Computational Methods in Architecture (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
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Why study this course
Develop the advanced digital skills required to utilise innovative computational methods in the creative and design industries.
Innovative learning
Learn innovative algorithmic design methods in architecture.
Gain practical experience
Gain practical experience with our in-house advanced digital fabrication equipment.
Build your own digital tools
Build your own digital tools through visual programming and scripting.
Participate in teamwork
Participate in multi-disciplinary teamwork that mirrors professional practice.
Benefit from multi-disciplinary expertise
Benefit from multi-disciplinary expertise from research staff across the schools of architecture, computer science and engineering.
Tailor your learning
Tailor your learning to your own interests and needs and develop specific expertise through optional modules and a student-led research project
This programme addresses the need for creative professionals who are equipped with the IT skills, digital fabrication skills, simulation software skills, or the ability to design custom-software development tools to solve unique design problems. Our multidisciplinary approach will provide you with the knowledge and skills to discover innovative computational methods for use in the creative and design industries.
In particular, we will look at form-finding using parametric and generative methods, preparing digital information for further rigorous analysis, and exploring contemporary issues in computational methods. You will be taught by experts across the subjects of architecture, computer science and engineering, which will give you a distinctly interdisciplinary approach to looking at design.
The ethos of the course is based on the concept of rigorous creativity where algorithmic thinking, systematic parametric design, analytic methods, creative intuition and tectonic sensibilities are integrated into a more innovative design outcome than traditional methods currently allow.
Where you'll study
Welsh School of Architecture
We aim to make the world a better place through contextually sensitive, sustainable and beautiful architecture.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
We welcome applications from candidates with a lower degree classification, provided it is in a relevant subject area and supported by professional/ practice experience and/ or a transcript demonstrating strong academic performance in related subjects.
Relevant subjects include (but are not restricted to) architecture, computer science, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, or urban design.
If you do not have a degree in a directly related area, but have extensive relevant professional experience, we still encourage you to apply. To support your application, please include signed and dated references from your employer.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
Our MSc Computational Methods in Architecture is delivered in two stages. Stage one (two thirds) is comprised of taught modules totalling 120 credits. Stage two (one third) is comprised of a dissertation that totals 60 credits.
The taught modules on this course provide a grounding in computational methods in architecture within the context of spatial design and analysis, digital fabrication, and digital building performance simulation.
After completing the modules, you will prepare a dissertation, where you will carry out an in-depth analysis on a topic of computational methods that interests you.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Taught Stage
In each semester, you will sit a total of 60 credits, including both core and optional modules. The course will include core modules that present fundamental concepts and a series of more optional and advanced modules allowing you to specialise in one or more topics. Core modules address issues of geometric, parametric, and generative 3D modelling, translation of virtual to physical geometry, algorithmic design thinking, and contemporary issues in computational methods in architecture. We use a combination of individual and group work to assess your progress. You will need to pass all elements of stage 1 before progressing onto the dissertation.
Dissertation Stage
The student-led dissertation, from June to September, offers a unique and exciting opportunity for you to develop and pursue your own research agenda, discovering new knowledge and integrating several methods into new and innovative workflows. Working with a supervisor, your dissertation will comprise a computationally-based investigation that can have various deliverables including, but not limited to any combination of: visual presentations, computer code and scripts, digitally manufactured artefacts, video and animations, multi-media performances, or responsive environments and mechanisms. It will be accompanied by a reflective essay that explains the background, the thinking behind the project, the methodology, chronicles your investigation, and presents the main findings and conclusions of the research project. The reflective essay and the research project deliverables will be assessed by a panel of assessors.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Science Research | ART049 | 10 credits |
| Introduction to 3D Modelling and Parametric Design | ART801 | 10 credits |
| Computational Form Finding | ART802 | 20 credits |
| Algorithmic Design Thinking | ART803 | 30 credits |
| Python for Computation | CMT115 | 20 credits |
| Computational Design for Fabrication | CMT811 | 10 credits |
| Dissertation: Computational Methods in Architecture | ART806 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation of the Built Environment | ART042 | 10 credits |
| Data Visualisation | CMT218 | 20 credits |
| Dynamics | ENT570 | 10 credits |
| Building and Infrastructure Information Modelling | ENT768 | 10 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
We aim to provide an exceptional learning environment for computational methods in architecture education and reflect our current research strengths and interests. The module leaders on this programme are internationally renowned expert researchers and authors. Their research is directly taught in the various modules. The expertise of the module leaders in contemporary issues in computational methods guides the students in the selection of relevant topics that address real world problems such as sustainability and automation. The programme regularly invites world-leading researchers to give talks. This programme has been carefully designed to enable you to realise your maximum potential. We aim to deliver expert teaching, and comprehensive pastoral care.
The methods of teaching we employ will vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on the subject matter and the method of assessment. We teach using a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and one-on-one and group tutorials. Lectures will explain overall concepts, seminars and workshops will guide you through the technical aspects of the module, and one-on-one and group tutorials will answer questions and help you with your project. Teaching also includes the provision of online learning materials as appropriate to the module.
The dissertation element of the programme is conducted through the process of design, continuing on from your taught modules completed in the first part of the course. We advise that you continue to meet with your tutor on a weekly basis. This is usually followed by a period of reflection and writing where you will work independently under the guidance of your tutor and under the supervision of the programme leader or another member of the academic staff.
How will I be assessed?
The modules are primarily assessed through a coursework with a small number of examinations. Coursework assessments may take the form of written practical reports, structured reports, class tests, structured answer tests, group work, poster and oral presentations and computing problem-solving exercises. Assessments may be summative and count towards the final module mark, or formative, helping you to learn and practice key skills and knowledge through feedback. Your dissertation project is assessed by a supervisor’s evaluation and a written report.
How will I be supported?
You will be supported in a number of ways throughout your learning experience.
Formative feedback is presented in a range of ways depending on the activity format. For group tutorials and interim crits, this is usually verbal. Written feedback on common problems is provided for some activities (e.g. interim submission).
Summative feedback is presented digitally via the virtual learning environment - this can be presented as verbal recordings, written feedback or rubrics.
All of our students are allocated a personal tutor when they enrol on the course. You will meet with your personal tutor regularly to reflect on your progress and development.
You will have access to the Architecture Library, as well as to materials in the other Cardiff University libraries.
You will have access to all course materials, including lecture recordings, handouts, details of all assessments, assessment criteria and links to digital resources, via the Cardiff University Virtual Learning Environment.
Beyond the School, the University offers a range of services to help you with your career planning and runs events to help you manage your emotional, mental and physical health, support with financial issues, and support for students with disabilities.
We encourage all of our postgraduate students to engage in personal development. At the start of the course we will introduce you to available opportunities for personal and professional development and again at major stages of the course.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Critically evaluate theories of computing and computational methods.
- Critically evaluate the role of computational methods in the design process.
- Critically evaluate the role of computational methods in the digital fabrication process.
- Critically evaluate the role of computational methods in the construction process.
Intellectual Skills:
- Think algorithmically, systematically and creatively about integrating computational methods in the design process.
- Think algorithmically, systematically and creatively about integrating computational methods in the digital fabrication process.
- Think algorithmically, systematically and creatively about integrating computational methods in the construction process.
- Critically evaluate complex real-world challenges and independently formulate rigorous and advanced computational methods to address them, fostering innovation and contributing to the advancement of digital practices within the field.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Master practical methods in software development.
- Master use of software for computational methods in design, digital fabrication, and building construction.
- Effectively and creatively present abstract computational processes and their integration into a larger context.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Lead and work in teams efficiently.
- Set learning goals and identify resources for learning in a process of lifelong learning.
- Identify and critically review relevant literature.
- Recognise and respond to opportunities for innovation.
- Develop and critically advance an individual research agenda to be concluded and presented in an original, academic work – written and/or design.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £12,200 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £30,700 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
We will cover the costs of all essential aspects of study, including essential printing and software licenses.
We also provide funding to cover the essential elements of study trips and site or field visits. However, sometimes optional modules or projects may incur additional costs beyond what the School covers. We will make sure these choices are always optional.
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
We provide a range of high-spec PCs for students to access, but we do recommend you acquire a high-spec laptop computer to be able to create and render 3D digital models, access digital learning materials, and run specific software. Free access to specialist software will be arranged by the School as required for study, in all cases for campus use and when possible individual licenses will be provided. We will send you the current requirements for a personal laptop before you enrol (you can also contact the Admissions tutor for up-to-date advice on this).
You may also find a USB or hard drive useful for backing up and transferring files.
During the programme , you will have access to the specialist Architecture Library, and other University libraries, and study spaces across campus. Within the School, you may use our computing suites and other facilities which include large-format plotters, a digital laser cutter and a well-equipped workshop.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
Visiting lecturers from relevant industries and professions are regularly invited to give talks and interact with students. This enables networking and opens opportunities for future employment.
Whilst many of our graduates may choose to undertake a career within architecture or other built environment professions (e.g. engineering and construction, landscape, interior design), the programme provides many transferable skills which will be of benefit across a wide range of professions.
The knowledge and skills gained in computational methods such as 3D modelling, rendering, animation, parametric design, digital fabrication, and building information modelling (BIM) are highly sought after by employers from various industries who are seeking experts with IT skills. Examples include furniture designers, jewellery design firms, graphic design firms, computer game development firms, and even movie and theatre set design firms. These companies regularly need IT skills, digital fabrication skills, simulation software skills, or custom-software development tools to solve unique design problems.
The focus on independent, project-based learning as well as the ability to solve complex problems individually and in groups is often welcomed by employers in that it provides graduates with skills in creative thinking, conceptual organisation, critical reflection and taking initiative.
Placements
There are no formal industrial placements; however, we share information on any internship opportunities we become aware of, via our Industrial Advisory Board and other external links. You can also access Cardiff University’s online jobs board which contains internship and graduate opportunities.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
