MSC INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN ARCHITECTURE

This programme will allow architectural practitioners and graduates to develop their professional and interpersonal skills, take on increased leadership roles, engage in entrepreneurial activities, and develop their knowledge in International contemporary practice. The programme is facilitated by the Design School, engaging with other Schools and Departments across the University, including International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) and School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Bringing a diverse selection of modules, the programme aims to provide a unique, tailored suite of learning for individual educational needs and experience. There will be no prerequisite order for the optional modules. However, the candidates would be expected to complete the programme within 18 months following a full-time pathway.

The programme can also:

• provide a depth of knowledge and skills that are fundamental in contemporary practice in architecture;
• introduce participants to the complexity of running a practice within the realm of a fluctuating economy and in an international context;
• frame and evaluate the impact of environmental discourse through the lens of contemporary architectural practice;
• reflect on the economic factors that impact on architecture and architecture practice;
• explore the application potentials of digital tools and artificial intelligence in the contemporary practice of design and construction.

The programme provides a range of teaching activities including lectures, seminars, coursework, discussion forums, individual work and independent group work, to suit the diverse topics covered. This approach will enable students to engage with real-world scenarios in a collaborative and supportive environment.

MSc International Professional Practice in Architecture will enable a student to understand:

• the architectural profession and the responsibilities to clients, employers, and society;
• the economic, socio-political, and ethical influences of professional practice internationally;
• the fundamental skills in the delivery of projects;
• various construction processes and activities in the delivery of projects, with a focus on life cycle, health and safety, and project planning;
• the importance of business development and planning;
• organizational behaviours and people management theories;
• the principles of financial management in business;
• the designs that meet building user needs and comply with necessary legislation;
• sustainability rating systems and design methodologies on the basis of sustainability and life cycle.