ucd professional diploma (arch) 2016-17 professional diploma (arch) 2016-17 .pdf · professional...

PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2016-17 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 1/ 11

UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2016-17

The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is the final professional examination for architectural graduates leading to entry to the Register for Architects in Ireland. The programme is offered on a part-time flexible basis over two semesters, at the time that an architectural graduate is undertaking minimum 2 years professional practical experience under supervision. Graduates arrange their own placements in architectural practice, which may be in Ireland or abroad, and the programme is structured to provide a context and support to graduates during their professional training.

The programme is delivered by UCD academic staff, practicing architects and other professionals with expertise in critical subject areas. The course is flexible, either on-campus or Online (distance learning), and assessments are available in both Semester 1 (January) and Semester 2 (May).

The focus of the Professional Diploma is to ensure that the course is current, relevant and useful to architectural graduates beginning their professional careers. This means equipping graduates with an understanding of the ethical and professional obligations arising in practice, within the context of their own personal careers and the broader construction industry. Preparing for independent practice as a professional requires a graduate to develop key skills in research, critical analysis, objectivity and communication. In order to achieve this a graduate must become fully conversant in industry-specific practices, procedures and statutory requirements.

This post-graduate programme is accredited by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) as Registration Body in Ireland for direct admission to the ‘Register for Architects.’ NOTE 1

Graduates who complete the Professional Diploma in UCD and who enter the RIAI Register for Architects are entitled to automatic recognition in EU member states under the Qualifications Directive.NOTE 2

NOTE 1 ‘Registration for Architects’ in Ireland was established under the Building Control Act 2007 Section 14 NOTE 2 Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EU) http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/policy_developments/legislation_en.htm Graduates practicing in the UK should note that the RIBA is a professional representative body, but that the Registration Board for the UK is ARB (Architects Registration Board). RIBA membership is not a statutory requirement for practice in the UK.


PROGRAMME FOR 2016/17 Course information is available on the School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy webpage and through the UCD virtual learning environment, Blackboard, for registered students.

In Semester 1, the Lecture course for Architectural Practice, Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts will be held on Mondays from 5 September to 28 November 2016 (excl. October Bank Holiday). Online Learning is available in Semester 1 and Semester 2.

In Semester 2, Case Study Tutorials are held in February/March to assist students in drafting their Case Study and preparing for the Oral Examination.

COURSE STRUCTURE The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is available under two module codes: On-campus (part time) Major T290 and Online (part time) Major T291. The same Learning Material is available to all students and online student can attend lectures and tutorial when convenient to do so. The first module of the course, Architectural Practice, is an introduction to practice, the profession and current issues. The Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts module include the full ‘body of knowledge’ necessary for practice and project delivery. The modules in Case Study and Practical Experience are the final professional examinations, founded on the student’s knowledge base, their personal professional experience and their analysis of a construction project. The five modules are as follows:

Code Module Delivery Assessment ECTS

ARCT40130

Architectural Practice

4 days 5,12,19,26

September 2016

Essay Assignment

2-3,000 words

5

ARCT40140

Construction Legislation

4 days 3,10,17,24 October 2016.

Written Paper

2 hours

5

ARCT40090

Procurement & Contracts

4 days 7,14,21 & 28th November 2016.

Written Paper

2 hours

5

ARCT40100

Case Study

3 days Feb/ March 2017

Dissertation

(9,000- 11,000 words)

10

ARCT40110

Practical Experience

Oral Exams (approx. 1 hour) & Assessment of Experience

5

For further information refer to UCD Academic Regulations.

Module information is available at UCD Modules 2016/17


APPLICATIONS/ ELIGIBILITY Applications open in April for the Professional Diploma (Architecture) course and the closing date is Friday 24 June 2016. Subject to meeting the entry requirements, registration will open in August. Applications are made online at UCD Online Applications under Professional Diploma (Architecture) on-campus (Major T290) or online (Major T291). There is a non-refundable application fee of €50.

In order to complete your application, full transcripts for the five years of your primary qualification (B.Arch, M.Arch or equivalent approved) must be submitted immediately following your application.

UCD graduates are not required to submit transcripts.

Transcripts from schools outside Ireland require further verification: For EU states, this means confirmation from the relevant Competent Authority; for qualifications outside the EU you are required to provide either a Transcript Evaluation from the RIAI or evidence of Architectural Graduate Membership of the RIAI, in order to demonstrate your eligibility.

FEES The course fees include lectures, tutorials, academic support, lecture notes and handouts, online access to Blackboard, UCD Student/ Library card and access to UCD student facilities. Fees can be paid on a flexible basis (by module) at the start of each semester as you complete the course: The 2016/17 fees are €444.50 per 5ECTS module and €889 per 10ECTS module, total €2,667 (including Student Contribution). Repeat fees are currently €230 per module. If you take the course over more than one academic year you will also pay a portion of the UCD Student Contribution (currently €247/ per annum) in each semester that you are actively registered, to avail of campus facilities.

Tax relief is available on tuition fees for this UCD programme as an approved post-graduate course.

SUPPORTS UCD Blackboard is used for all learning material, podcasts, lecture notes, reference material, announcements, timetables, assignments etc.

As a registered student you will be issued with a U-Card for the academic Year 2016/17 which entitles you to use all services from the UCD Library and other sports and student facilities on campus. Information about the specialist architecture library is available from the Richview Library.

Support and advice is available from UCD Access Centre for students who have a disability, mental health condition, a significant on-going illness or a specific learning disability. Students are advised to contact the Assess Centre as soon as possible after registration, where required.


EXEMPTIONS FOR PRIOR LEARNING Applicants who have successfully completed part(s) of an equivalent approved examination in Professional Practice (e.g. RIAI Professional Practice Examination, UK Part 3 course etc.) may apply for exemption from examinations in some modules. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Architecture Programme Board.

Information is available at UCD Academic Policy- Recognition of Prior Learning ENQUIRIES The Professional Diploma programme is offered by the School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy, UCD, Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. (Postal address: School of Architecture, UCD Belfield, Dublin 4). The School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy is Building 59 on the campus map here

School Enquiries (Mailing List, Registration, Fees, Applications, Submissions, Timetabling etc.)

Ms. Michelle Murray, Course Administrator

Email: [email protected] Tel- (01) 716 2761 (Monday-Wednesday)

Academic Enquiries (Practical Experience, Case Studies, Learning Material, Academic queries, assessment feedback, regulatory requirements etc.)

Ms. Orla Hegarty BArch MRIAI RIBA, Course Director

Email: [email protected]

Information Meetings are held in the School during the applications (May/June), please join the Mailing List for information.

UCD Information

Student Desk http://www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/

Access Centre http://www.ucd.ie/openingworlds/ucdaccesscentre/

Explore the World of UCD http://ucdlife.ucd.ie/home


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should I discuss with my Employer? You should ask your employer to support you in your preparation for the Exam. This course is a critical part of the training of an architect and is of benefit both to you and to your practice. It is important that you allow adequate time to study/ prepare for exams and that you are involved (or have been involved) in a suitable Case Study project - this includes attending meetings, visiting site, having access to files and seeking opportunities to be involved in as many aspects of practice as possible. You should give your employer a copy of the Case Study requirements and take a pro-active role in discussing this at the outset.

Students need time off to attend the lecture series/ work online, prepare their Case Studies and to study for the examinations. Employers should be aware of their professional obligations to support your education and the benefits of your contribution to the practice through your participation in the course.

How much time do I need to prepare for the Exam? Students should start to work on their Case Study once the subject has been approved. The production of a comprehensive, well considered Case Study requires research and reflection, which is best achieved during the course of the project.

In addition to attending lecture/ studying online, you will also need time to prepare your essay assignment and many students take one week or more study leave for revision in advance of the written and oral examinations.

How do I select a project for my Case Study? Ideally, you should consider this and discuss with prospective employers before you undertake your two years practical training. You can submit one or more Case Study proposals for discussion/ approval/ advice at any stage (refer to submission dates). The Case Study Advice Notes are available by email from the Course Administrator if you are not yet registered.

Do I need to be involved in every stage of the project?

It is not always possible for a student to be involved in every stage of a project. In this case, it is preferable to be involved in the later stages of a project (procurement, on-site, completion, post-completion) rather than the early stages of a project (inception, design, statutory approvals). Generally graduates have more experience at the early stages of several projects and the Case Study may be their first experience of on-site operations and contract administration. This is the critical stage of every project.


If my Case Study is delayed, can I continue with the Course? As the course is modular, you can continue with the course and be assessed in the first three modules (Architectural Practice, Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts). Students can take the Case Study and Practical Experience modules in the Semester 2 OR in Semester 1 or Semester 2 of a later year (so you will not have to wait a year to complete the course). Alternatively, you may seek to have a new Case Study approved. (The Practical Experience (Oral Examination) module cannot be taken until all other parts of the examination have been attempted).

I was previously registered for another professional practice exam; can I apply for the Diploma course in UCD?

If you were previously registered or another completed part(s) of an equivalent approved examination in Professional Practice (e.g. RIAI Professional Practice Examination, UK Part 3 course etc) you can apply for an exemption from examinations in some modules.

Students should register for the programme and apply in writing, with supporting evidence, to the Architecture Programme Board by mid- August. For further information please contact the Course Director. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Architecture Programme Board.

I am currently working abroad, can I count my practical experience outside Ireland and use a Case Study from another country?

Yes. You can now take the course online and schedule your exams to suit your travel arrangements. Case Studies in other countries are generally acceptable, but you must submit a proposal for approval. Oral Examinations can be arranged online in certain circumstances.

I am working on my own/ freelance/ as a practice principal, is my experience acceptable? No. You must be in employment under the direct supervision of an architect. In the rare cases where a student is a junior partner, supervision by a suitably qualified senior partner may be acceptable, subject to prior approval.

I am not sure of my plans for next year, should I register for the lecture based course (Major T290) or the online course (Major T291)?

Students registered to the online course are welcome to attend lectures whenever it suits you to do so. Students registered to the lecture based programme will also have full access to all of the online information in Blackboard.


COURSE CONTENT Outline Module Descriptors are provided below for information purposes only. The updated information/ examination requirements for the 2016/17 course will be available at UCD Module Information refer to 2016/17 modules, Level 4- Architecture prior to registration in August.

ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE (ARCT 40130/ ARCT40800) ECTS (Credits)- 5 Lecture Course- 20+ hours, Private Study/ Revision- 50 hours, Assignment- 50 hours Total- 125 hours Subject Material- The Architectural Profession, History of Professionalism, EU Practice & Policy, Codes of Conduct, Registration of Title, Forms of Practice, The Construction Industry in Ireland, The RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland), Current Issues for the Architectural Profession, Dealing with Clients, Appointment of the Architect, Architectural Services, Liability Issues, Dealing with Third Parties, Introduction to Management (Theory and Forms of Practice), Financial Management, Record-keeping, Practice Management (Functions and Internal Organisation), Professional Liability, Legal Issues relating to Practice and Construction. Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should be able to- -Show an awareness of the historical, social, environmental, legislative and economic context in which the built environment is procured. -Demonstrate a good working knowledge of the architect’s role, responsibilities and liabilities. -Demonstrate an ability to advise and represent a client in relation to legislation, programme, budget, contract and procurement. -Show a good knowledge and understanding of Architectural Practice Management -Demonstrate an understanding of legal, liability and contractual issues and an ability to apply this knowledge to specific problems. Examination- Essay 2-3,000 words, from a range of subject titles. Submission in Semester 1 (mid-December) or Semester 2 (April). Pass Mark 50%. Past Assignments are available.


CONSTRUCTION LEGISLATION (ARCT 40140/ ARCT40770) ECTS (Credits)- 5 Lecture Course- 20+ hours, Private Study/ Revision- 80 hours, Exam Time- 2 hours Total- 125 hours Subject Material- Legal Framework, EU Issues (relating to Construction Legislation), Planning & Development Legislation (Planning Law, Procedure and Practice), Health & Safety Legislation (Law, Procedure & Practice), Building Control Legislation (Law, Procedure and Practice), Conservation Legislation (International Treaties and Policy, National Monuments Act, Planning & Development Legislation related to Protected Structures and Special Amenity Areas etc.) Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should - -Have a good working knowledge and understanding of all current relevant legislation and regulations relating to planning, development, environment, conservation, construction and architectural practice. - Be able to identify the legislation and regulations relevant to a project and advise a client in relation to compliance. - Demonstrate an ability to apply all relevant legislation, regulations and ‘best practice’ standards throughout the design and construction of a project. -Be aware of their own limitations and know other sources of information and expertise. Examination- Written Examination (2 hours) in Semester 1 (January) or Semester 2 (May). Pass Mark 50%. Past Examination Papers are available.


PROCUREMENT & CONTRACTS (ARCT 40090/ ARCT40780 ) ECTS (Credits)- 5 Lecture Course- 20+ hours, Private Study/ Revision- 80 hours, Exam Time- 2 hours Total- 125 hours Subject Material- Building Procurement (pre-tender and post-tender from inception to completion and operation), Design Team and Consultants, Construction Contracts (standard forms of contract and alternatives), Project Management (theory and practice related to construction projects), Project Programming, Cost Control, Reports & Surveys (report writing, legal and technical issues), Risk Management & Construction Insurances. Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should – -Be able to advise a client throughout all stages of a project from inception to completion. -Demonstrate a good working knowledge of standard/ non-standard forms of contract and methods of procurement. -Demonstrate good communication, organisational and leadership skills in managing the development and procurement of a project. -Show an understanding of the principles and implementation of effective Project Management. -Demonstrate an ability to competently undertake professional reports and surveys. -Be aware of the principles of risk management and the requirements of construction insurances. -Demonstrate an ability to initiate and manage a good system of record keeping, production of documents and circulation of information. Examination- Written Examination (2 hours). Pass Mark 50%. Past Examination Papers are available.


PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE (ARCT 40110/ARCT40810) ECTS (Credits) -5 Seminar- 4 hours, Professional Experience- 110 hours, Assessment of Experience (written paper)- 10 hours, Examination Time- 1 hour Total- 125 hours Subject Material- The student is required to spend a minimum of 24 months (post B.Arch/ M.Arch degree, or equivalent) of approved experience in professional practice, under supervision: During this time he/she will gain experience of all aspects of architectural practice. The student is required to submit a written ‘Assessment of Experience’ as an evaluation of their practical experience. Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should be able to- - Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, competence and professionalism required for independent practice as an architect in Ireland. - Show an ability to apply the ‘body of knowledge’ acquired in the other modules in response to specific issues and scenarios. - Demonstrate judgment, integrity and impartiality in their professional dealings. - Demonstrate an awareness of their personal professional responsibilities, skills, competences, limitations and on-going CPD (continuous professional development) requirements. - Show an appreciation of the historical, social, environmental, legislative and economic context in which the built environment is procured’. - Show an ability to communicate clearly and comprehensively. Examination- Written ‘Assessment of Experience’ (20% of marks), Oral Examination (40% of marks for each Oral Exam) in two consecutive oral examinations of duration 20-30minutes each. Students must pass all sections of the exam. Marking- Assessment of Experience 20%, Oral Examinations 80%, Pass Mark 50%. Practical Experience Advice Notes are available.


CASE STUDY (ARCT 40100/ ARCT40790) Credits- 10 Seminar- 1 hour, Dissertation- 110 hours, Tutorial- 14 hours Total- 125 hours Subject Material- The student prepares a Case Study (Dissertation) of 9- 11,000 words (excl. appendices) based on their personal experience, on-going involvement, assessment and analysis of an approved construction project (under supervision in an architectural practice). The student records their experience and commentary on the progress of the project and analyses each stage. The Case Study should identify, and form conclusions about, the problems and successes of the project, and suggest ways in which problems could have been avoided or minimised, and the successes expanded. **Note – The Case Study subject must be approved in advance** Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should be able to- -Demonstrate their personal professional experience gained throughout the development and construction of the selected project. -Identify and expound on all relevant and critical issues at each stage of the selected construction project. - Discuss in detail the architect’s role in relation to the client, design team, specialist consultants, local authorities and agencies, contractors, suppliers and building users. -Analyse the successes and failures of the project and form a judgment on their personal contribution, professional abilities and competences. -Make reference to standard practice where a selected Case Study project deviates from ‘typical’ or ‘best’ practice. -Show an ability to write a professional report, including undertaking research, formatting the structure and presentation, accrediting references and assembling appendices. Examination- Case Study 9,-11,000 words (excl. appendices) on candidate’s personal experience, on-going involvement, assessment and analysis of an approved construction project. The Case Study topic is submitted for approval at the time that the student applies for the Course and it is submitted during the semester. Marking – Dissertation (Case Study) 80%, Presentation at Oral Examination 20%, Pass Mark 50%.

Case Study Advice Notes are available. /END

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