Architecture Degrees Online

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.

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.