The Master of Architectural Design programme prepares students for an international career in architecture, creating bridges between Eastern and Western culture. Understanding mobility as one of the core conditions of global modernity, the programme attracts international students preparing for a career related to China, as well as domestic students preparing for both national and international careers. The programme focuses on architectural design studio as well as on humanistic and technical modules in preparation of either professional practice or PhD-level studies.

This programme is made to deliver all the learning outcomes as defined by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to qualify for RIBA part 2 validation, which is the second out of three stages in the formal educational process required to register as a professional architect in the United Kingdom. After successfully completing the first of two RIBA visits, RIBA part 2 Candidate Course Status has been awarded. The RIBA part 2 initial visit is scheduled for autumn 2017.

The programme offers an international perspective, while at the same time enabling students to address the demands of rapid modernisation in China. When you graduate from this programme, you will receive an international masters degree from the University of Liverpool that is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Modern China presents a wealth of exciting opportunities for architecture students and researchers. Against the backdrop of the country’s fast-paced modernisation, the Department of Architecture engages with the challenges and contradictions of architecture in China in an open-minded and forward-thinking manner. Our students benefit from the experiences of our highly international academic staff, and seek answers to the questions facing both local and international architecture today.

As academics and architects we involve ourselves in real debates, challenge common perceptions and evaluate traditions. Our unique location in Suzhou allows in-depth explorations of the dynamics of urban life and designed spaces. Confronted with the city’s past and engaged in its present, our students are guided to design the future.

This programme provides you with an appropriate foundation for employment in the architectural profession at an advanced level. It also provides the basis for enrolment in a PhD research degree. Our graduates find excellent opportunities in the building and creative industries, in local and international architecture firms, as well as in architecture administration, research and higher education institutions. Our highly international academic staff offer you individual career advice for entry into many job markets in Asia, Europe, Australia and the Americas.

Internships

The Department of Architecture fosters a constantly growing professional network in architecture and related fields. Being located close to the metropolitan area of Shanghai, with its dynamic architecture job market that attracts many international firms, means we can assist you to pursue job opportunities, internships and work placements in China and abroad.

Teaching and Research Assistants

Our students are eligible for positions as graduate teaching and/or research assistants at XJTLU, working up to 10 hours per week. These can contribute towards additional learning activities and include a salary.

The Master of Architectural Design programme will teach you how to develop architectural design projects at an advanced level, including the creative, technical and research skills needed, and educate you in the areas of theory, history and criticism of architecture. The most important knowledge and skills taught are:

• Ability to generate complex design proposals showing understanding of current architectural issues, originality in the application of subject knowledge and, where appropriate, to test new hypotheses and speculations
• Ability to evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critically appraise and explain design proposals
• Ability to evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to complex architectural designs and building construction, and to integrate these into practicable design proposals
• Critical understanding of how knowledge is advanced through research to produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design
• Understanding of the context of the architecture and the construction industry, including the architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production, and legislation
• Problem solving skills, professional judgement, and ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances.

Minimum Entry Requirements

UK

Upper second class (2:1) honours

China

• 1st tier universities: 75 percent or above
• 2nd tier universities: 80 percent or above

Note: Chinese applicants are not required to take the MoE postgraduate entrance exam.

North America

3.0 Cumulative GPA (out of 4) or 3.2 Cumulative GPA in the final two years of your undergraduate programme

Other Regions

Equivalent academic qualifications

Academic Background

An undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or equivalent) in BArch, BEng in Architecture, BA (Hons) in Architecture or equivalent. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their own creative works as a student and a practicing architect/intern (indicating where and when the work was done, who the tutor/supervisor was, who was part of the team and what the applicants’ role was in the team, A3-size, typically 10 to 30 pages, in PDF format). An internship in an architecture-related practice is recommended, but not required. We might accept applicants with substantial work experience or an outstanding portfolio even if their grades are lower than the minimum entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language or if you have not studied in English at degree level, you will need to provide evidence of your English proficiency. You should normally possess one of the following qualifications:

• IELTS: 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in all sections)
• TOEFL iBT: 94 (minimum of 21 in any skill)

In exceptional circumstances, individual cases will be considered on their own merits. You may be required to attend interviews or tests to further demonstrate your English proficiency.

If you miss the English language requirements by 0.5-1.0 of an IELTS band, or a similar number for other English language exams, you can be admitted to the programme after successful completion of our four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

You can also apply to take the XJTLU English language test in lieu of an IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent. Based on the score, students may be admitted or may be required to take and successfully complete the four- or six-week intensive English presessional course.

Additionally, students may be required to complete English language courses on a pass/fail basis as part of the additional learning activity requirement during their studies at XJTLU.

Year One

• Design studio I
• Applied technology in architecture
• Architectural theory and criticism
• Design studio II
• Advanced professional practice
• Topics in architectural history

Year Two

• Design studio III
• Architectural design and research methods
• Practice based enquiry and architectural representation
• Design studio IV (thesis project)
• Thesis (written component of the thesis project)

Additional learning activities

The programme includes 200 hours of additional learning activities per semester, most of which are chosen individually by students. They should normally be spread equally over teaching semesters and the summer and winter breaks. An individual student-learning plan will be established at the outset of each semester with the academic advisor. Examples of ALAs include:

• Postgraduate English (LAN901 . Mandatory, if required by the programme director)
• Postgraduate English (LAN902. Mandatory, if required by the programme director)
• Chinese language (CLT901-906. Mandatory for international students)
• Graduate teaching assistantship
• Graduate research assistantship (if available)
• Graduate practice placement/internship
• Participation in Level Three or Level Four lecture-and-seminar based modules in the built environment cluster
• Participation in Level Three or Level Four modules from other XJTLU departments or the Language Centre
• Selected topics in design tools and methods
• Selected topics in advanced digital design
• Selected topics in architectural research methods
• Selected topics in architectural representation
• Independent studies with an ARC tutor
• Scholarly presentation of a research paper
• Publication of a paper in a peer-reviewed architecture-related journal
• Personal and employability skills (MAN903)