MA Architectural Interior Design Dissertation

The research module, leading to a Master's Degree, is delivered through tutorials following a introductory foundation dissertation lecture. Students prepare, over a maximum of twelve months, either a 15,000 word treatise or a design dissertation. The latter involves presenting design solutions for a single site supported by two essays on the major generic underlying design issue. Students are encouraged, in discussion with tutors, to select subject matter inspired by their own interests and culture subject to the agreement of the Course Committee.

At Master's level students are expected to work independently within a framework of tutorial support provided, at the student's option, via meetings, email or telephone, so that work can be done from overseas. Tutors are allocated according to their specialist subjects and interests. Students may use the school research facilities and attend any Inchbald lectures that may be relevant to their chosen subject.

Students are encouraged and required to develop their own study pattern. Implicit within this are independent research, critical analysis of existing published material and practical timetabling for production of the dissertation. Students are expected to document their methodology and to articulate clear analytical relationships between their own research, design theory, and an extensive body of relevant precedent studies, leading to firm logical conclusions.

An MA in Architectural Interior Design is both a valuable professional qualification and a springboard to related fields such as writing, teaching and further research.

In 2004 Marion Roberts's design dissertation won her the Ede & Ravenscroft Prize for postgraduate research at the University of Wales, in competition with 5,000 other students on postgraduate courses accredited by the University.