Architecture Degrees Online

Professional Recognition And Further Study Opportunities

The course is recognised by ARB and RIBA for exemption from the Part II Examination for those who have passed, or been exempted from, RIBA Part I. Students without RIBA Part 1 exemption are not eligible for the course, but may be eligible for the MA Architectural Studies programme which is specifically designed for students in this situation.

Attendance
The course lasts for two years in full-time mode (excluding the Diploma 1 year out) and is three years in part-time mode. The part-time mode requires all students to be employed in a suitable design practice, and this experience supplements for attendance, thus resulting in an attendance pattern of one full day per week. Consistent weekly attendance is mandatory in this mode. For full-time students, two formal days of studio teaching are provided along with a third day, in which students visit local architectural practices for tuition.

Entry Requirements
Normally students are expected to have a first or second class degree in Architecture along with RIBA Part 1 exemption. Evidence of satisfactory completion of at least nine months of practical training is normally required for acceptance on the full-time course or, exceptionally, evidence of considerable previous experience in the industry. In the part-time mode practical training experience may be counted during the first year of attendance depending on their employment.

Applications and visits
You are welcome to visit the School and discuss the relevance of the course to your own situation with the course director. After application you will be invited to an interview at which a portfolio of your work should demonstrate design invention, maturity and breadth of thinking.

Overseas applicants are asked to send examples of their work suitably reduced in scale, with an appropriate description to the International Office. Applications will not be considered without such examples of work.

Birmingham School of Architecture (now linked with Landscape Architecture) enjoys a history and tradition which spans over 100 years. Given that Birmingham is the country’s Second City, the School operates in a rich, diverse, exciting and multi-cultural context. Not only are projects based in the region where appropriate but the School has forged impressive links with local architectural practices, some of which are nationally acclaimed.

Entry Requirements
An average tarriff point offer is likely to be 230, including a minimum of two subjects at A2 or equivalent.

Mature students without formal qualifications will be considered individually.

Applicants for this course will be invited to present a portfolio to demonstrate their design ability.

Careers
The course is fully recognised and accredited by The Landscape Institute. Landscape architects are employed in a wide range of national, private and public practices in this country and abroad. Successful candidates can also pursue environmental design based careers in related fields, such as landscape management or landscape planning.

Students who graduate from the course at the appropriate level have access to Birmingham City University’s Postgraduate Diploma course in Landscape Architecture, which provides access to graduate membership of The Landscape Institute, the profession’s governing body.

Course Content
At Level 4 (first year of full-time study) the modules provide students with an introduction to landscape architecture. Modules include design methodology, landscape design history, the earth sciences, and computer aided design, as well as graphics, IT and visual communication. The central focus of the year is a systematic series of design projects which enable students to apply the material from the taught courses and enable the development of basic design skills.

The Level 5 modules build upon Level 1 work in order to teach more creative and experimental approaches to landscape design, and include modules dealing with design theory and process, landscape planning and urban design, graphics, communication, landscape science and technology, and a series of design projects each of which focuses on one aspect of the creative design process. They include planting and construction technology, strategic landscape design, and the design of detail elements.

As the course progresses more student choice is available, and Level 6 provides students with an opportunity to develop their individual strengths and confidence in design, through enabling students to choose their specialist studies from a range of options. Modules at this level include theory, culture and society, technology and complementary skills, and two major design projects, each of which lasts one semester.

The course also offers opportunities for field study tours in England and Europe, as well as study exchange opportunities in America.

Assessment
The majority of learning is through course work and therefore most modules are assessed by coursework based on continuous assessment.

This course is designed for students interested in environmental issues and design of the landscape. Landscape architecture is a well-established discipline which encompasses the study of design, environmental and cultural issues as well as the technical skills which enable landscape designs to be implemented.

In recent years the practice of landscape architecture has been dealing with an increasingly wide variety of exciting topics, ranging from large-scale landscape planning projects through to high quality city centre and urban landscape projects. This course provides students with strongly design-orientated approach to the subject, which equips graduates with the skills necessary to operate effectively across a wide range of design projects and topics. It provides students with the skills, confidence and ability to meet the challenges of the professional landscape architect in today’s society.

The course is for students wishing to continue their landscape architecture studies through to full professional membership of the Landscape Institute.

The course offers:
Landscape Institute accreditation for Associate Membership via PG Diploma award
Extensive staff research and practice background
Opportunities to study topics of individual student’s interest in landscape architecture
Dedicated studio teaching space and extensive IT facilities

Course Content
The postgraduate diploma is designed around the Major Design Project, an extensive four module piece of work based on student selected project sites. This is augmented by four modules in
professional practice
sustainable urban fringe landscape planning and design
conceptual design studio
project resolution and technology

An MA Landscape Architecture is awarded on completion of a Dissertation equivalent to four modules.The course seeks to develop students’ creative and critical abilities as well as their professional expertise.

Staff are drawn from across the School of Architecture and Landscape and there is a strong emphasis on staff research and publication in such areas as D

All candidates who fully meet with the School’s requirements, which includes the completion of the eight day course, and who then go on to successfully complete the School’s final examination, will be awarded the Birmingham City University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice.

Successful completion of the School’s Course and Examination enables application for registration with the Architects Registration Board, and application for full membership of the RIBA.