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Manchester Metropolitan University: Architecture and Adaptive Reuse
| Institution | Manchester Metropolitan University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Art |
| Web | www.mmu.ac.uk/international |
| courses@mmu.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 0161 2476969 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
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. To reuse an existing building is an inherently sustainable action. Given that already more than half of the global population live in urban environments, and by 2050, it is projected that over 70% of the world population will live in cities, all societies need to be able to accommodate growth while at the same time, reducing consumption. The existing building stock needs to become both more efficient and more resilient.
You will investigate the three main tenets of sustainable reuse - environmental, societal, and economic – while also exploring inhabitation, heritage, culture, history, memory, community, and the influence these factors have on remodelling activities. Through looking at the impact that context and the environment have upon projects, you will develop an understanding of some of the technical issues including conservation, construction, environmental control, and materials in order to make creative and appropriate proposals for new users of buildings. You will also examine specific examples of adaptive reuse, theories of reuse and explore strategies for the conservation and adaptation of the existing environment, while also looking at the influence that art has upon architecture.
The course is therefore ideal preparation for careers in both professional and/or academic roles associated with sustainable urban, architectural and interior design, and within the heritage industry. Some examples of destinations that graduates on this programme have entered include: architectural and interior practice, conservation architecture, academia, and to progress into doctoral study.
Students benefit from the specialist workshops at Manchester School of Art and the University of Manchester to explore materiality, fabrication, and realisation of their ideas.
The programme is part of the Manchester School of Architecture, an internationally recognised leader in architectural education, with an outstanding employer reputation.
Features and benefits - Shape the future of the built environment by exploring new, heritage friendly and sustainable approaches to development.
-
RIBA award-winning buildings provide high-quality facilities and learning environments.
-
Benefit from building, industry and workshop visits alongside collaborative projects with students, clients and users.
-
Study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. You will benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suits, making and media workshops and much more. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate. The joint aware certificate includes each institution's crest and awarding body title.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Location | Manchester School of Architecture Chatham Building Cavendish Street Manchester M15 6BR |
Summary
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. To reuse an existing building is an inherently sustainable action. Given that already more than half of the global population live in urban environments, and by 2050, it is projected that over 70% of the world population will live in cities, all societies need to be able to accommodate growth while at the same time, reducing consumption. The existing building stock needs to become both more efficient and more resilient.
You will investigate the three main tenets of sustainable reuse - environmental, societal, and economic – while also exploring inhabitation, heritage, culture, history, memory, community, and the influence these factors have on remodelling activities. Through looking at the impact that context and the environment have upon projects, you will develop an understanding of some of the technical issues including conservation, construction, environmental control, and materials in order to make creative and appropriate proposals for new users of buildings. You will also examine specific examples of adaptive reuse, theories of reuse and explore strategies for the conservation and adaptation of the existing environment, while also looking at the influence that art has upon architecture.
The course is therefore ideal preparation for careers in both professional and/or academic roles associated with sustainable urban, architectural and interior design, and within the heritage industry. Some examples of destinations that graduates on this programme have entered include: architectural and interior practice, conservation architecture, academia, and to progress into doctoral study.
Students benefit from the specialist workshops at Manchester School of Art and the University of Manchester to explore materiality, fabrication, and realisation of their ideas.
The programme is part of the Manchester School of Architecture, an internationally recognised leader in architectural education, with an outstanding employer reputation.
Features and benefits - Shape the future of the built environment by exploring new, heritage friendly and sustainable approaches to development.
-
RIBA award-winning buildings provide high-quality facilities and learning environments.
-
Benefit from building, industry and workshop visits alongside collaborative projects with students, clients and users.
-
Study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. You will benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suits, making and media workshops and much more. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate. The joint aware certificate includes each institution's crest and awarding body title.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Location | Manchester School of Architecture Chatham Building Cavendish Street Manchester M15 6BR |
Summary
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. Students on the course will 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. Given that already more than half of the global population live in urban environments, and by 2050, it is projected that over 70% of the world population will live in cities, all societies need to be able to accommodate growth while at the same time, reducing consumption. The existing building stock needs to become both more efficient and more resilient.
In Manchester School of Architecture, students will investigate the four main aspects of sustainable reuse - environmental, societal, inhabitation and economic – while also exploring heritage, history, memory, community, and the influence these factors have on remodelling activities. They will look at the impact that context and the environment have upon projects, while developing an understanding of some of the technical issues including construction, environmental control, and materials in order to make creative and appropriate proposals for new users of buildings. Students will also examine specific examples of adaptive reuse, theories of reuse and explore strategies for the conservation and adaptation of the existing environment.
The specialist workshops within Manchester School of Art and the University of Manchester will provide students with opportunities to explore materiality, fabrication, and the realisation of ideas. Studio teaching is research-informed and underpinned by design research methodologies and engagement with industry.
Features and benefits - Shape the future of the built environment by exploring new, heritage friendly and sustainable approaches to development.
-
RIBA award-winning buildings provide high-quality facilities and learning environments.
-
Benefit from building, industry and workshop visits alongside collaborative projects with students, clients and users.
-
Study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. You will benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suits, making and media workshops and much more. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate. The joint aware certificate includes each institution's crest and awarding body title.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Location | Manchester School of Architecture Chatham Building Cavendish Street Manchester M15 6BR |
Summary
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. Students on the course will 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. Given that already more than half of the global population live in urban environments, and by 2050, it is projected that over 70% of the world population will live in cities, all societies need to be able to accommodate growth while at the same time, reducing consumption. The existing building stock needs to become both more efficient and more resilient.
In Manchester School of Architecture, students will investigate the four main aspects of sustainable reuse - environmental, societal, inhabitation and economic – while also exploring heritage, history, memory, community, and the influence these factors have on remodelling activities. They will look at the impact that context and the environment have upon projects, while developing an understanding of some of the technical issues including construction, environmental control, and materials in order to make creative and appropriate proposals for new users of buildings. Students will also examine specific examples of adaptive reuse, theories of reuse and explore strategies for the conservation and adaptation of the existing environment.
The specialist workshops within Manchester School of Art and the University of Manchester will provide students with opportunities to explore materiality, fabrication, and the realisation of ideas. Studio teaching is research-informed and underpinned by design research methodologies and engagement with industry.
Features and benefits - Shape the future of the built environment by exploring new, heritage friendly and sustainable approaches to development.
-
RIBA award-winning buildings provide high-quality facilities and learning environments.
-
Benefit from building, industry and workshop visits alongside collaborative projects with students, clients and users.
-
Study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. You will benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suits, making and media workshops and much more. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate. The joint aware certificate includes each institution's crest and awarding body title.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Location | Manchester School of Architecture Chatham Building Cavendish Street Manchester M15 6BR |
Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) is a historic and internationally recognised institution that dates back to 1824, known for the quality of its teaching and world leading research. The University has been named Modern University of the Year (The Times Good University Guide 2026).
Manchester is an exciting and vibrant city known worldwide for its music, sport, culture and creativity. Living and studying here means being part of a global city that opens doors to opportunity.
Manchester is home to a diverse community of more than 5,000 international students from over 120 countries. International students are offered comprehensive …
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