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Programme summary for Professional Diploma in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies

About the programme

This stimulating and important programme is validated by UEL but run and operated by the Centre for Alternative Technology in mid-Wales. Examining the relationship between human beings and their environment, the programme offers an ecological perspective on building. Topics covered range from the political, economic and social background of environmental issues to local environmental considerations affecting occupant health and well-being.

Programme structure

This modular programme, delivered by staff from UEL, CAT and specialist guest tutors and visitors from architecture and related professions, runs for a period of 18 months. Face-toface teaching is undertaken during a series of residential events (referred to as parts), held at CAT, from September to July with a study tour in December and a summer school in August. The programme is structured in such a way whereby the long design module is complemented by shorter support studies modules that address in depth aspects relating to the built environment, with specific focus on environmental concerns. Each one of the support studies modules is divided into two parts, with content addressing issues of design, technology, cultural context, law, economics, and professional practice, this feeds into the students philosophical approach to inform their design proposals. An important aspect of the support studies modules is the practical based activity where students are learning by doing.

Career opportunities

There is a significant skills shortage in the area of environment and energy, particularly where it relates to the built environment. There are significant employment opportunities in local government, private industry, architectural practices and non-governmental organisations. The many skills acquired and areas considered during this programme are excellent preparation for work in any of the above areas and many other professional practices.

Support

Students studying this programme are allocated to a Seminar Group, of approximately twenty students, led by a design tutor. The majority of learning on the programme takes place in small groups, which allows for individual attention and enables peer review and group discussion. The seminar tutor also acts as personal tutor; individual tutorials are available throughout the residential teaching weeks at CAT and at other times by telephone, email or other arrangement.

Admission

For acceptance onto the programme, the following requirements apply:

  • Exemption from RIBA part 1
  • All applicants will be interviewed with their portfolio to assess their suitability for the programme
  • Applicants who have been educated overseas but lack RIBA part 1 exemption can gain exemption by presenting their previous work independently to the ARB as an external student. Further information can be obtained from the Architects Registration Board available at www.arb.org.uk.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS of 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

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