We adopt an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to researching and teaching all aspects of architecture, planning, urban design, digital architecture, urban conservation and landscape architecture.
We offer taught programmes as well as postgraduate research degrees making use of our expertise across specialisms as diverse as design, rural development and sustainability. We have a suite of programmes which offer full professional accreditation to become a town planner, and selected programmes are accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
From our analytical work on understanding contemporary places and place-making to our wide-ranging teaching in planning and design, we forge new approaches to creating exciting synergies between education, practice and policy- making in the promotion of social cohesion, environmental sustainability and economic development.
We have five research centres, including the Global Urban Research Unit (GURU), Advanced Architectural Technologies (AAT), Centre for Research in Environmental Appraisal and Management (CREAM), Tectonic Cultures Research Group (TCRG) and Landscape Research Group (LRG), and we have research collaborations with institutions from around the world.
In the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, we were ranked third in the UK against other Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited institutions. Twenty-five per cent of our research in ‘Architecture and the Built Environment’ was classed as ‘world-leading’ with a further 65 per cent classed as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘internationally recognised’.
Our strong postgraduate culture is reflected in our large postgraduate community – we have approximately 100 research students and over 90 taught postgraduates from the UK, Europe and overseas. The International Student Barometer Survey 2012 demonstrated that 90 per cent of students would recommend the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, with 97 per cent confirming they were happy with both the quality of lectures and course content.
The School has a range of state-of-the-art facilities including studios, exhibition spaces, a print room, seminar rooms and IT suites. We have excellent studio teaching facilities for taught students and our research suite provides designated space and equipment for each postgraduate researcher.
Field trips provide opportunities to experience how theories are applied in practice. Depending on your chosen programme, you may travel to India to meet local people and see how they manage and address the issues of slums and settlements, or visit a European destination to learn how projects are planned and implemented. Students in the School produce a wealth of exciting work.
Regular funding and scholarship awards are provided each year via a range of schemes, including those from the ESRC.