Architectural Practice Postgraduate Diploma (Part 3)

Program Overview

---

The Architectural Practice Postgraduate Diploma (Part 3) prepares students for registration and chartership with the Architects' Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Delivered through the Leicester School of Architecture, the program covers topics such as marketing, management, building contracts, and architect and the law, equipping students with the professional and business-focused skills necessary for a successful career in architecture.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Objectives:

• Prepare students for registration and chartership with the Architects' Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
• Equip students with the professional and business-focused skills necessary for a successful career in architecture.
• Develop students' understanding of the evolution of the professional architect, relevant legislation, and alternative approaches to practice and management.
• Enhance students' professional acumen in business organization, management and commerce, advocacy, ethics and marketing, contracts, and interpersonal skills.

---

Program Description:

• Delivered through the Leicester School of Architecture, one of the UK's oldest and most respected schools in the field.
• Offers a flexible learning program consisting of three study units, each lasting three days, typically running from October to October.
• Covers topics such as marketing, management and practice, building contracts, and architect and the law.
• Aims to challenge conventions and redefine the future of architectural practice, drawing on years of experience and expertise.
• Equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to set up, market, and manage their own architectural practice.
• Provides a thorough understanding of legislation and contracts related to the building industry.
• Features lectures from practicing architects, academics, and consultants, ensuring students are exposed to contemporary, real-world issues grounded in theory and practice.
• Utilizes the award-winning Vijay Patel building, specifically designed to foster collaboration and provide students with the space and facilities to develop their ideas.

---

Outline:

---

Program Content:

• Marketing, Management and Practice: Develops skills and knowledge needed to understand the setup, professional and economic management, and marketing of an architectural practice.
• Building Contracts: Covers the range of common building contracts, their application, and contractual relationships between parties.
• Architect and the Law: Examines legislation affecting contract law, planning and development, and wider regulations related to architecture and the building industry.

---

Structure:

• Three study units, each lasting three days, typically delivered between October and October.

---

Modules:

• Practice, Management and Law:
Addresses key aspects of the architect's role, including practice setup, marketing, management, building contracts, and legal aspects. Assessed through three long evaluative reports.
• Case Study:
Involves a written submission demonstrating the ability to investigate several areas of architectural practice, either through examining a specific project or conducting a comparative study.
• Evaluation of Practical Experience (& PEDR):
Requires a critical appraisal by the candidate covering their entire professional experience.
• Practice Paper Exam and Professional Interview:
Assesses professional competence through an office-based exam and a summative professional interview.

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

• Work assignments related to study units.
• Written examination taken in the workplace.
• Documentary submission including practical training record (log book/ PEDR), case study, evaluation of practical experience, and employer's report.
• Professional interview.

---

Assessment Criteria:

• Demonstrating an understanding and application of legal, management, and contractual issues in professional practice.
• Producing a comprehensive and evaluative written case study.
• Critically reflecting on professional experience.
• Displaying overall competency and the ability to discharge the role of an architect in an ethical and professional manner.

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures from practicing architects, academics, and consultants.
• Seminars for discussion and consultation.
• Individual consultations related to case studies.
• Work assignments based on practical experience.
• Access to the Architecture and Design Resource Centre, an online learning space.

---

Faculty:

• Experienced practitioners, academics, and consultants with expertise in architecture, law, and business.

---

Unique Approaches:

• Utilizes the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach, providing equitable and inclusive support, facilities, and technology for all students.
• Offers access to DMU Replay, allowing students to revisit lecture material through audio and/or visual recordings.

---

Careers:

---

Potential Career Paths:

• Registered Architect
• Chartered Architect
• Sole Practitioner
• Architect in major practices

---

Career Opportunities:

• Major architectural practices like Foster Associates
• Chartered status with RIBA.
• Ability to use the title 'Architect'.
• Access to markets requiring ARB registration.

---

Other:

• The program is designed for individuals already working in practice with an ARB registered architect.
• Students are required to have at least eight PEDR sheets completed by the time they take the professional interview, with four completed post-part 2.
• The qualification focuses on UK registration, and its applicability in other jurisdictions may vary.
• Students are encouraged to include a personal statement, CV, reference from their current employer/practice, and PEDR sheets as part of their application.

---

Tuition fees are £2,450 for 2024/25.