This programme enables students to acquire an in-depth understanding of the legal and economic aspects of architectural practice and construction procurement, and the related skills necessary to practice effectively.

The Diploma is approved by the ARB and RIBA (Part 3), thus providing a route to registration as an architect in the UK. Applicants should normally have a qualification which has been approved by RIBA/ARB at Part 2 level. The optional MA can be taken after the Diploma, or separately, by those with qualifications equivalent to the Diploma.

The programme is directed by Sarah Lupton, who is well know for her expertise in this field, having published many books used widely by practising architects and on Part 3 courses throughout the UK. The programme emphasises course-work, workshop sessions and group working (made possible through having a small cohort). A key feature is the general thoroughness and care given to supporting the individual student, with tutoring provided by wsa staff, Distinguished Visiting Fellows and alumni. For example, students receive written feedback on all interim course work submissions, and the programme director visits all students in their placements at least once. The programme also has unusual features such as an adjudication writing exercise, and a module that focuses on international practice. The feedback from the students has been very positive, as has that from external examiners, who have indicated that they consider the standard of teaching and achievement to be very high.

Special features:

small size of cohort,
individual tutoring, regular feedback
course run by leading author and expert in the field
wide variety of expert speakers and topics covered
module on international practice
students encouraged to develop individual research interests
taught on short residential courses and by distance learning
emphasis on workshops and group working
undertaken while in employment
all students visited in their work placement

Suitable for:

The programme is intended for students who are graduates from an architectural degree course, either UK or overseas, and may be taken by architects who are already registered (for example architects from other EU countries.The modules may also be taken individually by any graduate or professional as CPD

Applicants for the Dip/MA should have obtained degrees which have been validated at RIBA/ARB Parts 1 and 2 levels, or have obtained qualifications which have been assessed by the ARB as equivalent -. They should also have completed a specified period of Professional Experience complying with RIBA/ARB regulations (normally 12 months for part time and 24 months for full time enrolment). Those wishing to take Stage 2 (the MA) separately should normally be Part 3 graduates or registered architects.

Course

Stage 1 of the scheme leads to the qualification of Postgraduate Diploma and comprises six 20-credit modules. All modules are compulsory and have been designed to promote progression through levels of difficulty and complexity of skills, knowledge and concepts in an enabling sequence.

Teaching Methods

Stage 1 of the scheme is taught through a combination of short courses and distance learning. The student is required to attend three short residential courses held normally in October, January and April. The emphasis of the courses is on interactive learning, and they include seminars with invited experts, group work assignments, role-playing exercises, and face to face feedback sessions on course-work.

In the intermediary period, the course employs distance learning methods, using Blackboard, a web-based virtual learning environment. Activities carried out in the work placement contribute to the student's learning experience, and are monitored by the School. The student undertakes a wide variety of coursework tasks, designed to develop professional and academic skills. During the scheme the students are given opportunity to explore topics of interest to them in the form of essays, case studies or by dissertation.

The teaching on courses and by distance learning is supported by a team of WSA staff and external experts, with an important and growing contribution from alumni of the programme. A prize is awarded by Capita Architecture for the best Diploma graduate, and by the Society of Construction Law for the best adjudicator decision.

Stage 1 Modules

The Construction Industry in the UK:

Enables the student to develop a critical understanding of factors which control the construction industry and the procurement and management of construction projects.

Construction Contract Law:

introduces the students to concepts of construction law and dispute resolution, examining in detail the standard forms of contract used in the construction industry, and appropriate methods for their administration and the management of related risks.

Project Management

examines methods of project planning, project management and quality control of construction projects of various sizes and forms from inception through to occupation. The aim is to equip the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage, within the context of architectural practice, a small to medium scale building project from inception through to completion.

Professional Services

Examines the role and status of the construction professional, including regulation of the profession, professional liability and professional indemnity insurance. It introduces the student to the range of professional services that the architectural profession offers, and the means of assessing and agreeing terms of engagement for a building project.

Practice Management

Explores methods of management of architectural practices of various sizes and forms, including the management of its financial and human resources, and the legislation related to these. The module will enable the student to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a small architectural practice, and contribute to the management of a larger architectural practice.

International Construction Procurement

Examines the construction industry in selected other countries, including the role and regulation of the architectural profession, methods of procurement and standard forms of contract. It also introduces the student to methods of procurement and managing of large scale international (i.e. cross-border) construction projects.

Stage 2 leads to a Masters degree. Students who proceed to the MA undertake a dissertation (60 credits) on a topic related to the taught modules and agreed by the programme director.

Study Options

There are a variety of flexible routes through the scheme. Students may pursue stage 1 (Part 3) on a full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) basis. Stage 2 (the dissertation) then takes a further year on a part-time basis. The MA will normally therefore take either two or three years. Alternatively, the student may elect to leave after stage 1, in which case they will be awarded the Diploma.

Knowledge and Skills Acquired

The scheme fosters the development of critical and independent judgement, and the ability to manage complex processes. It also develops a critical awareness of current problems in the field. Graduates will be able to:

explain how the legislative and economic control of the built environment and the construction industry affects development and the procurement of projects in the UK
explain the key methods of managing the design process, including the integration of the work of all members of the team
assess the architectural services required for a project, and propose appropriate terms of appointment and fee arrangements
evaluate and select the appropriate project procurement route for a variety of projects and the associated services required from members of the team
evaluate the key risks in construction contracts, and explain the role of indemnities and insurance in dealing with those risks.
make informed judgements when presented with complex and difficult contract administration problems, including the assessment of claims
propose appropriate management systems for varying sizes of architectural practice, including for the management of physical, financial and human resources
explain how international policies and treaties affect the procurement of construction projects in selected countries

Books by Sarah Lupton:
Guide to SBC05

Provisional date for residential courses this session:

October 17th - 21st
January 23rd - 27th
March 26th - 30th

Prizes

A prize is awarded by Austin Smith Lord for the best Diploma Graduate, and by the Society of Construction Law for the best adjudicator decision. Prize-winners over the last few years have been as follows:

	best Diploma Graduate	best adjudicator decision
2008	Tim Browne	Robert Stiles
2009	Elizabeth Smith	Samantha Pinn
2010	Samantha Pinn	Diana Rashkova
2011	David Roberts	Aimée Turner

WSA Staff

Sarah Lupton MA, DipArch, LLM, RIBA , FCIArb (programme director)

Andy Roberts B.Arch, MSc, ILTM (Teaching and Learning Specialist, WSA)

Robert Firth BSc(Hons) MArch(Dist) MSc(Project Management), FRSA, FFB, RIBA; Senior Vice President, HOK (www.hok.com); Distinguished visiting Fellow, WSA

Manos Stellakis BSc, DipArch, MSc(Econ) RIBA; Partner, Lupton Stellakis (www.luptonstellakis.com); Distinguished visiting Fellow, WSA)

Link to details of some of the staff and visiting speakers

Application Information

For a pdf brochure about the Diploma/MA in Architecture: Professional Studies click here. If you would like to apply for this scheme download the electronic postgraduate application form.

Current students enrolled on the scheme should refer to their Blackboard Account and may find some useful links available from the Schools Support Pages

For further details please contact:

Post-graduate officer: Christine Heywood
Telephone: +(44) 029 2087 9332
Facsmile: +)44 029 2087 4623
Email: HeywoodC@cardiff.ac.uk

click here to download latest pdf brochure

Examples of student feedback:

Gave an insight into all areas (relevant/current) of the construction industry

small group sizes and high standards of teaching staff

case study is very helpful; hands on learning

Thoroughly enjoyed the breadth of essays and discussions amongst the cohort and the level of feedback was very good

v. useful notes issued .overall very impressed with course structure and invited speakers

Good to review essay proposal with peers so they can input info/contact

Workshop and interactive stuff very useful and a change from just listening

Psychometric test v. interesting; the task/exercise was useful and helped look at the module from a different angle

speakers interaction with audience and audience participation in resolving real problems

to have in actual practitioners and people from relevant industries

Thorough!

It appears as though we are in safe hands

School

Courses

Research

Diploma/ MA in Professional Studies (Part 3)

Introduction