Russell's MArch Architecture Master's developed his voice and confidence in his role in the architecture industry
The courses offered by the School of Architecture at the University of Portsmouth are so relevant in terms of what is going on in our industry and the issues we face globally.
It means that graduates are being prepared to step into our profession with the confidence to voice our opinions on global problems like sustainability and climate change, with a body of work behind us in our portfolios that can support and inform the debate.
I felt like their ambition for the course matched my career ambitions. The nature of the course has allowed me to find not only my own voice architecturally but also to find my own method of working that suits me. Although the course is quite self-directed I feel that I have been encouraged by my tutors at every step to have confidence in the creative decisions I am making. This environment has allowed me the freedom to develop a toolbox of skills that I can rely upon in a tried and tested manner and apply to any project brief with confidence.
My favourite thing about the course is having the chance to put myself out of my comfort zone and explore an area of the industry that was previously beyond my comprehension.
My favourite thing about the course is having the chance to put myself out of my comfort zone and explore an area of the industry that was previously beyond my comprehension. If I lacked any technical knowledge, for example, in software, I was supported by the academic staff and given all the help I needed to get up to speed. I am now a completely different designer leaving the course than I was when I started, and I feel that I have discovered my creative identity in an area that intimidated me before and that I felt was beyond my capacity.
I have had my MArch1 work published in an Italian magazine. To see the work in print as part of a national conversation on the city of Rome was a huge achievement and I was immensely flattered that my tutors arranged for it to happen.
After graduating from my Master’s degree I plan to go straight into work and complete my Part 3 qualification in Professional Practice, that is required for me to become a qualified Architect. The Master’s course has already been preparing me for that and I feel that I am stepping out into my professional life well equipped to succeed in Part 3 and beyond.
At present I have two days a week of taught content and the rest of the time I'm on campus for self-directed study. To keep on top of the workload I find it easier to be in University and treat it like a full-time job. It means I have access to my tutors who are always more than happy to offer advice while I'm working in the building. The facilities and opening hours mean that I am able to do all of my work on site and have my time at home set aside solely for relaxation.