Examination arrangement

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE The candidate... - has advanced knowledge of architecture as a field of knowledge; its theory and history as well as its technical, scientific, social and cultural basis, and can apply this knowledge in her own architectural work. - has advanced aesthetic and practical understanding (tacit knowledge), and is able to apply this knowledge in her own architectural work. - has advanced experiential knowledge of the relationship between architectural representations at different levels of abstraction, and concrete built architecture, cities and towns that are in use over time. SKILLS The candidate... - is able to give form to architecture and/or cities/towns at an international architectural level through artistic and scientific investigations, concept development, and architectural design in relevant formats – and/or through architectural knowledge theory. - is thoroughly trained in the use of architectural methods, tools and expressions, and can apply these in architectural design, urban design and/or research, in a targeted, professional and experimental manner. - is able to critically assess and recognise quality in architectural works, cities, projects and urban plans, including in her own work, and make use of such assessments in her own architectural work. GENERAL COMPETENCE The candidate... - takes independent responsibility for her own learning and professional development, and is able to apply her knowledge in new fields. - is able to reflect critically and ethically on her own architectural work, create new frameworks for understanding, and depart from conventions after critical consideration. - is able to communicate architectural work, including her own and others’ work, to specialists as well as to the general public, at a professional level and in an academic context. - relates her professional competence and involvement to key societal issues.

Learning methods and activities

The master thesis accounts for 30 SP and is executed normally in 10. semester (AAR4990, term 2). Information on the implementation of the master thesis and preparations for this, is done in the previous semester. Therefore, the candidate must register for AAR4990 (term 1) in the semester before they will deliver the master thesis.

The master's thesis can be done: 1) Individually 2) In groups of two students with individual assessment 3) In groups of two students with a common assessment. All students have the right to complete the Master's thesis individually. In the assignment type 2, each student's contribution needs to be clearly identifiable. Students are allowed to choose assignment type 2 or 3 provided that they themselves organize the group and that the supervisor for the group approves this. All candidates are required to submit a master thesis agreement before starting the master project. In the case of a group assignment, the partnership will noted in this agreement.

Requirements for submitted material and sensor guidance can be found on Blackboard as pdf "Diploma Handbook". It is expected that both master's students, the department head of IAP, supervisors and invited examiners have read the handbook for diploma.

Further on evaluation

The candidate's work is presented to two examiners (of which at least one is external) through a physical material consisting of posters, physical scale models, process booklets, etc. It is open for work to be done in digital format (eg, for example, a website) in cases where this is appropriate. The candidate is present and presents the material orally to the examiners. The candidate's presentation of the work is given within a framework of 30 minutes. A further 30 min (45 minutes for pair projects) is then used to discuss the work with the examiner to clarify the quality of the work and the candidate's professional maturity. The basis for the evaluation is linked to the physical material and the dialogue with the sensors. Oral feedback from examiners takes place in a separate session (digitally) the week after the project presentation / dialogue with examiners. After this session, a censorship meeting is held where the censors set a letter grade. The grade is set on the basis of an overall assessment of:

a) the quality of the work as shown in the exhibition (90% weight)

b) the candidate's professional maturity tested at the interview (10% weight)

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Minimum one design studio (15 ects) must be included in the courses taken in the 5th year. The main rule is that all required courses must be passed. Students can apply for approval of a maximum of one course (7.5 ects) outstanding. The prerequisite is that the remaining course is not considered essential for the completion of the master's thesis. 12 weeks of mandatory work experience must be approved.