The MPhil in Digital Architectonics was designed specifically to offer an accelerated route into research whilst also providing an excellent grounding for students wishing to enter, or progress in, design based practice.
The course consisted of a supervised research program together with the opportunity to attend taught lecture courses dealing with advanced structural design. Taught and research modules occurred in parallel with research work during each of the two semesters. Assessment was through a written thesis based upon the research work. The normal expectation was for students to submit their thesis soon after completing 12 months of full time registration.
The program commenced in late September each year, two weeks before the start of the undergraduate academic year. This start time allowed a lead-in period for the student and their supervisor to discuss likely thesis topics and agree the programme of work to be undertaken.
The combination of research and lecture courses provided the student with a full appreciation of the creative possibilities available to structural engineers and architects using the latest digital techniques. The programme was intended to provide a fast-track route into research, so successful students had the option to continue their research towards a full PhD, by the addition of another two years of study.