Department of Architecture

Founded in 1927, the Department of Architecture at Oxford Brookes has established an international reputation for the quality of both its research and its teaching. As one of the largest architecture schools in the UK, with around 600 students and 70 staff, it plays a leading role in defining the national, and international, agenda in design education and research. Oxford Brookes is recognised as one of the country's leading schools and is consistently ranked by The Architect's Journal as one of the five best schools in the UK. Students from the school figure regularly in national and international prizes and awards and go on to work for many of the best-known practices in the country. In addition Oxford Brookes was chosen by the Royal Institute of British Architects as the sole provider of the RIBA's Office Based Examination (OBE) programme for Part 1 and Part 2.

Postgraduate study

We offer a rich diversity of courses at postgraduate level. Our student population is drawn from a variety of countries and cultures worldwide, providing a vibrant learning experience for all.

Research

The Department of Architecture is a major international centre for research offering an active and welcoming environment for students, visiting scholars and researchers. Currently it has over 40 research active staff and 40 doctoral students in areas ranging from sustainable design to modular buildings and from design for wellbeing to vernacular architecture. Staff in the department regularly secure research funding from the UK's research councils and the European Union as well as industry, with an annual research grant income averaging £1m in recent years. This research expertise feeds directly into the teaching programme at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD. It has an excellent reputation for the quality of its research (2008 RAE). The Department is known for its work across a range of fields, including vernacular architecture, sustainable urban form, health and the built environment and sustainable architecture and technology.

The Department undertakes research funded by the EU, UK government (e.g. ODPM, DTI), the UK research councils (e.g. EPSRC, ESRC), local authorities, Regional Development Agencies and industry. It also has official research links with over 120 universities around the world which provide opportunities for collaborative research.

The Department is home to a number of research groups which together comprise a substantial part of the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD). OISD was jointly set up by the Departments of Architecture and Planning to promote sustainable development at all scales of the built environment, to provide new information through research consultancy and training, and to enable new sustainability ideas to become reality.

Facilities

Two large open-plan studios equipped for both traditional and digital working form the hub of the educational experience offered by the department open 24-hours per day. The A3 and A4 studios are used by undergraduate and postgraduate students alike. The digital facilities enable students to use the latest high-end software programmes including 3D Studio Max and MicroStation for modeling, together with leading CAD, web, image, and movie editing software, all running on a bank of 60 powerful workstations.

The department's print room includes high-quality plotting facilities linked to the A3 and A4 studios, plus a large-scale copying machine and a 3D printer (rapid prototyper). In addition a wide range of cameras and photographic equipment is available on loan to students.
The department's workshop provides dedicated spaces for student use for machining/joining materials and model-making, under the supervision of the full-time Workshop Manager. Facilities include a laser cutter plus a wide range of machinery and hand tools.