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MA Architectural Design

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 2023

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

DatesSchedule
7 November 2022ART701 ADR Autumn interim crits
12 December 2022ART701 ADR End of term reviews
13 February 2023ART701 ADR Spring interim crits
20 March 2023ART701 ADR Final reviews
24 April 2023ART701 ADR Submission portfolio (online and hardcopy)
27 April 2023ART701 ADR Portfolio reviews
22 May 2023ART704 DT Start (non-resit students)
05 June 2023ART704 DT (unit-structured) Interim crits
26 June 2023ART704 DT (unit-structured) Final reviews
19 July 2023ART704 DT Self-directed studies interim reviews (non-resit students)
21 August 2023ART704 DT Dissertation submission (non-resit students)
23 August 2023ART704 DT Vivas (non-resit students)
16 October 2023ART704 DT Self-directed studies interim review (resit + EC students)
13 November 2023Final submission deadline (resit + EC students)
20 November 2023ART704 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_Contemporary Architecture and Heritage for Socio-Economic Development
  • Unit B: EcoLoci
  • Unit C: Learning Environments - Design Research Laboratory (LE-DR Lab). Dr Hiral Patel
  • Unit D: URBAN WATERS, BODIES,  (dis-)CONNECTIONS

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.

Yijun Chen, 2019-2020 MA AD student

Course team

Course director and unit leader

Dr Federico Wulff

Dr Federico Wulff

Senior Lecturer of Architecture and Urban Design
MA AD Course Director

Email
wulfff@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)29 2087 0307

Unit leaders

Dr Marianna Marchesi

Dr Marianna Marchesi

Lecturer in Architectural Design & Technology

Email
marchesim@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)7470742033
Dr Hiral Patel

Dr Hiral Patel

Lecturer in Architecture
Director of Engagement

Email
patelh18@cardiff.ac.uk

External unit leaders

Dr Davide di Martino

Dr Davide di Martino

Associate Lecturer in Architectural Design

Email
dimartinod@cardiff.ac.uk
Dina Mneimneh

Dina Mneimneh

Associate Lecturer in Architectural Design

Email
mneimnehd@cardiff.ac.uk

Teaching assistant

alt

Yijun Chen

Research student

Email
cheny160@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)7422968700

Admissions support

Architecture Admissions