PgDip Architecture
Attendance
Full-time, Part-time
Full-time and part-time – typically three years, maximum six
The attendance is generally one day per week during the autumn and spring semesters, with up to five additional days per year for design workshops or study trips. A week long overseas design project takes place in the second year.
The semesters are 12 to 15 weeks each
Starts September
At a glance
About this course
This course is a professionally accredited Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB) route to a Part 2 qualification. The three year route allows you to combine study with work in architectural practices offering both a professional and academic advantage.
The course is a natural continuation and extension of our existing Part 1 course. It places critical investigation of environmental and social agendas at the centre of its teaching.
In the first and second year you consider • the social and political context of architecture • research-based methods of urban analysis • forms of participatory and collaborative practice • advanced environmental and technical studies.
In your final year thesis projects you can investigate contemporary issues relevant to architecture and society by devising your own project which demonstrates your interests and emerging areas of expertise.
We encourage you to include ideas about environmental design and integrating original technologies across all years.
The course helps you build the confidence and independence to succeed as an architect by allowing you to follow your own ideas and direction. You are supported by a diverse and enthusiastic teaching team who encourage a strong sense of community and teamwork.
The three year route has many advantages and suits a range of personal circumstances. You typically attend one full day at university each week. This allows you to spend three or possibly four days in architectural practice. This flexible course structure includes an option to extend the period of study up to a maximum of six years.
You can also choose take up to twelve months of practical experience (year out) during the three years of study. This allows for direct entry from graduating Part 1 courses, if you are already in practice, with no formal need for a full prior year of experience.
Working in architectural practice is not a condition for entry to the course. If you prefer not to work in practice alongside your studies, you need a period of six to twelve months architectural experience before enrolling on the course. If you complete the course in three years you benefit from full-time student status.
You take an internationally based project in the second year during a block week, alongside students from other disciplines. In previous years this project was in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
The course benefits from partnerships in and outside the University to architectural practice and industry.
Links with the University arts faculty and other courses that share similar interests in social regeneration and urban planning create opportunities for interdisciplinary and collaborative practice every year.
Specialist environmental and structural studio tutoring is provided by leading professional consultants such as Arup and Buro Happold and visiting architectural practitioners support studio on a regular basis.
MSc level
The three year full-time route comprises 80 academic credits per year. The PgDip (Part 2) can be awarded after three years with an option to gain a masters level degree after a fourth year of academic study.
Associated careers
The three year route, allows you to learn while in practice. Your academic study gives you an advanced entry point into the architectural profession and an added level of preparation for the Part 3 final examination in architecture.
This course improves your present working practices through deeper understanding, knowledge and focused professional skills.
You gain expertise in sustainable design – a subject of increasing global importance.
Although the focus is on gaining a professional qualification in architecture, the postgraduate diploma also gives you access to related careers in • design • planning and urban design • construction • conservation • environmental design.
Professional recognition
This course provides a professional route into an architectural career through its status as a recognised Part 2 qualification by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Course content
Design studio modules provide the core of each year of the course and link to the associated academic modules in a number of ways. We underpin each design studio module with a parallel research module where project themes and briefs are investigated. You apply culture, technology and practice modules to the studio projects or you base your projects on working in practice. There are optional modules available in year two and year three.
Year one
In the first year you look at how architecture supports social and institutional change. You consider how architecture shapes and is shaped by the experiences of those who use buildings. A core design project is used to develop ideas across a broad range of strategic issues.
Year one modules
• cultural theory • advanced environment strategies • project research and analysis 1 • design studio 4
Year two
In the second year you expand the scope of the project to include a wider social network, such as a town or city quarter. Small scale urban and building design projects, based on historical and theoretical models, test the concepts of urban, social and environmental sustainability.
The international project takes place in the second year.
Year two core modules
• critical study • project research and analysis 2 • design studio 5
One from • global perspectives on regeneration • advanced environmental design • consultancy project
Year three
The thesis is a student-led design project that will show a clear architectural stance in response to both the first and second year. It allows you the freedom to construct and explore a project scenario that will comprehensively demonstrate your own interests, values and emerging areas of expertise.
Year three modules
• integrated practice • project research and analysis 3 • design studio 6
One from • advanced digital media • advanced environmental design • advanced technical design
MSc
A masters level degree can be gained through producing a dissertation of 15,000 words. The subject matter might typically develop the outcomes of the design thesis project, relate to work in practice, or advance an area of particular interest or expertise.
Assessment
You develop your learning through • seminar presentations • written coursework • group work • project research • examinations • case studies • reflection on work-based learning • design portfolio.
Entry requirements
Normally an honours degree in architecture at 2.2 or above.
You must also have one of the following
• part one in architecture from a RIBA accredited and ARB prescribed programme
• RIBA office-based part one diploma
• overseas architecture qualifications with RIBA part one validation or equivalent
All applications are considered, with achievements since graduation and practical experience taken in to full account.
International students need high level English language skills. If your first degree was not taught in English then you need an IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all skills or equivalent.
We will invite you for interview, when we ask you to present a design portfolio of Part 1 design project work and/or practice-based work.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £5,355 for the course
Plus an optional field trip fee of £650
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form