Architecture Degrees Online

Use your Post Graduate Diploma. Now you can top-up your PGDip to a Masters award with specialised study in:
Design and Theory
Urban Design
Intervention Architecture
Architectural Journalism
Structural Design
Architectural Studies
Course Content

The course offers:

Study organised to ensure:
an understanding of the key knowledge and skills needed for the specialism
a critical appreciation of the ideas, theories and debates that inform that area, and their application
the opportunity for personal development and specialisation through a dissertation or major project

Skill Development
The ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
The ability to demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
The opportunity to develop and enhance understanding of particular aspects of architecture via areas of specialised studies
An awareness of the impact of their specialist area of study on different places and people

Teaching Methods
Teaching methods include: design studios, design based tutorials, seminars, lectures, design workshops, demonstrations, case studies. Contributions from visiting tutors who are practicing architects, designers or construction based professionals.

Entry Requirements
All candidates wishing to sit for the professional practice examination are required to have successfully completed the School’s examinations at degree and diploma level in Architecture (or their equivalent), which give exemption from Parts I and II respectively of RIBA’s own examination.

In addition, and in accordance with RIBA’s practical training requirements, all candidates are required to have completed a minimum of 24 months full-time professional practice experience and development before being permitted to sit for the final examination.

Examination
The examination is structured in six parts;
4 week open paper on The Context for Practice
4 week open paper on Practice Management and Business Administration
Open book written paper on Construction Management
Records of experience in the form of PEDR sheets, CV and self-appraisal
Case study
Oral examination

All candidates are encouraged to liaise with the Course Director, especially during the twelve months within which the examination is to be taken.

Course Content

The professional practice course, which is run in association with West Midlands RIBA CPD, is structured to address key areas of both job and practice management.

The course is assembled as a thematic series of lectures and seminars delivered over a period of eight days in total. To assist candidates in practice, the eight day course is arranged in two separate blocks, each of three days’ duration, and a further single block of two days. The eight days can be taken in sequence either as

March 3 days
September 3 days
October 2 days

or

September 3 days
March 3 days
April 2 days

The grouping of the course dates in the calendar is arranged to enable two separate examination sittings to be held in any one twelve-month period, but the eight day course must be taken in full as part of the examination sequence. Attendance at the respective course dates should be agreed individually by candidates with the course director.

The course is presented by a range of external speakers, often specialists in their own fields. The core content is in the following modules :
The context for practice
Practice management and business administration
Construction management

The course concludes with an afternoon session with the examiners to take the candidates through their reasoning of the previous examination papers.

The lectures and seminars are delivered at the level of ordinary competence, and as such the course is promoted to, and attended by, local practitioners who wish to augment their continuing professional development programmes.

Birmingham City University School of Architecture’s (the School) professional practice course and examination are the concluding elements for candidates who have successfully completed their BA (Hons) Degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture, or equivalent awards holding recognition for Parts 1 & 2 respectively. The course and examination are both fully recognised and validated internally by the University (hence the above award), and externally by the ARB and the RIBA.

The course is open to all candidates, irrespective of age or background. Candidates who wish to sit for the course and examination should consult with the Course Director, normally twelve months in advance of the examination date being targeted.

Entry Requirements
A tariff point offer is likely to be 180 minimum. General Studies is an acceptable subject
BTEC National Diploma with grades Merit, Merit, Pass
Applicants for this course should have GCSE passes (Grade C or above) or equivalent in English language and mathematics
Mature applicants without the usual entry requirements may be considered on the basis of their past record and an interview. Relevant industrial experience plus some form of academic qualification is preferred
Approved Access courses are accepted
Advanced entry is possible for applicants with higher qualifications, such as HND, with suitable grades and subjects

Mature applicants without the usual entry requirements may be considered on the basis of their past record and an interview.

Further study
We offer a wide range of postgraduate courses. There are opportunities for you to continue your studies in management, construction and property-related fields.

By studying at a Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) accredited Centre of Excellence, this popular programme will give you the tools to create realistic and achievable building designs responding to the needs of clients and users alike.

You will benefit from:
CIAT accreditation.
CIOB Accreditation.
Association of Building Engineers (ABE) accreditation.
Opportunity to move between related course areas during Level 4.
Ability to switch between part-time and full-time study at suitable points.
Partnerships with industry providing work experience and job opportunities.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this course should show evidence of design aptitude and skill through a portfolio of work. An average tarriff point offer is 300 points and three A2 Levels.

Applicants with a BTEC NC in Construction with five merits at Level 3 or an HNC in Construction are also welcome to apply.

Appropriate GNVQs at Level 3 or above are also acceptable.

Mature applicants without the normal requirements should have relevant study and/or work experience (such as in engineering, fine art, etc.)

Applicants for the part-time course may be eligible for up to 60 credits Advanced Standing and are required to be employed in architectural practice or other appropriate design practice.

Suitable applicants are invited to open days.

Careers
Graduates will normally proceed to or continue with employment as an assistant in architectural practice as part of, or preparation for, the University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture which provides exemption from Part 2 of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ examinations. A BA (Honours) Architecture is also an excellent qualification for movement into related design fields, journalism, academia and further study at Masters level.

Course Content

This modular course is structured into design projects and subject groups in an increasing level of complexity.
Level Four (first year of full-time study) is a foundation which introduces students to the subjects of architectural history, design theory, environmental design and technology, communication skills and design practice.
Level Five explores and develops wider issues and emphasises design process and design through history, theory, technology and professional practice studies.
Level Six includes design projects which emphasise independent judgement to define issues and set and resolve problems with competence and conviction. It also includes the Special Study which is a major illustrated piece of research into an architectural subject. Architectural history, theory and technology studies inform the design studio.

The majority of learning is through project work and assignments, supported by lectures, seminars, independent study, visits and specialist events. A wide variety of study visits are offered in course programmes.

Study Commitment (Part-Time)
Attendance is on one day with one evening per week. Transfer to or from the full-time mode is possible at any point in the course by negotiation.

Assessment
There are assignments and course work in subjects. Project work is assessed by portfolio review both periodically and in summary at each year end.

This course is the first stage of education in the training of an architect. It aims to establish an informed understanding of architecture, its role in society, its cultural, artistic, technical and practical aspects, and their relationship to design and creativity.

Professional recognition : the course gives exemption from Part 1 of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) examinations.

This course has a natural progression on to the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture and students are encouraged to apply to continue their studies. Graduates will gain the traditional skills in design creativity coupled with professional responsibility and have the knowledge and judgement to resolve complex problems. The course promotes architectural design through a continuous series of projects and contextual studies. Student choice and variety is offered through exploratory projects and studio teaching methods.

Design studies are a central feature of the course and act as the very hub of student development throughout the programme through set design projects and studio-based tutoring and seminars.