It is also interested in access. Some students choose housing as the topic of their 3rd year main essay. 5th year B.Arch students can select a specialist a housing design and theory unit from a number of units which include participatory design and urban design, both of which also have a housing content. The choice is made following short introductory courses, of which students take two during the first week of the first semester. The B.Arch courses can be extended to MA level by writing a further dissertation.
Some students choose housing topics for their dissertation.
The School has particular interests in energy, sustainability, regeneration, participation and special needs housing. Research is undertaken at MA and PhD levels, and beyond by members of the teaching staff. The undergraduate course includes in the 1st year the design of a house and an essay on a selected house. 2nd and 3rd year courses include the design of housing in a mixed-use context. Students can choose to write about housing in their 3rd year dissertation and they have an option on housing associated schemes.