Architecture and Urban Studies (Taught)

The MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies (MAUS) is a programme of sustainability science and design for buildings and cities, and advanced study on modern and contemporary architecture and the continued development of cities around the world. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds work in an interdisciplinary environment with urbanists, environmental and technology specialists, architectural theorists and historians and design practitioners. Students will explore a wide range of ideas, research methods and theoretical approaches in order to undertake a critical and rigorous analysis of issues relating to both architecture and the challenges and complexities of the world’s rapidly changing cities.

The course offers a flexible structure that is tailored to the needs of individual student’s research interests. Seminars and lectures are organised along two basic streams: 1) A History and Theory Stream focusing on the socio-political and cultural context of architecture and cities with an approach rooted in the humanities and social sciences; 2) A Technical and Sustainability Stream offers a more quantitative approach to architecture and urban planning (including transport, health and well-being, sustainability and environmental design, technology for society). Students are encouraged to participate in and draw from or combine both streams. In the second term, there is a choice of more specialist seminars within both streams. Students are actively encouraged to explore issues across these basic disciplinary boundaries. The course asks students to expand upon their own experiences by pursuing research in their areas of interest.

Teaching in the course is closely integrated with the Department’s research groups which cover a wide range of issues and geographical areas. The MPhil benefits from direct input in the form of lectures, seminars and individual supervision.

Thesis / Dissertation
The dissertation of not more than 20,000 words represents 50 per cent of the overall mark. The word count includes footnotes but excludes the bibliography. Any appendices will require the formal permission of your supervisor who may consult the Degree Committee. Students submit two hard copies and one electronic copy of their dissertation for examination during June.

An oral examination (viva voce) on the dissertation and on the general field of knowledge within which the work submitted falls may be required. Students must remain in or be prepared to return to Cambridge for such oral examination, which will be held in late June.

Essays
Three essays or other exercises represent 50 per cent of the overall mark. In Michaelmas and Lent, two essays of 3,000–5,000 words including footnotes but excluding the bibliography, on topics approved mutually by the supervisor and the Faculty, will be electronically submitted for examination. At the start of Easter term, the third exercise is the production of a 1,500 – 3,000 word dissertation proposal and progress report along with a 10 minute presentation with feedback.