MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse is a programme about existing buildings, situations and places, and how over time these structures and locations can be encouraged to evolve, sustain new uses, and accommodate new users. It allows you to investigate strategies for adaptive reuse - strategies that are not applied as a reaction to current conditions, but in anticipation of future changes. Adaptation is now at the forefront of architectural practice; two of the most pressing challenges in the 21st century are climate change and urbanisation.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Humanities | Department: Manchester School of Architecture | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) explores one of the most significant challenges facing the built environment today: how to transform existing buildings and places to meet the needs of future generations. Focussing on sustainable innovation, heritage, conservation and creative design thinking, the course examines how buildings can evolve, accommodate new users and reduce environmental impact while retaining their cultural and historical value. Year 1 core: The Future of the Already Built, The City The Building The Room (Full-Time Only), Research Skills (Full-Time Only), Memory and Anticipation, Research Project (Full-Time Only), Adaptive Reuse Resolutions (Full-Time Only), Design Process (Part-Time Only). Year 2 core: Design Futures (Part-Time Only), The City The Building The Room (Part-Time Only), Research Skills (Part-Time Only), Research Project (Part-Time Only).

Career pathways

Graduates of MA Architecture and Adaptive Reuse will be well-equipped to enter a variety of roles within architecture, planning, conservation, and heritage management across both academic and industry contexts. Students have successfully entered local, national, and international architectural practice, conservation specialists, and interior design practices.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You will normally have at least an upper second class undergraduate UK honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related field, including architecture, architecture technology, conservation, spatial design or interior architecture, or an equivalent architectural, design or humanities based undergraduate degree (including history, geography, urbanism, conservation, heritage, environmental science, architectural or design history). Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Other professional qualifications or degree disciplines will be considered on merit and/or with relevant professional experience. We require the submission of a digital portfolio to evidence design/architectural practice and research, and may request an interview as part of the application process. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in architecture, interiors, design or art should make a 10-15 page portfolio that shows work that has been produced during the UG programme, if you have spent time in practice then that should also be included. If you do not have this background, then the portfolio should contain examples of work completed during the UG programme, such as a report or study, plus any post-degree work that you have completed - again 10-15 pages. Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. IELTS 6.5 overall.

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/course/ma-architecture-and-adaptive-reuse#how-to-apply

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