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Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3) PGCert at University of Nottingham - UCAS

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2023 - 20242024 - 2025
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Course summary

Our practice-based course is the final step towards completing your studies in Architecture and becoming a qualified architect in the UK. Our 12- month, part time programmes is delivered through a combination of distance learning, campus recall and study groups. Supported by our dedicated Part 3 team of architects, external experts and examiners, this practice-based approach gives you the opportunity to the enter the profession and learn on the job. The programme deals with issues related to the context for practice, the management of architecture and the management of construction, as proscribed by the five professional criteria set out by ARB. This programme runs from November to November, and is structured about the Professional Criteria:

  • PC1 Professionalism
  • PC2 Clients, users and delivery of services
  • PC3 Legal framework and processes
  • PC4 Practice and management
  • PC5 Building procurement
Modules The course is currently delivered as a single, 60 credit module. (Please note, this is due to change to 4 n0. 30-credit modules in November 2022). Course Content Starting with an in-person recall day on campus in Nottingham in November, students will meet their cohort, be allocated a study group and receive an overview of the course. Our key-note speaker will then introduce professional ethics, values and consider the future of practice and the profession. The majority of the course is then delivered via 30+ lectures which are accessed remotely on Wednesday afternoons (2-5.30pm) between November – May. Three assignments (4000 words each) are completed alongside the lectures, building on experience in practice to demonstrate knowledge and understanding across all five of the professional criteria. Between June-August, the focus is on completion of an 8000 word case study which is based on live project experience in practice. Two further online study sessions are programmed in for September in advance of an office-based, open-book assessment in October. In preparation for the professional interview in November, candidates will prepare a 2000-3000 word critical career appraisal, CV and criteria mapping exercise that documents and reflects on their experience to date. This is accompanied by a min. 24 months of completed PEDRs. The course concludes with a 45-minute professional interview which is conducted by external examiners from in practice.
  • Throughout the course, candidates are supported by their dedicated PSA (professional studies advisor) via 1:1 tutorials, by their peers via the study group format and in study sessions with the whole cohort (usually 30-40 students).

Modules

Course structure:

  • introduction to part 3 course
  • professionalism (including ethics, values, codes of conduct, obligations to society, etc);
  • clients, users and services (including marketing/winning work, appointment documents, scope of services, briefing, fees, etc.);
  • legislative frameworks and processes (including topics such as planning, Building Regulations, heritage assets, accessibility and inclusivity, and the law);
  • practice and management (including setting up and running a practice, resource management, employment law, staff morale, insurances, etc.)
  • building procurement (covering topics such as forms of contracts and procurement routes, roles of the architect, contract administration, collaborative working and the wider construction industry)
Assessment method Assessment of learning and application is through the completion of three assignments through the year (approx. 40000 word documents); an office-based, open-book assessment; a case study (8000 words); evaluation of practical experience, PEDR sheets and the oral interview.

Assessment method

Assessment of learning and application is through the completion of 3 assignments through the year (1500-2000 word documents), a case study (5000 words), evaluation of practical experience, PEDR sheets and the final practice examination and oral interview.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have parts 1 and 2, and experience of working in an approved practice. IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element).

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

For fee information, see www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees
Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3) PGCert at University of Nottingham - UCAS