Calin-Bogdan Maier & others
📃 On paper
Module breakdown
Through the whole BA, there are 3 main modules that you follow:
- Humanities - focused on the cultural aspects of architecture, in relation to architectural styles, design approach, community engagement through architecture, social impact, equality, inclusivity and history.
- Technologies - focuses on the technical aspect of architecture. In this module students learn about the different types of structures, materials, facades, comfort, technical details and case studies.
- Studio - this module focuses on design, incorporsting all that the student learns through the other 2 modules. It is by far the most creative part of the course.
Year 1 will culminate with events jointly undertaken with second and fifth-year students.
Studio 1.1
- Establishes the principles and skills in research, analysis, argument and representation that support an understanding of architectural design.
- Introduces the concept of thinking as a designer and learning by doing.
Studio 1.2
- Apply your developing knowledge and skill base to projects that begin to promote the integration of sensual, functional and technological considerations in architectural design in a contemporary cultural setting.
- Develop an understanding of design as a contemporary discourse.
- Explore real-world situations that invite thinking that is imaginative, integrative and inclusive.
Humanities 1
- Focuses on disciplinary fundamentals.
- The groundwork is laid in this foundation year, introducing you to the history of the profession and to what architecture can be.
Technologies 1
- Introduces you to the technological contexts for architectural design.
- Develops skills in research, analysis, technical design, and visual representation.
In Year 2, the multi-layered nature of the design process is explored and urban theory and specialised sustainability knowledge is applied to design projects, transforming the aesthetic concepts of the first year into the techno-cultural strategies used by professionals.
You'll develop an increased awareness of architecture in a variety of contexts and improve your design processes and critical thinking skills.
Studio 2.1
- Consolidates design capability.
- Introduces public and social programmes with associated issues of sustainability, inclusivity and greater complexity in building programme, placing greater emphasis on relational abilities.
Studio 2.2
- Consolidates design capability by extending the exploration of public and social programmes with associated issues of sustainability, inclusivity and complexity in building programme and technological manifestation.
Humanities 2
- Introduces theories of architecture, practice and professionalism.
- You will learn how architecture never exists in isolation, either as a design or academic discipline.
Technologies 2
- You will explore in greater detail issues such as the use of industry leading environmental analysis software as a learning tool.
- You will work in a team to critically deconstruct an existing precedent.
- You will undertake a design project that builds directly on the analytical skills and knowledge of specific systems encountered in the building case study.
In Year 3, you will begin to formulate your individual position on contemporary architecture and urbanism.
The third year is organised around a themed `atelier' system. Each atelier applies a particular design methodology to an extended urban project which lasts the entire year.
The course culminates with an assessed self-build exhibition.
Studio 3.1
- Introduces urbanism and develops the ability to apply techniques in analysis of and strategies for generic urban contexts as the basis for defining and developing a critical approach or agenda on the city. This is developed into a proposition for a major design study.
Studio 3.2
- Develops ability in architectural design through the exploration of materials, structures, construction, and environmental modification integral with programmatic detail within a building design initiated in response to urban study.
Humanities 3
- Learn how to mobilise knowledge of history and theory in contemporary architectural practice.
- Choose from a series of electives, each related to staff research interests to ensure that course content addresses contemporary debates in the discipline.
Technologies 3
- You will undertake a complex building case study.
- Through lecture discussions, you will acquire skills in developing rigorous academic argument for the technological realisation of architectural propositions.
- You will undertake a design project that synthesises the knowledge and skills in technological design accumulated during the course.
👐🏻 General approach
Each atelier has its own approach. For example PRAXXIS is a feminist atelier. Some ateliers focus on sustainability, others focus on the social aspects or on design and experimentation.
External lectures often come in to give talks and the Manchester Student Society of Architecture has year round events. There are trips abroad depending on which atelier (studio group/ tutor group) you are in
Here the students have to pass all 3 modules every year to pass the year.
You will not take all modules at the same time, usually studio + technologies or studio + humanities.
Throughout the whole course, you have different tutors that guide you. Usually they are part of your studio group. In third year though, you pick an atelier for studio and an elective for humanities. There are different electives and ateliers, each focusing on a different aspect of architecture. In the Technologies unit, your atelier will pick your case studies for you, closely related to the atelier’s agenda.
💖 Student support
Generally the environment is very friendly and there are a tonne of opportunities for students to make friends and interact with other students from the whole school of architecture.
Each year cohort has 2 or 3 leaders, which are usually lecturers that teach in that year’s modules.
Besided that, in year 1 you have 4 tutors in total from the studio module (2 for each semester), in year 2, you have 2 tutors throughout the year and the same in year 3.
Also, there is a lot of emphasis on having an amazing experience throughout your academic journey, so there are a lot of opportunities to get help anytime you need. That help can come from your tutors, your older student buddy or the professionals from the mental health and well-being office.
As part of their ongoing commitment to widening participation, the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) guarantees a £500 cash bursary to aspiring undergraduate students eligible for a reduced-grade contextual offer who register on BA Architecture.
You can receive £200 to spend on course materials, as part of our Art School Credit Scheme.
Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA) is the largest of its kind in the UK, giving you the opportunity to build valuable relationships with other architects, attend guest talks and enjoy plenty of social activities throughout the year.
🛠️ Facilities
You have access to both the Manchester Metropolitan University library and University of Manchester library.
Architecture sits within the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) - a unique collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). This allows you to use the workshops and studios, study spaces and students' unions across both campuses.
Your degree certificate will feature both institutions.
As part of their ongoing commitment to widening participation, the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) guarantees a £500 cash bursary to aspiring undergraduate students eligible for a reduced-grade contextual offer who register on BA Architecture.
You can receive £200 to spend on course materials, as part of our Art School Credit Scheme.
Our studios are equipped with PC workstations with industry standard computer-aided design, visualisation, image editing, and print and web design software. They also have standard and large format printing facilities and Wi-Fi. In addition, you will have access to specialist Apple Mac-based video editing, scanning and digital design resources.
You will be able to purchase art materials and consumables at cost prices from the Manchester School of Art's Material Stores.
You can also borrow video and photography equipment from the AV Store, and access photography studios, film processing, and video editing facilities.
Manchester Metropolitan University has a nationally recognised art and design collection, and specialist collections include the Manchester Society of Architects' Library, which holds important and rare books on the history of architecture.
The Visual Resources Centre, meanwhile, covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including architecture, art and design, film, popular media and social history
📄 Application Process
When I had to do this (2019), the process was something like this:
- You had to create a UCAS account, where you had all your personal details, your cover letter and choices.
- You also had to send them a portfolio of your curated works, which had to be uploaded on a blog. As far as I remember, they offered you alternatives for the websites to use. Then you had to send them the link to your blog.
There was no interview or extra tasks.
😉 Insider Tips
One of the best things that you can do is to join MSSA (the students’ society in our archi school).
They offer a great variety of groups to join and several projects throughout the year for you to learn from, have fun, connect and get the most out of your student experience.
