Master Thesis Architecture, Cities, Landscapes: History and Heritage

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/L_AAMAERFSCR

Course Objective

With the master thesis, students demonstrate their ability to conduct research according to academic standards in the interdisciplinary fields of architecture, urbanism, and landscape studies. They show they are capable of critically analysing a specific spatial, social, or environmental issue within a broader urban or landscape context. The master thesis is a clearly written and well-structured research document—whether textual or supported by design research—that meets academic standards and includes appropriate referencing of sources and literature. By writing a thesis, the students will be able to: Systematically and critically collect, interpret, and engage with information on a self-chosen topic within the interdisciplinary field of Architecture, Cities, and Landscapes. Apply conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar urban and landscape contexts.Identify and engage with overarching themes and interrelationships within the built and natural environment, drawing on a wide variety of primary and secondary sources.Clearly and concisely present complex spatial, historical, and theoretical problems to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. Produce a well-structured academic thesis or equivalent research output (e.g., design-research portfolio) that demonstrates mastery of academic writing or presentation in the field.Demonstrate sufficient autonomy, self-direction, and reflective learning skills to pursue further academic or professional development.

Course Content

The subject and content of the thesis will be chosen in consultation with the supervisor.

Teaching Methods

Thesis colloquium and individually supervised education.

Method of Assessment

Written thesis of 15.00 to 25.000 words (learning goals 1-6). See thesis manual on VU-web for more details. Submission of the thesis can only be done through the Master Thesis Canvas site. End terms of MA Architecture, Cities, Landscapes: 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14

Literature

To be decided between supervisor and student.

Target Audience

Master students in Heritage Studies.

Additional Information

The plenary thesis colloquia will start in September in order to inform students and prepare the individual research project.Individual supervision is only available in Semester 2.Students will be able to express preference for a supervisor, the teaching team will make the final decision based on expertise and availability of staff.

Entry Requirements

Students need to have passed 1 of the courses taught in period 1: "(De-)constructing Architecture and Town Planning Heritage" OR "Themes in Architecture, Landscapes, and Cities,"

Explanation Canvas

Students have to enrol in this module in order to write their thesis, as this gives them access to the Canvas environment where key information is shared.
Academic year1/09/2531/08/26
Course level18.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master