Architectural Practice PG Dip

About the course

The Architectural Practice PG Dip has been developed to allow you to reflect on the changing nature of practice in architecture, through study, as well as preparing you for registration and chartership.

The programme offers eligibility for registration as an architect in the UK through the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB), after passing exams which give exemption from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Examination in Professional Practice, commonly known as Part 3.

We have an excellent reputation, close relationships with practice, teaching by established practitioners, and a collaboration with Nottingham University, providing you with a breadth of study opportunities.

You will benefit from a flexible learning programme comprising three three-day study blocks from November to November, and the ability to take the final two-day exam in your own office.

Close all sections| Open all sections|

Key facts

Duration: One year part-time

Location: De Montfort University, Leicester

Start date: September 2013

Entry and admission criteria

You must have ARB/RIBA Part 1 and 2 exemption.

You must also be in full-time work in a practice with an ARB registered architect.

You will automatically be enrolled on the PEDR course| provided you can show you will have eight PEDR sheets completed by the time you take the professional interview in November; four of which must be post-Part 2.

Qualified architects and built environment professionals can take one or more of the study modules for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) but are not candidates for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma or RIBA Part 3 exemption.

International Students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Teaching and assessment

You will receive lectures from practising architects and office professionals, seminars and consultation on an individual basis relating to case studies. Work assignments are based on your practical experience. Assessment is through work assignments relating to the study units, an exam taken in your workplace (practice paper) and a documentary submission comprising practical training record (log book/PEDR), case study, evaluation of practical experience, and an employer’s report. This culminates in the professional interview.

The practice paper is taken over two days and is based on eight scenarios that replicate problems that could arise out of any aspect of practice. The case study and evaluation of experience are major elements of the process and these elements and the practice paper are marked by the professional examiners.

Course modules

• Marketing, Management and Practice – skills needed to set up, market and manage a practice. Alternative approaches to practice; and management in the context of traditional and changing attitudes to professionalism

• Building Contracts – covers the increasing range of building contracts, their application and the contractual relationships between parties

• Architect and the Law – covers legislation affecting planning and development and that relating to managing businesses and projects in the context of current practice in the UK

Academic expertise

Professionals in practice and academic specialists are brought in to deliver lectures and share their expertise with students. In recent years speakers have included Keith Blizzard a partner at Shakespeare the Midlands’ second largest firm of Solicitors, Simon Foxell architect author and a member of the Architectural and Environmental Think Tank the Edge, Deborah Lockton, Professor of Employment Law at DMU, Sarah Lupton who is recognised as being one the leading experts in Contract Law, Basil Sawszuk Architect from the Consultancy Potenyialise and former Director at Atkins.

Graduate careers

If you successfully completed the Part 3 exam, you will normally qualify for registration as an architect through the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and for chartered status with RIBA. You must be employed in an architects’ practice to take the course. Students on the course have worked from the largest practices such as Foster Associates to small Sole Practitioners such as dm3a.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding options for 2013/14 entry are still under review and are subject to change.

Part-time Postgraduate courses fees (per year) £1330

Scholarships

Learn more about postgraduate funding and finance|

Facilities

The recently refurbished Wellesley Building, home to The School of Architecture, has excellent facilities support architecture students, including design studios with CAD software.