MSc Digital Architecture and Robotic Construction
Southwark CampusMode: Full-time; Part-time
Overview
The MSc Digital Architecture and Robotic Construction focuses on digital design methods and construction technologies in Architecture, Engineering and Design. It provides a scientific and practical foundation and gives an overview of latest developments in Advanced Modelling, Computational Design and Robotic Construction.
Digital technologies have altered the field of architecture and the architectural profession significantly – from design to production. In this context, the course combines the professional quality of an architectural qualification with the theory and practice behind the latest digital developments in the field.
You'll use computer-aided methods for design and study the construction and fabrication process in-depth. As part of the School of the Built Environment and Architecture, you'll work in a transdisciplinary environment where knowledge is shared. Architecture students are also able to work in our Architecture Design Studio, a dedicated studio space with views across the London landscape.
You'll be able to exploit LSBU's extensive industry connections during the course and your dissertation will be closely linked to practice. You'll be encouraged to work together with partners; an engineering company or another academic School within LSBU.
Visit the Digital Architecture and Robotics lab (DARLAB) website, where you can find more information about the facilities and the latest projects taking place, or take a tour below.
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 1 year |
Start Date September |
Location
Southwark Campus
|
| Mode Part-time |
Duration 2 years |
Start Date September |
Location
Southwark Campus
|
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 1 year |
Start Date January |
Location
Southwark Campus
|
| Mode Part-time |
Duration 2 years |
Start Date January |
Location
Southwark Campus
|
Modules
- Integrative technologies and robotic manufacturing
- Advanced digital design techniques
- Design project material behaviour
- Design project adaptive systems and structures
- Technology for building systems
- Design research architectural project
- Dissertation
Modules will be assessed by a mix of coursework and examinations.
Employability
The Master's program opens up various possibilities for professional development. You could go on to work in the area of architecture, building construction, engineering, interior or product design. You could also work as a specialist or consultant in the field of computational design and robotic construction.
The course could also lead on to a PhD or employment in engineering research.
Employability Service
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Professional links
The Digital Architecture and Robotics laboratory (DARLAB) partners with industry to provide solutions to their business problems and challenges that they currently face or expect to arise in the near future. We offer businesses a number of avenues for accessing our research expertise. We also undertake research projects for small and big businesses alike at competitive rates and where speed and confidentially are key requirements.
Partners Include:
- Hiteco: designers and manufacturers of high-tech machine components for machining wood, light alloys, plastic and composite materials.
- QDesign: a team of experts in engineering sciences. Their solutions offer a wide range of robotics plants applications and continuous software development.
- SCM Group: company world leader in the production of woodworking machinery and systems.
- CIMsystem: a leading provider of CAD/CAM technology and technological solutions with a worldwide technical and sales partner network.
- HAL: a Grasshopper plugin for industrial robots programming supporting ABB, KUKA and Universal Robots machines. Allows to simulate, program, control and monitor robotic cells.
- KUKA: pioneer in robotics and automation technology, one of the leading manufacturers of robotic systems worldwide.
Placements
Staff use their professional connections to help students find work experience and job opportunities on graduation. All students will be involved in the construction of a large-scale pavilion in central London.
Teaching and learning
The academic team are qualified experts from all over the world, with experience in working with avant-garde technologies to gain the best results in architecture and design. In addition, all are actively involved in research and consultancy, which enables staff to draw on the latest industry developments in both lectures and practical work. You'll enjoy guest lectures from world experts.
The course makes extensive use of DARLAB (Digital Architectural Robotics lab), a research platform in architectural education that advances experimentation and cross-discipline collaboration among professors, students and industry partners to expand the boundaries of architectural practice. The modules' contents are oriented toward integrated learning assignments. The course is delivered through lectures, seminars, projects and internships.
You'll be supported throughout your final project by your tutors and will have access to a range of e-learning materials.
Currently 50% of our full-time student cohort is from overseas. This allows our students to network across America, India, the Middle-East, Australia and Europe.
Visit the DARLAB website.
Staff
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course must meet the following entry requirements:
- First degree in Architecture (minimum 2:1) from an RIBA recognised programme based in the UK, which offers the RIBA part 1 professional award; or
- First degree in Architecture (minimum 2:1 equivalent) from an RIBA recognised programme based outside the UK, which is validated as equivalent to RIBA part 1; or
- First degree in Architecture (minimum 2:1 equivalent) from an international university, which is validated by a recognised national or regional body; or
- Exceptionally, an excellent first degree in a design-based subject closely related to architecture. The school is committed to a policy of inclusivity and opportunity, each application and applicant will be considered on the merits of their wish to learn, and to explore architecture at higher degree level.
How to apply
International students
International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 1 year |
Start date September |
Application code 4486 |
Application method |
| Mode Part-time |
Duration 2 years |
Start date September |
Application code 4487 |
Application method |
| Mode Full-time |
Duration 1 year |
Start date January |
Application code 5350 |
Application method |
| Mode Part-time |
Duration 2 years |
Start date January |
Application code P060039 |
Application method |
Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 544 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 127 KB).
Accommodation
Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.
Postgraduate Application Service
Book a session with one of our specialist Postgraduate Advisors. Over a one on one Advice Session they'll advise you on postgraduate degrees at LSBU that match your interests and experience.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Fees and funding
Fees are shown for new entrants to courses, for each individual year of a course, together with the total fee for all the years of a course. Continuing LSBU students should refer to the Finance section of our student portal, MyLSBU. Queries regarding fees should be directed to the Fees and Bursaries Team on: +44 (0)20 7815 6181.
Full-time
Part-time
Year 1 FT Southwark JAN
| UK/EU fee: £9135 | International fee: £13780 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 5350 | Session code: 1FS00 |
Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
| UK/EU fee: £9135 | International fee: £13780 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 4486 | Session code: 1FS00 |
Year 1 PT Southwark JAN
| UK/EU fee: £4060 | International fee: £6124.44 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 5351 | Session code: 1PS00 |
| Total course fee: |
| UK/EU £9135 |
| International £13780 |
Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT
| UK/EU fee: £3045 | International fee: £4593.33 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 4487 | Session code: 1PS00 |
| Total course fee: |
| UK/EU £9135 |
| International £13780 |
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 136 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study
If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.
Fee status
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.