MA Architecture & Urbanism (Theory Modules) at Manchester Metropolitan University

ONE DAY A WEEK MATERNITY COVER (TUESDAY FOR 7 HOURS)

15th July – 16th December 2025

The Manchester School of Architecture is ranked 5th in the prestigious QS world university rankings and enjoys the unique context of being a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester. It is one of the largest Schools of Architecture in the country with over 1200 students (typically representing some 85 countries) and over 150 staff from diverse backgrounds and is proud to retain both its quality and sense of community despite its size.

The School is characterised by excellence, ambition, boldness, inquisitiveness, innovation, and social justice and responsibility. These facets generate a unique blend and balance between research led teaching, impressive and relevant research outputs (84% of research activity is world leading or internationally excellent), and extensive professional industry links, all of which encourage our students to cultivate their own unique approach to architecture and their careers thereafter.

Our MA in Architecture and Urbanism provides a unique platform for students to explore how global cultural, economic, and environmental forces shape contemporary cities. It offers an inclusive, multidisciplinary environment that redefines architecture as a process intrinsically linked to urban transformation, rather than an isolated discipline. The programme encourages students to engage critically with real-world challenges and produce speculative proposals through design experimentation and practice-oriented research.  

On appointment, the successful candidate will supervise, offer formative feedback and assess postgraduate dissertation projects addressing research topics determined by students that extend across theories and practices of architecture and urbanism (Dissertation, Semester 3, 2024/2025). The tutor will also support students to critically engage with a seminar series exploring histories and theories of architecture and urban design through a series of urban history and theory texts, and offer formative feedback and assess the resulting portfolio of reflective writing and visual analysis (Cities and Urbanism: Ideologies and Futures, Semester 1, 2025/2026). This work is undertaken independently as part of a team of dedicated Architecture and Urbanism Theory Tutors drawn from practice and academia who collaborate with full-time teaching team to enrich students’ critical engagement with contemporary theories and practices relevant to the work of architects, planners, landscape architects, urban historians and heritage experts, and others involved in the creation and critique of urban places.

The role requires an existing understanding of qualitative research design and implementation as it applies to architecture, urbanism and cognate disciplines, developed through the completion of postgraduate research training or experience conducting practice-based research in consultancy. Due to the range of dissertation projects undertaken by students the role also requires an appreciation of the broad range of research and practice literature necessary to direct student learning in architecture and urbanism, or ability to support students to undertake effective literature reviews alongside library staff. Previous experience supervising postgraduate dissertations in architecture, urbanism and related disciplines in an academic setting, or evidence of effectively guiding practice-based research and knowledge transfer resulting in research outputs is desirable. The successful candidate will have the ability to challenge and inspire students new to postgraduate study by communicating complex concepts drawn from theory and practice with clarity and enthusiasm, and ensuring an excellent student experience through organisational skills that contribute to a productive environment for learning, teaching and assessment.

This post is for one day a week and so will not support a visa application. Only candidates with the right to work in the UK should apply.

Informal and confidential discussions can be held with Head of School, Professor Kevin Singh via k.singh@mmu.ac.uk or Deputy Programme Leader, Dr Dhruv Sookhoo via d.sookhoo@mmu.ac.uk.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.  

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.  

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.