KA6047 - Practice Management and Law

You will learn through lectures, supported by case studies, seminars, and independent learning, enabling you to apply the academic skills required to undertake postgraduate-level assignments. You will be encouraged to utilise and contribute to peer-to-peer support and learning within the structures of year group cohort, in group work/ seminar groups, and in design studio. It is expected you will also be participating in wider cultural activities, for example, including but not limited to, attending talks, exhibitions, performances, etc; participation in community groups (including NSU societies) and volunteering, campaigning and other associated cultural practices in support of your independent learning journey and the production of your assignment.

Although it is intended that you will become an autonomous, self-motivated learner, this will be achieved within a supportive environment. This module will challenge you and provide guidance to help you to shape your philosophy and practices; define your positionality, values, and to be aware of different forms of knowledge and worldviews.
Formative feedback will be offered verbally whilst written summative feedback will provide advice for further development and an appraisal of your work and performance.
Project-related material will be available on the eLearning Portal (Blackboard) so that you can access information when you need to and we operate an open door policy to help support student learning when it is needed most. The university library offers support for all students through its catalogue and an Ask4Help Online service.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

KU 1. Demonstrate an understanding of and critical perspective on the constraints and influences on architectural practice through study of related theories, processes, and legislative controls and their appropriate application, and appreciate the broader contexts in which architecture may be set.

KU 2. Evaluate, propose, and use appropriate visual, verbal, and written communication methods and appropriate media to represent the testing, analysis, critical appraisal, and resolution of complex design problems.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

IPSA 1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of design-thinking to ensure an appropriate response and engage with the breadth and depth of events in your culture and/or the culture of others.

IPSA 2. Critically examine your chosen topics from a theoretical perspective, evaluate alternative approaches, integrate data of varied types from various sources, employ advanced techniques to generate propositions and reflect on how this work may influence your own approach to architectural design.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity):

PVA 1. Develop and apply a reflective approach to learning and personal development and engage with the ethical and social responsibilities of academic inquiry.

PVA 2. Develop and articulate an understanding of, and personal engagement with the ethical, professional, financial, and social responsibilities of a design professional with an influence on the environment.

Formative feedback will be offered verbally in seminar group tutorials on the research proposal and in discussions with and presentations to your peers, to provide ongoing developmental guidance and reflection.

You will be encouraged to take part in critical discussion and debate to promote peer learning.

Summative Assessment will be of the set illustrated written assignment (6000 words equivalence) covering all Module Learning Outcomes.

Summative feedback will be in written form, which will provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance. Moderation of summative assessment will take place at the end of the module.

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This module will give a critical insight into the practice of architecture, framed as an autotelic, or intrinsically motivated, and creatively entrepreneurial enterprise.
During this module you will develop criticality and self-reflection and articulate positionality informing praxis; that is, practice informed by research and theory. It will assist you in your transition to self-directed, post-graduate and professional, lifelong learning.
This module underpins the theoretical position of the architecture programme and encourages you to articulate your values, preparing you for the studio and research-based aspects of Masters level study and for progression into the profession of architecture. It will enhance your skills and attributes that are attractive to employers and it will inform your appreciation of architectural practice as an agent for change within the challenges of the climate crisis, finite resources, and rapidly-changing relationships with work. On completion of this module you will have demonstrated situationally-specific ‘soft’ skills to communicate effectively to an informed audience; be able to identify strategic goals, partners, and the tactics necessary to achieve them; articulated your values, and command ownership of the future direction of your own learning and research-informed practice, or praxis.