Recommended prerequisite for participation in the module

The module adds to knowledge, skills and competencies within the architectural design and engineering field corresponding to the completion of the MSc01 - MSc03 Architectural Design-engineering education.

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The final semester sets the stage for manifestation of the students’ abilities to make integrated design solutions of high architectural quality. As well as provide the student with a unique ability to – on high international level – make a project as an experimental, empirical, and/or theoretical investigation of one or more central issues within the field of architectural design-engineering. Related to this, the PBL-pedagogical focus is that the students must independently define a problem, select, include, and critically reflect on relevant literature, theories and methodologies. As well as demonstrate, in a self-driven work process, their mastery of key competencies acquired throughout the Master’s program in Architectural Design-engineering and problem-based learning environment.

Students who complete the module:

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Must develop knowledge on an international level of selected architectural design-engineering issues within the thesis subject area.

• Must be able to critically assess and explain key scientific literature/theoretical knowledge and relevant methods within the thesis subject area.

• Must account for the appropriate research based knowledge and analogue/digital tools implemented in the design process and project work.

• Must demonstrate a high degree of awareness regarding problem-based learning and methods to identify and solve complex design problems.

Skills

• Must master advanced integrated design processes and use correct terminology, as well as demonstrate a high level of integration of selected technical parameters and state-of-the-art research within the thesis subject area.

• Must be able to independently frame a complex design problem, as well as motivate and critically evaluate the choice of methods and scientific literature/theoretical approach.

• Must master acquired skills in tectonics or/and sustainability at a high international level, as part hereof the combination of a range of methods, techniques and analogue/digital tools within the field of design-engineering and architecture.

• Must demonstrate high ability to communicate and present the project work in a clear and systematic way to relevant scientific and professional peers and non-peers.

• Must be able to critically discuss and evaluate the potential of the project and design solution for further development, assessing relevant scientific, environmental, societal and human factors.

Competences

• Can independently participate in and develop a project to international standards, based on the identification of a specific problem within the thesis subject area.

• Can be competent in developing an integrated design solution of high tectonic and sustainable architectural quality.

• Can anticipate and solve complex/wicked design problems and make a synthesis in the design process that integrates technical, functional and aesthetic parameters.

• Must be able to independently and professionally manage, facilitate and review the project work, as well as reflect on own professional development and specialisation.

Type of instruction

Types of instruction are listed in § 17; Structure and contents of the programme

Exam

Exams

Name of exam	Master’s Thesis
Type of exam	Master's thesis/final project
ECTS	30
Assessment	7-point grading scale
Type of grading	External examination
Criteria of assessment	The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures