Professional Practice Architecture (Part 3 ARB/RIBA exemption) PgDip

Facts about Professional Practice Architecture (Part 3 ARB/RIBA exemption)

Qualification	PgDip
Duration	Part time: 11 months (minimum)
Attendance	Part time: 1 afternoon and evening per month
Assessment	A critical evaluation of your professional experience, including specific case studies; professional interview;scenario-based papers; group assignments
Course structure

Choose Kingston's Professional Practice Architecture (Part 3 ARB/RIBA exemption) PgDip

This course constitutes the period of architectural education where you are required to address the legal, procedural, professional and managerial competencies needed to engage in architectural practice as an independent and reflective practitioner. Graduation from this course represents the completion of the initial period of formal architectural education and the attainment of the minimum level of competence expected of an architect registered in the UK.

The course covers the criteria specified by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects for Part 3. The award is a qualification prescribed by the ARB.

What will you study?

Your primary learning environment is within practice, but you will also use scenario-based examples to extend and test your knowledge base and its application. You will build on and further develop the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired during your first degree, subsequent graduate education and periods of work-based learning. The emphasis of this course is therefore to deepen, consolidate and demonstrate the application of existing learning and skill rather than to introduce a wide range of new subject material.

Research areas

Many of the staff in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
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Learn a language

You will have the opportunity to study a foreign language for free during your time at the University as part of the Kingston Language Scheme. Options currently include: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Modules

Work-based Professional Experience
Work-based Professional Experience

This module brings together:
- the work-based learning and professional experience which underpins the programme; and
- the academic skills and acquisition of knowledge which gave developed in earlier modules.
The module constitutes the culmination and summation of the programme. You must demonstrate your knowledge, skill and ability to critically appraise professional practice, as well as an ability to determine and manage your professional development.
The Context of Architecture
The Context of Architecture

Architecture is a profession as well as a discipline. The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of the concepts of professionalism and of a profession. You will:
- look at the institutional structures and processes involved in establishing and maintaining a profession, with particular reference to the architectural profession and the development of other professions within the construction and development sectors;
- relate theoretical concepts, techniques and operational methodologies to the current complex social and economic environment; and
- develop independent learning skills and the ability to apply knowledge and skill to unique situations (the learning and teaching strategies are designed to encourage this).
Assessment is through a series of scenario-based assignments.
The Management of Architecture
The Management of Architecture

The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of the processes involved in delivering architectural designs. These will include the economic, social, organisational, regulatory and ethical context.

You will explore and critically evaluate the techniques and criteria for creating, managing and maintaining quality, within a design project, from inception to completion. Areas for consideration will include:
- the development of statutory frameworks in the construction and development industries;
- the development of public and private sector initiatives for regeneration and new build projects; and
- the potential conflicts and synergies in the current systems and anticipated future trends.
Assessment is through a series of scenario-based assignments.
Business Management and Administration
Business Management and Administration

The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of the processes involved in establishing and maintaining a professional architectural service. You will:
- look at the current legal context of practice, including taxation, civil liability, employment law, law of intellectual property and professional liability and the means of ensuring compliance;
- critically evaluate the application of general management theories, including organisational theory, group dynamics and mechanisms for encouraging staff development and maintaining professional competence; and
- demonstrate an ability to identify, cost and manage the resources necessary to meet the needs of an architectural project in such a way to maintain the codes and standards of the profession.
Assessment is through a series of scenario-based assignments.
The Management of Construction
The Management of Construction

The aim of this module is to develop your critical awareness of the processes involved in delivering architectural projects from design, through to fabrication and completion. You will:
- explore the relationship between the design process and the construction process and the techniques and criteria for creating, managing and maintaining quality;
- look at how different procurement routes and methodologies are evidenced in contract forms and current and future trends for construction as an industry;
- compare and critically evaluate current procurement systems and how these modify the role and responsibilities of the architect; and
- look at how time, cost and quality are balanced and how risk is appropriately apportioned.
Assessment is through a series of scenario-based assignments.
Integrative Project
Integrative Project

This module provides the opportunity for you to:
- complete a study of a topic of your choice; and
- work as a group to make a project proposal.
In the individual task, you will both develop and communicate a critical evaluation of a selected area of contemporary practice. The group work includes the formulation of a virtual practice to present a fee proposal for a given range of projects and a presentation to an invited audience.

The module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the presentation skills so important to the practising architect.
Work-based Professional Experience (Level 3) based on PT1 experience
Work-based Professional Experience (Level 3) based on PT1 experience

This module provides support for students undertaking an initial period of professional experience.

The main point of contact is through the Professional Experience and Development Record in which you critically appraise your work in practice. The module is awarded through Accredited Prior Certified Learning for those entering the PgDip in Professional Practice with the required 13 months minimum of appropriately recorded experience.