Expand+The following entry routes are available:

Professional Diploma Architecture PT (T290)
Duration 1 Years Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application i...

Hide-The following entry routes are available:

Professional Diploma Architecture PT (T290)
Duration 1 Years Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No

This course is only available to graduates of B.Arch/ M.Arch or equivalent approved 5-year qualification in architecture.

Expand+The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is the final professional examination for architectural graduates leading to entry to the Register for Architects in Ireland. The programme is offered on a part-time flexible basis over two semesters, at the ti...

Hide-The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is the final professional examination for architectural graduates leading to entry to the Register for Architects in Ireland. The programme is offered on a part-time flexible basis over two semesters, at the time that an architectural graduate is undertaking minimum 2 years professional practical experience under supervision. Graduates arrange their own placements in architectural practice, which may be in Ireland or abroad, and the programme is structured to provide a context and support to graduates during their professional training.

Expand+ProfDip Architecture
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 30)

The programme is delivered by UCD academic staff, practicing architects and other professionals with expertise in critical subject areas. Since 2013, the programme is also available o...

Hide-ProfDip Architecture
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 30)

The programme is delivered by UCD academic staff, practicing architects and other professionals with expertise in critical subject areas. Since 2013, the programme is also available online. The course is flexible , it will be delivered online in 2020/21 in the Autumn Trimester. Lecture recordings, learning material and readings will be available to students for flexible learning, supported by weekly group tutorials. Assessments are available in both Autumn Semester (January) and Spring Semester (May).

Course Description
The focus of the Professional Diploma is to ensure that the course is current, relevant and useful to architectural graduates beginning their professional careers. This means equipping graduates with an understanding of the ethical and professional obligations arising in practice, within the context of their own personal careers and the broader construction industry. Preparing for independent practice as a professional requires a graduate to develop key skills in research, critical analysis, objectivity and communication. In order to achieve this a graduate must become fully conversant in industry-specific practices, procedures and statutory requirements.

The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is available under two codes: (part time) Major T290 and Online (part time) Major T291. The same Learning Material is available to all students.

Professional Accreditation
The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is accredited by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) as Registration Body (Ireland) and Competent Authority (European Union) for direct admission to the ‘Register for Architects’ in Ireland.

Expand+Programme Outcomes
Appreciate and understand the historical, social, environmental, legislative and economic context in which the built environment is procured, and show critical awareness of current problems/ new insights.

Communicate with clien...

Hide-Programme Outcomes
Appreciate and understand the historical, social, environmental, legislative and economic context in which the built environment is procured, and show critical awareness of current problems/ new insights.

Communicate with clients, professionals, industry and community stakeholders, organise projects and lead teams, including an ability to provide disinterested advice and to produce professional reports and surveys.

Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings.

Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, competence and professionalism required for independent practice as an architect in Ireland.

Research a broad range of professional, legal, regulatory and contractual topics using a range of research skills and have an ability to acquire and apply the relevant ‘body of knowledge’ in the profession of architecture.

Self-evaluate, to identify personal and professional limitations and to take responsibility for continuing academic/ professional development.

Synthesize information, to formulate professional advice, and to apply knowledge to specific problems often in unpredictable and ill-defined contexts.

Expand+The first module of the course, Architectural Practice, is an introduction to practice, the profession and current issues. The Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts modules include the full ‘body of knowledge’ necessary for practic...

Hide-The first module of the course, Architectural Practice, is an introduction to practice, the profession and current issues. The Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts modules include the full ‘body of knowledge’ necessary for practice and project delivery. The modules in Case Study and Practical Experience are the final professional examinations, founded on the student’s knowledge base, their personal professional experience and their analysis of a construction project.

Stage 1 - Option
Procurement & Contracts ARCT40090
Case Study ARCT40100
Practical Experience ARCT40110
Architectural Practice ARCT40130
Construction Legislation ARCT40140