Professional Qualification through Masters by Research 1(6) Professional Qualification through Masters by Research: Advantages for the Academic Discipline and the Profession

Leaders in the profession have argued in support of the need to reconceptualise architecture as a knowledge-based profession. A new Master of Architecture programme developed in Cork provided an opportunity to address the requirements of a knowledge-based profession. Conceived as a Masters by Research, it is assessed through a single design research project. Not-for-credit components include workshops derived from the elements of Architectural Doctoral programmes delivered in Norway and England, assisting designers to apply existing visualisation skills to research conceptualisation. Other optional modules provide generic postgraduate training in research in the Sciences, Arts and Humanities. By validating the programme as a Masters by Research rather than as the more common Taught Masters, students ’ fees will be reduced and the proportion of income accruing to the Architecture department will increase. Architecture programmes often have relatively higher numbers of students pursuing studies beyond the first degree, due to the demands of professional accreditation. If these cohorts can be converted to research students, large groups can address related enquiries in a coordinated manner. A Masters by Research, with student led projects fulfilling the requirements professional accreditation, ideally informed by design practice, and supported by a robust research training programme, can provide critical research mass, reinforce the legitimacy of design research, contribute to the development of architecture research methods, and increase the resources available to both students and schools of architecture. If students gain support from architectural practice during the formulation of the research proposal, they can increase knowledge transfer potential and enhance the relevance of their research work. 2(6) Conference Architectural Inquiries, Göteborg 200