Expanded Spatial Practices MA

A Masters in Expanded Spatial Practices has been established in the Leeds School of Architecture, at Leeds Beckett University, as a key addition to its portfolio of postgraduate programmes.

The Expanded Spatial Practices MA affords a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of an emerging subject area. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach to critical spatial practice, integrating knowledge and methods from multiple fields and engaging with contemporary social, cultural, political, and ecological issues, as well as current debates and public policies. Its curriculum is designed to enhance the spatial knowledge and critical inquiry skills of students with a design background who wish to expand their practice, as well as those from other disciplines or experiences looking to enter a new career.

Founded on the understanding that space is not defined by design professionals alone, the Expanded Spatial Practices MA sets forth a new approach to the education of Spatial Practitioners. This professional title is adopted in recognition that the spaces and places we inhabit arise through a combination of interests, skills, and multiple areas of knowledge; above all, in association with others.

Four core modules equip students with the skills to research, analyse, conceive, represent, and implement spatial propositions, and teach them how to document and disseminate project outcomes. A range of option modules covering topics ranging from criminology to choreography, public policy to creative technology, help students to critically interrogate the ways in which space is thought, represented, produced, and used.

Building on their existing experience and knowledge, students learn how to work collaboratively to deliver live outcomes that are built and tested through an engagement with the public. In this way the course aims to prepare students to successfully operate as part of collaborative teams in government, social and cultural organisations, and in creative and commercial fields.

Based in the Leeds School of Art buildings at Leeds Beckett City Campus, the programme is available as full-time (18 months) or part-time (30 months) and is accepting applications to start in Autumn 2024. The research and teaching team has a strong commitment to interdisciplinary practice and welcome applicants from design as well as non-design background. Applications are also welcome from postgraduates who wish to undertake research towards a PhD and whose interests match those of the Expanded Spatial Practices Research Group within which the research will be conducted.

To find out more and apply, please visit the MA Expanded Spatial Practices course page or email: MEXSP [​at​] leedsbeckett.ac.uk.