This studio project tests students' ability to source, research, analyse and demonstrate an understanding of a specific building typology.

The first part of the project concerns both the identification of and brief for a selected building typology that's considered essential for a representation of the people of a particular community and area. This will be formulated in conjunction with the strategic design(s) of the main voluminous space with the building and one's approach(es) to and from it.

This new typology should be derived from one of 4 strategic research areas: City, Society, Technology or Environment.

The project concludes with the design of a significant urban building typology; developed from your brief, which incorporates the primary space and considered approach strategies devised in Semester 1.

This class provides students with the opportunity to define, explore and articulate an area of investigation within the architectural and societal fabric of the city of Glasgow. The class will present techniques on analysis, research, investigation, presentation and provocation.

This elective provides a general understanding of integrating environmental and service principles with architectural design.

This elective explores indoor environmental quality and health issues in the built environment.

This elective covers various types of mass timber, their environmental benefits, critical use considerations, and recent innovations in mass timber design and construction.

This elective covers the Passivhaus principles and their application to building design & construction.

This elective covers the best practice in retrofitting to improve comfort and energy efficiency, focussing on low carbon, fuel poverty alleviation, health and wellbeing.

This elective explores how the built environment shapes our daily lives, the impacts of various urban forms, and the guiding principles for designers working in the city.

This elective explores eco-centric design approaches that consider the impact of the built environment on natural systems and human health.

This class aims to consolidate and develop your knowledge in key thematic areas - contemporary architectural history and theory, urban design and culture, technology and environment and new forms of media and communication. It's organised around lectures and workshops to map out ideas, thinkers and projects from a variety of disciplines that have a direct bearing on the production and use of buildings and cities.

You're introduced to a field of knowledge that is drawn from the social sciences, architectural and construction history, political science, cultural studies, economic and critical theory.

Mentoring is a relationship between two people/groups with the goal of academic, professional and personal development. The mentor is usually an experienced individual who shares knowledge, experience, and advice with a less experienced person, or mentee. This class will develop on the part of the Mentor, transferable skills with regard to teaching methodology, and in turn, consolidate/enhance awareness of architectural and personal skills (in terms of leadership/small group teaching/mentoring). This will provide year 5 students with the opportunity to enhance the experience of individual students in lower years, and support them through their academic studies as required. Mentors will establish a collective and positive (architectural and academic) social culture in the Department through the introduction of Departmental Houses.

Attendance at the International Workshop class allows you to pursue areas of specific interest out-with the confines of the set curriculum and assist in developing awareness of cultural diversity and integration, attributes that are encouraged to enhance your development. both architecturally and personally.

During these sessions you will be given a general introduction into the practice of community engagement and participation in architectural projects before actively engaging in architectural education.

This module introduces architectural exhibition as a method of communicating through visual representation and promotion, taking students through the process of conceptualising, designing, constructing and facilitating the opening of an end-of-year architectural exhibition. This module will be responsible for delivering a project linked to the Department of Architecture’s End of Year Show running from late May to early June each year.

The class will investigate the purpose of an end of year show, how to maximise the impact for visitors and the importance of engaging with stakeholders and facilitators to successfully host this exhibition. You will be tasked with establishing an appropriate theme for the show, delivering through concept, feasibility, sourcing, production and installation. It will explore issues such as sustainability, finance and budgets, marketing and publicity strategies, health and safety, as well as planning and designing the opening night activities. The End of Year Show is a focus for the entire Architecture Department and an important link with the University community and beyond; individuals, local schools, practices, professional bodies and the architectural press. As well as delivering the project – to include the Opening Lecture – you will be asked to reflect on ‘Exhibition’ through the dual lens of your own exhibition process and the work of others.

This engaging and comprehensive module will take you through the creation of the end of year showcase yearbook within the architectural field. Through the design process you will explore and learn about the many different areas in the yearbook creation process such as content collection, design, and conceptualisation to ethical consideration. Within the 20 Week journey across two semesters you will be directed to undertake an element of self-study and investigation and work in both teams and individually to complete the process. You will a gain valuable skill such as project management, reflective practice while also collaborating with industry professionals and faculty staff along the way. The course culminates in the final production of the digital and physical copy of the yearbook, during the final stages you will also work on promotional and marketing material for the yearend showcase exhibition.

This project explores opportunities for you to develop an active role in the culture of our department. Through key themes of agenda, celebration, consultation and invitation, the Architecture Student Voice team will develop their manifesto; encourage a liaison between students (of all years) and staff; review their working spaces and consider a range of guest speakers. The ASV team will publish their manifesto after a period of student consultation in an effort to better equip you and the Department for Tomorrow's Architect.

This project explores the complexities of low-carbon design on the Isle of Skye for a Hiker’s Retreat. Alongside a series of roundtable discussions on topics such as off-site construction and small shelter typologies, the overarching project will explore embodied carbon. Students will delve into themes of materials, sustainable sourcing, and the circular economy. This research will provide insights into the opportunities and constraints of constructing low-carbon housing in rural locations.

This project allows you to develop and create a guide to working with existing buildings. Running in parallel with a Year 2 elective project, the Student Guide project will extensively review the current offerings on the subjects of reuse and retrofit before developing the structure of what aims to become an important addition to reading lists in schools of architecture across Scotland, the UK and beyond. 

Students on the Masters stream (MArch and MSc) are required to complete a substantial piece of research, which can include a design with or a written investigation of an area/topic of interest.

This piece of work is generally carried out over a summer semester and is an opportunity for you to explore an issue of relevance to the course through engagement with its cultural, technical, and/or professional context. The work must demonstrate academic rigour.

Over the two years of the programme you're expected to compile a comprehensive academic portfolio which will include all design projects undertaken over the two years of study as well as the outputs of any subject classes.

Your own academic work should be accompanied by the project briefs and all feedback documentation received. The portfolio should be complied in a digital format offering a clear structure and navigation.