Architectural Studies

Course description

The programme is aimed at graduates of architecture and allied disciplines who, following the completion of their professional education, wish to extend knowledge and skills in undertaking further specialised study, either to develop existing professional and research interests or to move into new areas of practice.

Uniquely positioned within a wider community of artists and designers at the Glasgow School of Art the Programme offers students the opportunity to develop their creative practice in architecture while building their academic and professional networks.

This one year (3 semester) taught programme combines individual specialist study, through a series of different Pathways, with the opportunity to share knowledge and experience and to collaborate with fellow students in a cross-disciplinary context.

Students select a Pathway during the Admissions process from the following options: Creative Urban Practices (CUP) Digital Creativity Energy and Environment History and Theory of the City Urban Building Urban Design

Programme Structure Through a systematic and disciplined teaching methodology and through rigorous research and investigation methods, we encourage our students to communicate through their individual research project an architectural response to the challenges facing the contemporary world. The programme promotes and develops the importance of self-directed learning through design and over the year students progress through 3 stages of the design process:

• Preliminary design process – supporting the identification of a student’s research interest and testing this through a series of architectural responses.
• Intermediate design process – supporting the refinement of a student’s research interest and development of a specific architectural response in context.
• Advanced design process – supporting students to develop, deliver and communicate the outcomes of their research through a specific architectural response in context.

Alongside this, the cross-disciplinary context is provided through study in an elective pathway, where a shared core of lectures and seminars in respective pathways are provided that together give an overview of contemporary issues in and around architecture. All learning is delivered through a framework of six learning domains: Professionalism, Design/Create, Research, Communication, Skills, and Knowledge.

The studio environment provides a forum for critical discussion, peer learning and support, where inclusivity is fostered through a mutually respectful, supportive and collaborative studio culture. Diverse teaching and learning methods encourage students to be curious, confident and above all independent in developing their personal responses to architecture and the environment.

On completion of the programme, the primary aim is that graduates of the Glasgow School of Art, are engaged citizens, critical thinkers, skilled communicators, inclusive and creative collaborators and life-long learners.

Subjects