School of Architecture will enable you to fulfil your ambitious creative visions.

For more information, visit the Manchester School of Architecture facilities webpage .

Graduates of Architecture and Adaptive Reuse will be well-equipped to enter a variety of roles within architecture, planning, conservation, and heritage management across both academic and industry contexts.

For more information visit our careers and employability page .

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you will have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .