Construction Design and Economics
The bachelor degree programme in Construction Design and Economics provides you with a solid foundation after taking account of the different entry qualifications of the students. The wide-ranging degree programme focuses on the Architecture and Civil Engineering branches of study, which are continued in the subsequent master degree programmes.
The School of the Built Environment provides students with a ‘Ladder of Opportunity’ that allows for academic and professional development in a dynamic and flexible way. This combination of opportunities allows the student to progress through the foundation programme to degree level study. These awards are nationally recognised as well as being part of a programme leading to Honours Degree level.
The foundation programme is designed to allow students to gain knowledge through continual study as well as to gain experience through practical application. Students share a broadbase of knowledge whilst at the same time acquiring a detailed study of their particular specialism.
Students can opt to enter into employment after 2 years or continue (subject to the admissions process) into one of the following degree programmes:
BSc (Hons)
Architectural Technology
Building Design Management
Building Project Management
Building Surveying
Construction Management
Estate Management
Quantity Surveying.
BEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering.
All students will study the following subject areas:
Building construction
Building services
Built environment law
Draughting and CAD
Contract and management procedures
Professional practice
Work experience.
The following are modules from all Foundation Degree programmes, typically students will cover a selection from:
Building Services engineering systems
Computing for the Built Environment
Contractual and Management procedures
Conversion and Adaptation of Buildings
Design technology and procedures
Electrical and Lighting design
Electrical Installation technology
Environmental Analysis
Landlord and Tenant
Materials and Structures
Mathematics
Measurement and Co-ordination project information
Mechanical Systems Design
Planning and Building Control
Planning and Regeneration
Property and Construction Economics
Property Marketing
Residential Property management
Site Organisations and Contact Planning
Software for Building Services Engineering
Surveying Principles
Thermofluids and Heat Transfer
Valuation.
Career Opportunities
Most BArch graduates go into architectural practice or go on to further academic study in architecture or related subjects. There are numerous options including setting up independently or working as part of a team in a small or large practice.
There are also opportunities within the architectural sections of a government department or semi-state body or commercial organisations. There are different aspects you can specialise in such as design, technology, architectural conservation or project management. Your skills are transferable and portable and many architects also become involved in projects or work abroad.
Some architects also work in other areas such as planning, heritage site management, landscape, art and culture, or academic research and education. After two years of approved graduate practical experience, holders of the Bachelor of Architecture degree may take the examination for the Professional Diploma (Architecture). Graduates who have passed this exam are entitled to exemption from the examinations in Professional Competence of the RIAI and the RIBA Part 3 and qualify for membership of these institutes.
UCD Architecture offers master’s and degree programmes over a wide range of areas of research including:
- Energy and the Environment
- Urban Studies
- Irish and European
- Landscape and Urbanisation
- Urban and Building
- Design Studio Research
- Housing
- Urban Design
Taught master’s programmes are also available.