The overall aim of the Diploma/Masters in Professional Studies is for the student 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 scheme is designed to be undertaken whilst in full time employment within an architectural practice or related construction industry organisation. It is taught largely by distance learning methods using the internet, supplemented by short residential courses.

Both the Diploma and the Masters are validated by the RIBA and the ARB as equivalent to the RIBA Examination in Professional Practice (the Part 3).

Suitable for:

The scheme is intended for students who are graduates from an architectural degree course, either UK or overseas, who have already had a period of employment within the architectural profession and who wish to develop their understanding of issues related to professional practice. The scheme may be taken by architects who are already registered (for example archtitects from other EU countries, and the modules may be taken individually as CPD.

To be eligible for the scheme, students should have obtained a degree which has been validated at RIBA/ARB Part 2 level, or have obtained qualifications which have been assessed by the ARB as equivalent to Part 2. Students 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).

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.

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 scheme convenor.

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 ad 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 thoserisks.
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

WSA Staff

Sarah Lupton MA, DipArch, LLM, RIBA , FCIArb (Scheme Convener)

Christopher Powell B.Arch, DipArch, MTech, DipSoc, RIBA (Senior Lecturer, WSA)

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

Robert Firth BSc(Hons) MArch(Dist) MSc(Project Management), FRSA, FFB, RIBA, (Head of Architecture, Capita Percy Thomas; Visiting Fellow, WSA)

Manos Stellakis BSc, DipArch, MSc(Econ) RIBA, (Partner, Lupton Stellakis architects; Visiting Fellow, WSA)

Link to details of some of the staff and visiting speakers

Applicants who require further information about the Diploma/MA in Architecture: Professional Studies click here. Or 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

Application Information

For further details and application forms:

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

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