MA in the History of Western Architecture (by Research)
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About the Course
The University of Buckingham’s Master’s programme in the History of Western Architecture enables appropriately qualified students to undertake expertly supervised research in an area of European or American architectural history from the Renaissance to the end of the twentieth century.
Individual research topics are closely focused; but the approach of the course is to encourage students to investigate the broader cultural, intellectual, and social environments of which architecture is part, and, where appropriate, to consider questions of patronage, iconography, and interior as well as exterior design.
Recent dissertations have surveyed, for example, the Baroque mural in English country house decoration; the Gothic Revival as exemplified by the architect Anthony Salvin; and the relationship between garden design and architecture in the course of the eighteenth century. The choice of subject area is ultimately the student’s own. The choice of subject area is ultimately the student’s own.
The Master’s degree can be taken either full-time and completed in a single academic year, or taken part-time and extended over two years. Although original research it the prime focus of the programme, there is also a strongly collegial aspect to the course, as all research students meet regularly throughout the year for a series of early-evening seminars by some of the most distinguished scholars working in the history of early-modern England. The seminars are held in the Reform Club, 104 Pall Mall, St James’s, London SW1Y 5EW, and provide an opportunity for students to meet and debate with the visiting speaker. Each seminar is followed by a working dinner at which discussion continues.
The MA is awarded solely on the basis of the dissertation (there are no ‘exams’), and the relationship between the student and supervisor is therefore at the heart of the course.
The maximum length for the MA dissertation in the School of Humanities is 25,000 words (or approximately 75 pages at line-spacing of 1.5), excluding notes and references. Student and supervisor meet regularly on a one-to-one basis to discuss, plan, and review the dissertation as it develops through the year.
The University of Buckingham MA programmes are intended to impart all the skills necessary for the student to work as an independent researcher and writer – skills that are valued by both academic and non-academic employers. But the MA can be undertaken just as fulfillingly as an exercise in the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, and as a means of exploring areas of enquiry that are of particular interest to the student.
The academic year begins in October with classes on how to undertake archival research, how to plan and structure a dissertation successfully, and on the many online resources that are available to assist in historical research in architectural history. Specialist classes are also offered on paleography (the study of historic handwriting) to enable students to read contemporary manuscripts with speed and accuracy.
Tutorials and classes will normally take place at the University of Buckingham’s London offices at 51 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, WC1E 6HJ, very close to the British Museum.
DEFINING A SUBJECT FOR RESEARCH
Some students know from the outset the precise subject on which they intend to work. For most, however, the definition of a research proposal is¬ usually a gradual process, with the student starting with a general area of interest, and then focusing on a more closely defined topic as a result of further reading and consultation, usually with the Course Director. Most students do not arrive at the final title of their dissertation until towards the end of the first Term, before Christmas.
Enquiries about research topics should be addressed in the first instance to Professor John Adamson, the Director of London Programmes, who is available to offer advice to prospective students who would like to discuss possible subjects for their research before they apply. He can be reached directly by email at john.adamson@buckingham.ac.uk
RESEARCH SEMINARS AND DINING
Private research and supervision are complemented by a rich programme of seminars which give students direct access to some of the United Kingdom’s most distinguished scholars in the field of architectural history.
The seminar meets regularly between October and March in handsome accommodation at the Reform Club in Pall Mall. All seminars begin at 6:30 pm with the talk by the visiting speaker, and this is followed by a question session and discussion that runs to 7:45 pm. There is then a short break for pre-dinner drinks and the group reconvenes at 8:15 pm for a three-course dinner with wine, during which the historical discussion continues. Proceedings usually end at 9:30 pm. The programme aims not only to offer a stimulating intellectual experience, but one which is an enjoyable sociable experience as well. The cost of the dinners is included in the tuition fees.
The seminars are of course academic events, with a talk by a visiting expert; but they also have a social dimension, bringing research students and senior scholars together to discuss matters of common interest in an informal and congenial atmosphere.
SEMINAR DATES AND VENUES FOR 2024-25
For details of the seminars for 2024-25, please contact that Director of London Programmes, Professor John Adamson.
STUDY PERIOD
The usual period of Master’s degree research is one year for the those who engage in full-time study. Part-time study is also available, with students completing the dissertation in two years.
RESEARCH SUPERVISION
Every Master’s student in School of Humanities is supported by two supervisors. There is a First (or Principal) Supervisor, who is the student’s regular guide during his or her research, and with whom the student meets regularly throughout the year. There is also a Second Supervisor, whom the student may consult on a more limited basis where a ‘second opinion’ on a particular draft chapter may be helpful. Full-time students see their supervisor for one-to-one supervisions not less than twice a term.
The University has an extensive group of scholars available to undertake supervision in the field of architectural history, including:
Dr Adriano Aymonino FSA, for the Classical tradition; Robert Adam; the reception of the Antique in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain and Europe.
Dr Ben Cowell OBE FSA, for nineteenth- and twentieth-century British Architecture.
Professor John Simpson CVO, for the Classical tradition; the history of urbanism; twentieth-century British architecture
Professor Adrian Tinniswood OBE FSA, for research in the architecture of Sir Christopher Wren; the country house and architecture from the seventeenth century to the twentieth.
ASSOCIATE STUDENTS
For those who wish to attend the seminars and to join the post-seminar dinners with the visiting speakers, it is possible to join the programme as an Associate Student (what is known as an Audit Student in the United States). Associate Students do not enrol for the MA and do not have to submit any written work, but they are otherwise full members of the seminar and free to take part in discussion. There is also a substantially reduced fee.
For further information, please contact humanitiespg-admissions@buckingham.ac.uk
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry level required for this course is as follows:
- a first or upper second-class honours degree from a recognised university or,
- a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience.
In cases where candidates are applying on the basis of work experience, they will be asked to attend an interview as part of the application process; in some cases, they may also be asked to produce a short sample of written work.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students. Due to their flexibility, our London-based MAs by research attract a wide variety of applicants from a range of backgrounds, including people in full-time employment and retirees. Our current students range in age from 21 to 75.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Candidates apply online, sending in their supporting documents, and will be assessed on this basis by the Programme Director. The Programme Director or Admissions Assistant will be happy to answer any enquiries. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or get in touch via our online form.
Student Contract for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the student contract between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the student contract in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the student contract contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the Student Contract.
Teaching & Assessment
The MA does not offer systematic instruction in factual knowledge; instead, the emphasis is on independent thought and research.
At the heart of the Buckingham Master’s degree is the close working relationship between student and supervisor. While the final thesis must be an independent work, it is the supervisor who offers advice on refining the topic (if necessary), on primary sources, on secondary reading, on research techniques and on writing the final text (which should be not less than 25,000 words).
Supervisors and students meet regularly throughout the year, and not less than twice in each of the academic year’s four terms; and the supervisor is the student’s primary contact for academic advice and support.
After Your Course
Many of the University’s research students have gone on to publish their MA or PhD dissertations, either in book-form or as articles in learned journals. The skills of authorship are one of the numerous ‘transferable skills’ that students acquire through the programme. The academic staff are available to offer advice on the process of preparing their work for publication.
The University’s Course Directors, students’ supervisors, and the Research Officer and Tutor for Graduate Students are available to discuss students’ post-graduation plans and how they may utilise most effectively the skills acquired during their studies.
Fees & Scholarships
The fees for this course are:
Start | Type | First Year | Total cost |
---|---|---|---|
Sep 2024 Full-time (6 Months) Associate | UK | £3,433 | £3,433 |
INT | £5,493 | £5,493 | |
Sep 2025 Full-time (6 Months) Associate | UK | £3,433 | £3,433 |
INT | £5,493 | £5,493 | |
Sep 2025 Part-time (2 Years) | UK | £5,150 | £10,300 |
INT | £8,240 | £16,480 | |
Sep 2025 Full-time (1 Year) | UK | £10,300 | £10,300 |
INT | £16,480 | £16,480 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Postgraduate loan scheme
A system of postgraduate loans for Master’s degrees in the UK is available with support from the UK Government. The loan is available for taught and research Master’s courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.
Scholarships
Details of other scholarships can be found on our main Bursaries and Scholarships page. You should make an application to study at the University and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.
Please note that applicants with a First-Class degree at undergraduate level are automatically entitled to a scholarship which is worth the equivalent of 33% of their total fees.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.