ARCHDES 796A/B : Thesis

Creative Arts and Industries

2023 Semester Two (1235) / 2024 Semester One (1243) (120 POINTS)

Course Prescription

A thesis involving a design-based discourse on a topic approved by the Head of School of Architecture and Planning for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional) under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

Course Overview

The MArch(Prof) thesis programme acts as a transition between academic and professional stages in a candidate’s career. Critical to this transition are the candidate’s development of: an ability to work independently; critical thought and analysis; and systems, processes and tools to support quality output in the research inquiry. These goals are achieved through integrated design research. Design research in architecture takes design process as research methodology. This combines processes of designing and researching with drawing and writing, integrating all components of architecture and related disciplines. 

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: Students must have completed the taught component of their programme To complete this course students must enrol in ARCHDES 796 A and B

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Engage an effective method of design research (Capability 5.1)
  2. Present design research work of value within its field (Capability 4.1)
  3. Reveal the interest and significance of the design research work (Capability 4.2)
  4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of its architectural context (Capability 1.1)
  5. Demonstrate rigorous critical reflection on the outcome of the thesis (Capability 2.3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Thesis document 100% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Thesis document

Teaching & Learning Methods

The thesis programme is designed to be completed in two consecutive teaching semesters (FTE). Students are allocated a supervisor to work with, and are also supported throughout the year with critiques and presentations, interim writing submissions, reports on progress, thematic workshops, and technical support.  

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 120 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including supervisory meetings and presentations to complete components of the course.

 Other learning activities including workshops may be available as recordings.

The course will not include live online.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

The thesis programme is not included in SET evaluation.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Depending on the nature of the research, students may need to apply for approval from University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee (UAHPEC). 

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 17/12/2022 02:47 p.m.