Developer Info

At a glance

• A long standing and nationally respected programme that has been fully validated and externally accredited for over 30 years
• Graduates can convert this award to a MA in Architecture or MA in Architecture and Urban Design through further study (6 months full-time / 12 months part-time)
• Develop your work in state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within the RIBA award-winning Art and Design Academy in the heart of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter on Mount Pleasant
• Internationally excellent research informs the curriculum and underpins teaching
• Postgraduates are highly sought after by employers and over 95% are in work or further study six months after graduation

Course overview

Architecture offers a uniquely holistic programme of education spanning various fields of study from the worlds of art and the humanities, science and technology, management, practice and law. The course’s project work-based curriculum enables you to gain valuable transferable skills in research, analysis and interpretation, the generation and testing of ideas, visual and verbal presentation techniques, teamwork and initiative which are of lifelong value.

You will have access to a range of learning environments, including design studios, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, the learning resource centre (library), general IT suites, dedicated Computer Aided Design IT suites, rapid prototyping labs, various workshops for the manipulation of resistant materials, including wood, metals, plastics and ceramics plus dedicated exhibition spaces.

Studying at the Liverpool School of Art and Design will give you the opportunity to develop your work in state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within a stimulating and critically demanding environment. We will also enable you to establish significant links with the relevant professional fields in which your future career will develop.

All staff in the School of Art and Design are engaged in research which in turn develops the curriculum and ensures that our programmes maintain their relevance within the contemporary context of art and design practice and theory. Increasingly this research achieves national and international recognition through exhibitions and publications. Our researchers write books and academic papers, stage, curate and participate in exhibitions, engage in consultancy, produce artefacts and publish in a broad range of other media.

The following is a summary of subjects studied during the course (In part time mode one semester equates to one year):

Semester One -  Theory, Design Studies, CAD Workshops  and Management, Practice and Law

Semester Two – Specialist Study, Design Studies, CAD Workshops, Management, Practice and Law, Building and Case Studies

Semester Three - Urban Design Project and CDP Brief development, Theory, Best Practice Studies and Management, Practice and Law

Semester Four - Comprehensive Design Project, Technical Workshops and Management, Practice and Law

Teaching is intensive and you learn by one-to-one and group discussions and regular presentations of work, so that continuous group and self assessment is built in.

The course is project oriented where you develop design ideas in the studio, guided by semester tutors, and at regular intervals by joint review panels of design tutors and external critics, who make comments on your progress.

Technical workshops explore, environmental, structural and constructional aspects of your design projects based upon one-to-one tutorials with external engineers from ARUP and other internationally renowned engineering practices with whom LJMU have formed working relationships. The studio is also where peer group reviews and exhibitions take place, so it forms a truly interactive learning environment.

For news, events, course information and student and staff work please visit our blog or Facebook page: architecture-ljmu.tumblr.com or facebook.com/Architecture.LJMU

Why study this course at LJMU?

This programme's project, work-based curriculum enables you to gain valuable transferable skills in research, analysis and interpretation, the generation and testing of ideas, visual and verbal presentation techniques, teamwork and initiative which are of lifelong value.

You will have access to a range of learning environments including design studios, lecture theatres, seminar rooms, the learning resource centre (library), general IT suites, dedicated Computer Aided Design IT suites, rapid prototyping labs, various workshops for the manipulation of resistant materials including wood, metals, plastics, ceramics etc. and dedicated exhibition spaces.

Introduction to the School

The Liverpool School of Art and Design (LSAD) is situated in the Art and Design Academy (ADA); a modern purpose-built building in the heart of Liverpool’s creative quarter.  As well as being home to the School, the ADA is also a knowledge hub for the region’s creative industries. The LSAD has established relationships with many of Liverpool’s most significant arts organisations such as TATE Liverpool, Biennial, FACT and design agencies Uniform, Smiling Wolf and Non-Conform.

The ADA Gallery is a creative partnership between students and staff at the LSA and acts as an interface to collaboration with Local, National and International Artists, Designers, Creative Industry Commercial Partners and Public Audiences. The ADA achieves these objectives through the creative production of on-site, off-site and online projects and activities supported by its flexible gallery, exhibition and public spaces (continuing to build on the work it began in 2007 at the Albert Dock ‘Site’ project).

The ADA continues to work on a range of projects – information for which can be found on our website ljmu.ac.uk/lsa

Staff research interests

The Liverpool School of Art and Design has a research culture that is rooted in collaboration with National and International partners in the fields of Art, Design and Architecture. Our work is concerned to understand and augment the role and significance of art and design within the broader concerns of the regional and global economy, and to strengthen the visibility and impact of art and design in Liverpool.

Research takes place in relation to the areas of Art, Design, Architecture and related Pedagogy. Researchers in the School of Art & Design write books and academic papers, stage, curate and participate in exhibitions, engage in consultancy, produce artefacts and publish in a broad range of other media.

All staff in the School of Art & Design engage in research to develop the curriculum and ensure that our programmes maintain their relevance within the contemporary context of art and design practice and theory. Increasingly this research achieves national and international recognition through exhibition and publication.

We have a number of students undertaking Doctoral studies, some of whom are working on collaborative research projects with organisations such as Tate Liverpool, Bluecoat, Liverpool Biennial and FACT. Senior staff from all these and other organisations, including Arts Council England and the RIBA contribute towards the strategic development of our research through membership of an advisory board.

How will I be assessed?

Design and Technology module components form the core of the programme and are assessed via the completion of project work which may at various stages entail the production of drawings, artistic rendering, physical models, computer generated models, written reports and verbal presentations.

History and theory module components are assessed via formal presentations to peer groups and review panels.

Management, Practice and Law module components are assessed via the submission of written reports, and through project work integrated with the design modules

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed a first degree in Architecture with RIBA Part One exemption or equivalent.

Assessment of suitability to the course may also be undertaken by review of a portfolio of work and an interview.

We are committed to the University's policy on equal opportunities and welcome applications from minority and disadvantaged groups.

We welcome overseas applicants and normally require overseas applicants to show evidence of academic achievement equivalent to UK entry qualifications.

Overseas applicants whose first language is not english are required to have attained a recognised English Language qualification equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

Application and Selection

We are looking for students with an enthusiasm for design, who wish to engage in the debate on the future of the built environment.

You should have a willingness to read around the subject widely.

You should be willing to gain first hand experience of buildings, towns and cities and possess the following essential qualities:

• Information retrieval techniques, as you will be expected to read around the subject and draw upon your findings for essays and projects.
• Analytical skills, so that you can critically assess your own work and the work of others.
  IT skills, as you will be expected to develop and submit project work using a wide range of specialist software applications.
• Communication skills, as you will be expected to contribute to tutorials and host presentations.
• Time management skills, as you will have to work to deadlines on a regular basis.
• Team-working skills, as you will have to work closely with others.

Tips and advice on writing your personal statement.

Take your time with your personal statement. It is an important part of your application form. This is the part of the form that will make you stand out as an individual. Organise your main achievements and interests into bullet points before you start completing it.

Summarise why you have chosen the course(s) for which you are applying and link between your present and proposed course(s).

Keep the statement brief and to the point. Don’t fall into the trap of including common interests such a socialising and reading. You should strive to make your statement personal. Think about things that you have done that are unique.

Make sure that you include any work experience that you have had (this includes part-time and holiday work) particularly if this relates to your chosen field of study. We are looking for evidence of commitment and team-working skills, so give us details of these.

Remember that we will consider your application not only on your exam grades but also on the strength of your personal statement and references. We may invite you in for an interview or ask you to complete a piece of work if we believe your exam grades do not accurately reflect your ability and potential. Remember that a good application form could even make up a shortfall in your exam grades and help secure your place at LJMU.

What happens next?

If you are from the UK or EC and meet the application criteria, you will receive a letter requesting that you attend an interview to which you should bring your full academic portfolio. This will also include an opportunity to meet academic staff and current students, as well as a tour of LJMU facilities. International students will receive confirmation of their offer from the International Office, along with details on accommodation, fees and other important information.

Applications will be considered together in March and short-listed applicants will be invited to interview in April.  Applications received prior to this date will be held on file until shortlisting takes place.

Overseas applicants who are unable to attend interview due to geographical reasons will be contacted to arrange an alternative, e.g. Skype or telephone interview.

Will I be interviewed?

Fees information

Full-time students who started Part 1 before September 2012 will be treated as continuing students and will be charged £3,465 in the academic year 2013/14, as long as:

• they continue to study in the UK
• the gap between Part 1 and Part 2 is no more than three years
• they do not change their mode of study (from full-time to part-time for instance)

Financial support

Securing funding is one of the main hurdles you may have to face when considering Postgraduate study. However there is help available and you may be able to apply for funding from the sources below.

Loans

This will normally be from a bank. The most popular of these is a Professional and Career Development Loan (PCDL). These loans are from £300 to £10,000 in value and can be used to cover up to 80% of your course fees. Further Information from www.direct.gov.uk and look for PCDL

Charities and Trusts

Trusts and charities can offer assistance to some students. Eligibility for these trusts and charities vary enormously. Your local library will have a section of books and directories of grant making trusts.

Research Councils

Research councils may provide support for recognised postgraduate courses. Their websites offers useful information regarding the support and funding opportunities on offer. Competition for this type of funding can be very strong. For more information about Research Councils visit: www.rcuk.ac.uk

Statutory funding

You need to be aware that most PG courses do not attract statutory funding. The ones that do attract statutory support (grants and/or loans) that we offer at LJMU are:

• PGCE courses , for more information please vist www.directgov.co.uk and www.tda.gov.uk
• MA social work for which an NHS bursary is payable to some students. For more information please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
• PG dip in Architecture

Advice and support at LJMU

LJMU offers a Postgraduate bursary of £500 to students who go from an undergraduate course to study a taught PG course. For further information and eligibility see http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/feesandfunding/117585.htm

LJMU employs a team of staff that are experts in fees and funding who can offer advice based upon your personal circumstances. You can contact them on 0151 904 6056/6057, or email studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk for guidance and support.

How to apply

Please apply via the online application form

LJMU's Admissions policy is in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy and applications are welcome from all candidates who fulfil the entry criteria. The university has a commitment to equality of opportunity and welcomes application from everyone regardless of age, disability, race or sex. The University is committed to widening participation and therefore will actively consider applicants who do not have a relevant degree but who are able to provide satisfactory evidence of their knowledge in the area. All applicants will be considered by the Recruitment and Selection Panel, if shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend for an interview.

International students

LJMU offers an extensive support system through its international office and study centre. An equivalence to the normal entry requirements is needed for entry. Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example with an IELTS tests or equivalent. Please note that because of UK visa restrictions, International students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis. Please contact LJMU’s International Team by visiting www.ljmu.ac.uk/international for more information and advice.

Further information

Please contact the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies on:

tel: 0151 231 5175
email: APSadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

If you have any queries relating to LJMU or university life in general please contact:

Course Enquiries
Tel: +44(0)151 231 5090
Email: courses@ljmu.ac.uk
Web: www.ljmu.ac.uk

Employment and careers

As a postgraduate student you will be able to take full advantage of the extensive range of advice and guidance available in our World of Work Careers Centre, including our Ready for Work training courses, which cover everything from interview skills to preparing for assessment centre tests.

LJMU also has a dedicated Centre for Entrepreneurship, offering business advice and start-up funding, to students and graduates interested in setting up their own companies or working freelance.

Our World of Work Programme – endorsed by FTSE 100 companies and leading business organisations – offers you the chance to get an additional certificate proving to potential employers that you have the skills and experience they are looking for. No other university in the UK or internationally, offers students the chance to develop these skills and organisations backing the scheme include the Confederation of British Industry, United Utilities, Sony, Siemens, Peugeot Citroen and Marks and Spencer.

LJMU offers a superb environment for postgraduate study and top level research.

Whether you are studying on a taught master's course or embarking on a research degree, LJMU offers you a supportive, flexible academic environment, well-structured programmes and round-the-clock access to extensive resources.

Our research environment is rated as 'world-leading' in a majority of our subjects and all of our postgraduate programmes are taught by academics actively involved in research or consultancy projects with business and industry.

It is this combination of academic expertise and 'real world' experience that ensures LJMU's courses have real currency with potential employers and why over 95% of our postgraduates are in work or further study six months after they graduate (HESA 2010).

We believe this expertise – coupled with world-class academic standards – 75% of LJMU's research is rated as internationally important – puts us in a league of our own.

To find out more about our postgraduate courses and research opportunities plus the range of facilities and support we offer, click on the links opposite.

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool is a fantastic student city, bursting with opportunities and lots of things to do: a legendary music scene that's bigger than just the Beatles, a city centre bursting with clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. Plus award-winning shopping facilities, museums, galleries and theatres, not to mention two Premier League football clubs, golf courses, beautiful parks and outstanding countryside a few miles up the motorway.

The city recently won Trip Advisor’s Best Nightlife Destination Award 2011, beating Manchester, London, Glasgow and Brighton. The city has also achieved Purple Flag accreditation, commending Liverpool as a safe place to enjoy a night out.

Liverpool is also a city that is very supportive of all the students who live, work and study in its universities. With such a warm and hospitable culture – Liverpool is the perfect 24-hour student city.