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Following initial workshop sessions on research methods and a research methods submission, students identify, research, and develop an argument/proposition/outcome on an area of particular landscape architectural interest to them and which arises out of the design work in their developing BARC0013 Advanced Landscape Design 2 project in Terms 2 and 3 as well as other interests that arise from BARC0110 Landscape Architecture Theory and Practice seminars.Ìý

Students are asked to write an essay in which they construct an argument based on critical reasoning skills and supported by graphic evidence and appropriate research. In it they refer to appropriate theoretical and technical sources.Ìý

Thesis is a research module where Landscape Architecture MA and MLA (year 2) students have the opportunity to develop the basis and theory that informs and underpins their work, whether this is derived from science, cultural theory, technology, architectural history, philosophy or the psychology of perception. We expect work to be undertaken in depth, with the help of specialist tutors who are individually allocated to students.Ìý

Students must attend and participate in the associated programme of events, including lectures, seminars, reviews and tutorials. Students must also ensure that they are enrolled on the BARC0119 Landscape Thesis Moodle page in order to access resources and receive information about the module. The Thesis module accounts for 30% of a student’s work for the year. It is a distinct part of the MA and MLA Landscape Architecture degrees and must be passed independently of all other work. It runs alongside Design from January to early July.Ìý

The module aims:Ìý

• to teach students how to write an illustrated critical evaluation and to refer to appropriate theoretical and technical sources;Ìý

• students will also describe experiments, both physical and digital in the document as appropriate; andÌý

• to support the students’ development of their critical position and project narratives in relation to the practice of landscape architecture.Ìý

On successful completion of the module, each student will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:Ìý

Students gain:Ìý

• the ability to produce an argument for the project based on critical reasoning skills and supported by graphic evidence and appropriate research;Ìý

• knowledge of how to construct a field of historical precedents and theoretical thought that is relevant to the project, and the location of the project with respect to that field; andÌý

• skill in preparing a document, which is well structured, clearly and persuasively argued with appropriate supporting material in the form of graphics, illustrations, models, and images.Ìý

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These take place during Term 2. All students must attend these seminars in order to inform their decision about choice of Thesis, methods of research, and to receive details of completing their Research Methods Study. The brief and resources for this exercise are posted on Moodle.Ìý

Thesis Reviews, Seminars, and TutorialsÌý

Students work with a tutor towards their Thesis and can expect a number of individual tutorials and the receipt of feedback on a draft document submitted on a date agreed with the tutor (this will be within Term 3, unless otherwise agreed). Tutors are allocated following the Thesis Reviews in Term 2. Additionally, there are two workshops with the module coordinator and a review of their work with each student’s tutor and module coordinator towards the end of Term 3.Ìý

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The module has two assessed submission components: the Research Methods Study (20%) and the Thesis (80%). Both elements must be submitted in order to pass this module.Ìý

Research Methods StudyÌý

This 1500-word study of two research methods sources, selected from the module Research Methods source literature, will contain the following:Ìý

Research methods: An understanding and explanation of what a research method is, and how it relates to a specific research question, area of inquiry, or body of theory. Topics and associated research approaches will be identified and discussed in seminars and approved with the tutor(s).Ìý

Research contexts: An understanding and explanation about why these research methods are relevant to your own research approaches.Ìý

Additional information on the resources and completing the submission are located on the BARC0119 Thesis Moodle page.Ìý

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Each student is required to produce a thesis of 7,500 words (or equivalent) using relevant research sources and outcomes, such as: 1:1 testing/prototyping processes, diagrams, drawings, records of installations, computer print-outs, and records of experiments. Word count is to be stated on the inside front cover.Ìý

Theses should demonstrate a selected area of study that critically informs, augments or extends their design portfolio in technical, historical and theoretical understandings. Theses that primarily demonstrates expertise in one specialism are encouraged, with guidance from the module coordinators and specialist tutors. All submissions should demonstrate effective and appropriate ‘critical tools’ that aid advanced understandings of landscape architectural design.Ìý

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