About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: K10A
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Planning and Architecture
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: One year part-time; starts January
- Delivery: Three day blocks
- Programme leader: Wendy Colvin ARB Architect
- Key fact: The Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture is designed to meet the criteria of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a Part 3 qualification in architecture.
Introduction
This course is the last stage in the formal, academic training and the practical, work-based learning that contributes to the education of an architect. It lays the foundation for 'life-long learning' in the architectural profession. Its primary purpose is to enable you to demonstrate competence in the practice of architecture.
Three important considerations influence the structure and content of the course:
- Current thinking of the RIBA and the ARB
- Objectives of the EU Architects' Directive
- RIBA Core Curriculum requirements of CPD
Being placed within the Faculty of Environment and Technology, architecture courses at UWE are unique in being able to offer a multidisciplinary environment geared towards the construction professions as a whole. The course team is made up of qualified architects and a solicitor with a specialism in construction law. Delivery of the course relies on contributions from lecturers across the Department and industry specialists, ensuring the currency and market relevance of the course.
The Course, seeking 'Part 3 Candidate Status', has also been designed with a view to providing CPD, a requirement of the ARB and RIBA, to form links with local architectural practices. A number of options are available for CPD or returner training purposes; links to these are provided below.
The Course draws on the research and professional practice of the teaching staff involved.
Structure
Content
Architecture at UWE has a strong inter-disciplinary ethos and reputation in the industry. This course continues that tradition with provisional delivery drawing on a range of experts both within and outside the Department.
The course provides the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop necessary skills relating to architectural practice, professionalism, and managing the relationship between the architect and the wider construction industry and society. These correspond to the requirements set out in the criteria published by the ARB/RIBA. The course offers varied and flexible patterns of study, through a blended learning approach, well suited to part-time students working in practice.
In addition to meeting the skills requirement for Part 3, the development of transferable skills such as business, marketing, project management, and communication is an important aim of the course. Importance is placed on appropriate visual, written, oral communication skills as well as listening skills.
Course structure
The course consists of the following four Master's Level modules, all of which must be completed to achieve the award:
- Architectural Profession and Project Procedures
- Procurement and Contract Management
- Practice Management and Personal Development
- Professional Experience
Each of these modules is led by a member of the course team with relevant knowledge and experience of the key topics. All modules must be passed in order to achieve the final award.
Three of the modules: Architectural Profession and Project Procedures, Procurement and Contract Management, and Practice Management and Personal Development, are delivered in three block courses of three days each, through a series of lectures, seminars and workshops. Each three day block constitutes one of these modules delivered, so that particular themes or series of topics can be pursued.
These modules also contain some distance learning, sandwiched around these blocks, to augment and provide a more comprehensive coverage of the topics and assist your learning. You are provided access to a wide range of learning resources via the Department intranet and directed learning, which will supplement the work environment.
The fourth module, Professional Experience, provides opportunity for reflection through tutorials and individual work (documentary submission). Individual tutorials are available within the block courses. This module is undertaken solely by Part 3 students on completion of the other three modules.
Study time
The course is generally studied part-time over one year and culminates in the Oral Exam / Professional Interview. However there is some degree of flexibility to take account of eventualities which might impact on your ability to complete all the requirements of the course within this timescale. Deferrals may be granted subject to the specific circumstances of a student.
Assessment
The course is assessed through coursework, role play, documentary submission, and culminates in the Professional Interview. The coursework constitutes distance learning exercises which relate to the block courses. The documentary submission includes the Record of Professional Experience, a career evaluation and a case study and contributes to the assessment in the Professional Experience module.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
The course, is accredited by the RIBA and ARB as a Part 3 course, and satisfies the Part 3 Criteria for Validation, held jointly with both the professional bodies.
Study facilities
The Department of Planning and Architecture is based in award-winning new Studios. There are excellent resources in terms of the campus infrastructure, the campus library, the online databases and resources, and support for further CPD delivered online and through short courses. The design of this course takes advantage of these.
Careers/further study
The course promotes life long learning and career progression to enhance employability. It supports the Department's strategic objective to develop Knowledge Exchange including an extension of employer links and CPD.
Successful completion of the Oral Exam/Professional Interview enables you to apply to the ARB (Architects Registration Board) to be entered onto the Register of Architects. Once officially registered you may also, if you so wish, apply to become an RIBA Chartered member.
Entry
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires evidence of Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications prescribed by the Architects Registration Board or graduates of courses recognised for exemption from the RIBA Part 1 and Part 2 examination*.
Candidates are required to make a formal application for entry to the course. You will be invited to attend an interview at which the course aims, structure and teaching style will be explained. You will normally be required to produce a portfolio of work to demonstrate professional experience to date for examination by the Admissions Tutor.
* NB graduates of Part 1 and/or Part 2 courses NOT prescribed by the ARB will not automatically be eligible for entry to the UK Register of Architects on completion of the course.
Disabled students
We welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to supporting disabled students and wherever possible we will make reasonable adjustments to these activities to enable disabled students to successfully complete the course. We encourage applicants to disclose any disability or support needs in their application forms, so that we can offer information, advice and support. There is a Disability Service at UWE Bristol and a Disability Support Co-ordinator in the Department.
How to apply
Apply for this course online or download an application by clicking on the link in the top right corner of this page, under 'next steps'.
There is no fixed deadline for applications, other than the start of the course in early January, however you should aim to apply by November so that we can properly consider and process your application in good time for the start of the course in January. With the teaching taking place in intensive three-day blocks, you cannot join the course if this would entail missing any teaching.
Potential applicants can meet the Programme Leader or other members of the course team by prior appointment and see the facilities and resources that we offer. For further information regarding the course, you are welcome to contact: Wendy Colvin (Programme Leader) Wendy.Colvin@uwe.ac.uk or Admissions admissions@uwe.ac.uk, +44 (0)117 32 83333
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011