MA Architectural Design
The MA in Architectural Design (MA AD) is aimed at students who are looking for a rich, advanced and engaging postgraduate programme which focuses on the multiple facets and relationships between design and research.
By pursuing the MA AD, students will get the necessary skills to become sophisticated design-research thinkers and practitioners, enabling them to ground their design-driven knowledge in complex environments.
MA Architectural Design handbook 2024
The MA Architectural Design handbook is issued annually to all MA AD postgraduate international students, staff and external contributors. The handbook is a guide on every aspect of the MA AD master's programme including; course structure, learning and assessment, modules, design units and student support.
How to apply
For more information on course content, structure, fees and how to apply, please visit our MA Architectural Design course information page.
Key events
| Dates | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 6 November 2023 | ART701 ADR Autumn interim crits |
| 11 December 2023 | ART701 ADR End of term reviews |
| 12 February 2024 | ART701 ADR Spring interim crits |
| 18 March 2024 | ART701 ADR Final reviews |
| 29 April 2024 | ART701 ADR Submission portfolio (online and hardcopy) |
| 2 May 2024 | ART701 ADR Portfolio reviews |
| 20 May 2024 | ART704 DT Start (non-resit students) |
| 03 June 2024 | ART704 DT (unit-structured) Interim crits |
| 1 July 2024 | ART704 DT (unit-structured) Final reviews |
| 22 July 2024 | ART704 DT Self-directed studies interim reviews (non-resit students) |
| 26 August 2024 | ART704 DT Dissertation submission (non-resit students) |
| 4 September 2024 | ART704 DT Vivas (non-resit students) |
| 16 October 2024 | ART704 DT Self-directed studies interim review (resit + EC students) |
| 11 November 2024 | Final submission deadline (resit + EC students) |
| 21 November 2024 | ART704 DT Vivas (resit + EC students) |
Design units
You will work in small groups called ‘design units’ under the guidance of a Unit Leader. They will be an experienced tutor in research and architectural design. Units include:
- Unit A:H>D_Lahore 2024 Contemporary Architecture and Heritage for Socio-Economic Development
- Unit B: EcoLoci (2022-2023)
- Unit C: Learning Environments - Design Research Laboratory (LE-DR Lab). Dr Hiral Patel (2022-2023)
- Unit D: URBAN WATERS, BODIES, (dis-)CONNECTIONS (2022-2023)
Full unit descriptions are available in the MA AD Handbook.
MA Architectural Design (MA AD) has provided me with advanced and completed Design-Research (D-R) training that has resulted in multiple design research techniques and methods for the conception and development of complex architectural design proposals. Each MA AD Unit has taught me how to address complex contemporary challenges from the social context into architectural design, under independent critical thinking approaches. As a result of this, my MA AD course mates and I have successfully progressed in our professional careers as practicing architects in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
Course team
Course director and unit leader
Dr Federico Wulff
Senior Lecturer of Architecture and Urban Design
MA AD Course Director
- wulfff@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2087 0307
Unit leaders
Dr Marianna Marchesi
Lecturer in Architectural Design & Technology
- marchesim@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)7470742033
External unit leaders
Teaching assistant
Admissions support
Architecture Admissions
For more information on course content, structure, fees and how to apply, please visit our Coursefinder page.