Course information

Length

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Course overview

The MA Research Architecture is for graduates from a range of disciplines who want to examine how architecture can engage with questions of contemporary culture, politics, media, ecology and justice and question whether spatial practice can become a form of research.

Why study MA Research Architecture at Goldsmiths

  • You’ll join a group of students and practitioners from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and disciplines and have the opportunity to work collaboratively and benefit from peer-to-peer learning under the guidance of a tutor.
  • You’ll combine studio work with theoretical research in either the Research Architecture (RA) or Forensic Architecture (FA) studio stream of the MA.
  • Lectures, seminars, and workshops will equip you with grounding in critical spatial practices and related areas of inquiry.
  • The theoretical module provides thorough coverage of the historical, philosophical and technological aspects of the intersection of space, power, and conflict in light of changing geopolitical conditions.
  • There are several workshops on the programme. These day-long participatory events are led by invited guest speakers with specific expertise in the field.
  • In general, Research Architecture students develop their own approach and conceptual frameworks, whereas Forensic Architecture students tend to work more directly with the methods developed by the Agency. If you are interested in investigating a condition then the RA studio might be more appropriate, whereas if you wish to research a specific incident or singular event then the FA studio is a good choice.
  • Decisions as to which studio stream you will follow take place in week 5.
  • For those who choose the Forensic Architecture studio you will be able to work with the Forensic Architecture team through a placement.
  • Graduates of the MA will be well-suited for doctoral research or able to pursue a career in the areas of architecture, design, journalism, law, filmmaking, art and curating to name a few.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Christina Varvia or Dr Susan Schuppli.

What you'll study

Overview

You'll take two taught modules (Special Subject, Forensic Architecture or Research Architecture Studio) an Oral Presentation and Dissertation Project as well as an unassessed compulsory Site Visit. In addition, there is the unassessed Guest Lecture and Screening programme offered by the Department of Visual Cultures. This takes place on Thursday evenings and the termly workshops focus on specific themes and problems in the field, and occur in the context of the Forensic Architecture or Research Architecture Studio. Teaching in particular technical skills (video, animation, sound, Geographic Information Science, 3-D modelling, mapping, photogrammetry, technical drawing, basic coding) are made available at an appropriate level as part of the informal provision of the Forensic Architecture or Research Architecture Studio.

Find out more about the Centre for Research Architecture.

Compulsory modules

You'll take the following compulsory modules:

Module title Credits
Conflicts and Negotiations as Spatial Practices 45 credits
MA Research Architecture Dissertation 60 credits
MA Symposium 15 credits

Option modules

You'll then choose one of the following optional modules:

Module title Credits
Research Architecture Studio 60 credits
Forensic Architecture Studio 60 credits

Assessment

Visual Cultures assessments are 100% coursework. Normally this consists of essays, sometimes accompanied by creative projects, group projects, multi-media projects, presentations, symposia, reviews, and studio work.

Download the programme specification.

Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Entry requirements

Places on the MA Research Architecture are very competitive. They are not limited to graduates of architecture, but open to a range of other disciplines provided that you have, or expect to gain, an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard.

Portfolio
A good portfolio of practical and/or scholarly work, as well as experience in conducting research and a demonstrable interest in critical spatial practices, are essential. Your portfolio should be uploaded with your application.

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.

  • Home - full-time: £10350
  • Home - part-time: £5175
  • International - full-time: £19520

If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.

It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.

If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

Each year, 2022-27, Forensic Architecture will offer a full-time MA scholarship that covers tuition plus a monthly stipend for a home or international student. Please note your interest in this scholarship in your application. For more information see our programmes in CRA.

How to apply

You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system. 

Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:

  • Details of your academic qualifications
  • The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
  • Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
  • personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online. Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement

You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.

When to apply

We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September. 

We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place that is conditional on you achieving a particular qualification. 

Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.

If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier application deadline.

Selection process

Admission to many programmes is by interview, unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.

Find out more about applying.

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