Programme Specification for Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies Professional Diploma in
|
Final award |
Professional Diploma |
|
Intermediate awards available |
PG Cert, PG Dip |
|
UCAS code |
N/A |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
Architects Registration Board |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Architecture (2010) |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
February 2012 |
Profile
The summary - programme advertising leaflet
Programme content
The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) and the University of East London (UEL) are offering a joint programme of study that will lead to the qualification Professional Diploma in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies. Running mainly as a residential programme at CAT it also includes a study tour and a residential Summer School. The programme is configured for those students who already have Part 1 exemption and who wish to study for part 2 whilst developing an appropriate philosophical approach to design through the specialism of environment and energy. The programme has been prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) from September 2008 to September 2014, and is subject to periodic review for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects. The prescription of this qualification will be due for renewal in September 2014 as part of ARB four yearly review-cycle.
This programme, which concentrates on design and a wide range of current environmental issues is based at CAT (Europe's leading Eco centre) and offers;
- a unique combination of design and academic study
- practical experience that will equip students with design experience and vocational skills
Buildings and the construction industry play an important role in environmental impact, the potential within the profession for environmental change is pivotal to the entire debate. With this in mind, this programme has been configured to deliver;
- part 2 through an environmental specialism
- teaching emphasis placed on the integration of support studies with design proposals,
- examination of the relationship between human beings, the environment and our responsibility towards it.
The programme utilises the core modules of the MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies programme at CAT to provide 50% of the teaching as support studies, the remaining 50% of the programme is delivered through design studio teaching and design project work. This form of delivery enables part 2 architecture students to interact in a multidisciplinary environment with those from other professions and provides excellent opportunity for rich debate and sharing of experiences as well as building on existing skills
For further information about ARB and the prescription of architectural qualifications see the Education section of the ARB website
Admission requirements
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.
Programme structure
This modular programme, delivered by staff from CAT and specialist guest tutors and visitors from architecture and related professions, runs for a period of 18 months. Face-to-face 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 February 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.
Learning environment
Modules consist of Design Studies, delivered through design studio teaching sessions and Support Studies delivered through, lectures, seminars, presentations and practical activities. Largely, teaching takes place at CAT in the various dedicated teaching spaces; seminars and tutorials are conducted during the weeks when not at CAT. The summer school will usually be held at CAT. Additional web based design tutoring is available on line through CAT's learning facility. Part 2 students benefit from dedicated studio and teaching space located at CAT within the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE). There is access to in-house computing facilities and web based support. At the end of the programme students' have the opportunity to exhibit their work at CAT and at UEL. The WISE facility also provides workshops, laboratories, student accommodation and a 200 seat lecture theatre.
Assessment
Based on the work presented and the students understanding of it, assessment aims to enable students to reflect on their progress and to assist in determining whether a student is ready to receive an award. The assessment process is concerned with each student's progress and takes place through design portfolio submission and coursework, in the form of essays, reports, practical write-ups and presentations. This material builds to form the student's academic portfolio. Portfolios contain all relevant coursework, research and design work (including sketchbooks), and carefully document the student's progress through the programme, including the work conducted on the support studies modules. Interim reviews of design work take place at strategic points throughout the programme and consist of a portfolio review where students present their work orally to staff, invited guests from the profession and fellow students. The emphasis of assessment is on continuous feedback, providing opportunity for reflective practices. Assessment methods are designed to reflect the outcomes of the module and the criteria for prescription of the relevant professional bodies. Final portfolio submission takes place at the end of the programme. There are no closed book examinations.
Relevance to work/profession
The programme is suitable for those students of architecture with an interest in developing expertise in an area of rapidly increasing importance where skill shortages are being reported and increasingly specialist knowledge is required.
Thesis/Dissertation/project work
Project work throughout the programme is undertaken on an individual and group basis. There is no dissertation associated with the programme; students build a written portfolio consisting of various types of work completed throughout the modules in the form of; essays, critiques, practical write-ups, diaries, case studies and reports. This written work combines with the design project proposals to form the student's academic portfolio.
Your future career
The programme is the second stage of architectural education. The many skills acquired and areas considered through this programme are excellent preparation for any work in which you need to be able to analyse problems and make creative proposals for their solution including architectural practice, private industry, NGO's, Local and Nation government and the voluntary sector.
How we support you
Students studying this programme are allocated to a Seminar Group, of approximately twenty five 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.
Bonus factors
Residential teaching weeks take place at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) located in North Wales on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. This provides a unique environment for study with access to leading experts in their fields and considerable opportunity for interaction and discussion with programme members and staff. Work completed on the Professional Diploma programme can be taken into consideration to enable students to go on to complete a dissertation through UEL's Accreditation of (Certificated) Learning (A(C)L) policy, thus qualifying them for the additional award of MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- develop a sound knowledge and analytical ability utilising and building on existing knowledge
- facilitate your intellectual, creative and professional development
- develop your judgement in response to complex and unpredictable research and professional issues within the area
- cultivate the ability to take a senior/management position in academic research and professional practice
- develop an appropriate philosophical approach through the specialism of environment and energy
- become an architect with specialist knowledge
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- history, theory, context and practice of architectural design
- technological, organisational and environmental implications of the construction industry
- understanding of and ability in the principles and practice of energy use and provision
- regulatory framework in which architecture is produced
Thinking skills
- use creativity, conceptual skills and judgement to identify human and environmental needs and to meet or express them in space and form
- demonstrate an understanding of principles and practices and integrate and apply that knowledge
- critical understanding of the theory and practice of environment and energy issues in the cultural context of society as a whole
Subject-Based Practical skills
- ability to use a range of media in analysis and representation to create and communicate architectural design
- ability in the techniques and equipment used in the development of practical applications in the area of environment and energy
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- analyse a problem and systematically design and implement an effective solution
- creativity and judgement; both as an individual or in group work
- clarity of expression in spoken and written words, including visual media, drawing and use of computers
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 240 for a Professional Diploma. 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma, 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate, 30 credits for a Postgraduate Associate Certificate.
Typical duration
The typical duration of this programme is eighteen months full-time. It is possible to intermit for a period of time, which must be one or two complete semester and no more than two consecutive years, due to external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. The overall duration of the study period will be effected if students make use of this flexibility.
How the teaching year is divided
The programme is divided into three semesters over eighteen months. The teaching programme begins in September and ends the following academic year in February. A typical full-time student will study one 60 credit design module through semester A and two 30 credit design modules in semesters A and C. Alongside the design modules the student will study two 30 credit support studies modules in semester B, one 30 credit support studies modules in semester A and one 30 credit support studies module in semester C, as described in the programme diagram over:
What you will study when
| Module Number | Module Code | Credit | Module Title and Outline Content | Dates | Total Hours | Contact Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Modules | ||||||
| Semester A | CEM100 | 60 | Design Studies with Professional Practice Individual design projects, professional practice diary and study tour |
Sept to Jan | 600 | 200 |
| Semester C | CEM200* | 30 | Design and Fabrication: Collaborative Project Design testing and fabrication of group design proposal; short project |
June & July | 300 | 100 |
| Semester C | CEM300* | 30 | Design and Fabrication: Renewable Energy Engineering Design, fabrication, application and testing of either solar water or solar thermal system |
June & July | 300 | 100 |
| Semester A | CEM400 | 30 | Design Studies: Summer School Advanced resolution of complex proposal; focusing on an element of work from Module 1 |
August | 300 | 100 |
| Support Studies | ||||||
| Semester A | CEM500 | 30 | Environment, Energy, Climate and human beings Environmental politics, economics and law, exploration of the global context |
Sept & Oct | 300 | 100 |
| Semester B | CEM600 | 30 | Building Performance and Energy Use Condensation, ventilation and cooling; energy and water use and the built environment |
Nov & Dec | 300 | 100 |
| Semester B | CEM700 | 30 | Environmental quality, monitoring and assessment Occupant Health, Environmental Quality, Assessment Methods and Indicators |
Feb & March | 300 | 100 |
| Semester C | CEM800 | 30 | Building Performance and use of materials Legislation and assessment governing building performance and the choice of materials |
April & May | 300 | 100 |
| Required no. of credits | 240 | Total number of hours required | 2400 | 800 | ||
* Indicates modules that are optional; student choose to complete either module CEM200 or CEM300.
| Level | Module Code | Module title | Credit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | CEM100 | Design Studies with Professional Practice | 60 | Core |
| M | CEM200 | Design and Fabrication: Collaborative Project | 30 | Option |
| M | CEM300 | Design and Fabrication: Renewable Energy Engineering | 30 | Option |
| M | CEM400 | Design Studies: Summer School | 30 | Core |
| M | CEM500 | Environment, Energy, Climate and human beings | 30 | Core |
| M | CEM600 | Building Performance and Energy Use | 30 | Core |
| M | CEM700 | Environmental quality, monitoring and assessment | 30 | Core |
| M | CEM800 | Building Performance and use of materials | 30 | Core |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain a Postgraduate Associate Certificate, you will need to obtain 30 credits at Level M.
In order to gain a Postgraduate Certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits at Level M.
In order to gain a Postgraduate Diploma, you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level M
In order to gain a Professional Diploma, you will need to obtain 240 credits at Level M
Professional Diploma Award Classification
Where a student is eligible for a Professional Diploma award then the award classification is determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of all marks and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
Distinction |
|
60% - 69% |
Merit |
|
50% - 59% |
Pass |
|
0% - 49% |
Not Passed |
Outline Content of Modules
| Module No. | Module Title | Module Code and Date | Module Content | Module Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Modules | ||||
|
CEM100 |
Design Studies with |
CEM100 part 1 |
A short design project engaged with exploring the cultural context of a community near Machynlleth, North Wales. |
Design Studio tutorials, reviews |
|
CEM100 part 2 |
Professional studies diary or case study following the theory and practice of architecture within context, locating students learning within the context of professional practice. |
Diary keeping or case study |
||
|
CEM100 part 3 |
During a study tour of four major UK cities students examine how regeneration has been used and the responsibility of and reactions to regeneration with reference to the social, political and environmental context. This major design project will be located in one of four cities throughout UK examining aspects of regeneration. |
Design Studio Seminars, tutorials, presentations, Study tour |
||
|
CEM200 |
Design and Fabrication: Collaborative Project |
CEM200 part 1 |
Design and Testing Option: five mixed groups of MSc and Part 2 students work on different design proposals for local sites including; redevelopment of a rural site and urban mixed use infill |
Design workshops, presentations, seminars, tutorials |
|
CEM200 part 2 |
Fabrication and Experimentation Option; five mixed groups of MSc and Part 2 students work on different Fabrication and experimentation proposals including; test cells, post occupancy evaluation and analysis and evaluation of assessment methods |
Design workshops, fabrication, seminars, tutorials |
||
|
CEM300 |
Design and Fabrication: Renewable Energy Engineering |
CEM300 part 1 |
Renewable Energy Design and Engineering; design fabrication monitoring analysis and testing on either; Solar Thermal or Solar Electric |
Design workshops, fabrication, seminars, tutorials |
|
CEM300 part 2 |
Continuation of work started in part 1; emphasis on evaluation and testing of design proposals. Critical analysis is conducted through individual report and group presentation. |
Monitoring, analysis assessment, reviews, seminars |
||
|
CEM400 |
Design Studies: Summer School |
CEM400 |
Intensive summer school with emphasis on resolving environmental, structural and technical strategies for a complex building or group of buildings originating from work in module CEM100. |
Design Studio Seminars, tutorials, presentations |
| Support Studies | ||||
|
CEM500 |
Environment, Energy, Climate and human beings |
CEM500 part 1 |
Politics, economics and law; Environment and energy in a global context; Environmental space/ecological footprint; urbanisation and sustainability; Renewable energy overview. |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
|
CEM500 part 2 |
Climate and micro climate; Thermal Comfort; Climatic influences on design; Heat transfer; energy conservation; thermal performance of buildings; Principles solar electric |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
||
|
CEM600 |
Building Performance and Energy Use |
CEM600 part 1 |
Principles of ventilation and cooling; Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics; Dampness and condensation; breathing walls; Water provision and sewage disposal; Principles of Solar water |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
|
CEM600 part 2 |
Principles of artificial and natural light; Daylight factor; Sunlight and solar gain in buildings; Introduction to computer analysis and representation techniques; Principles of Hydro power and Biomass |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
||
|
CEM700 |
Environmental quality, monitoring and assessment |
CEM700 part 1 |
Occupant health and well being; Noise: Sick building syndrome; Hazardous building materials; Indoor Air Quality; Principles of Wind power or students can choose to complete this part of the module following the Computer Applications Option; Computer methods of environmental analysis and simulation such as Radiance and Computational Fluid Dynamics; Evaluation of computer methods; Complex systems such as Star Logo |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
|
CEM700 part 2 |
Environmental assessment/indicators; The Green Guide; Embodied energy and Life Cycle Analysis; Eco homes, BREEAM and others; Waste; Environmental building; Intelligent building |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
||
|
CEM800 |
Building Performance and use of materials |
CEM800 part 1 |
Legislation, SAP; Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment; Society and environment; Eco-psychology Environmental management, ISO 140100 |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
|
CEM700 part 2 |
Materials examined with an environmental agenda: timber, concrete, straw, earth, composites Practical studies on timber, concrete, straw, earth, composites |
Lectures, Seminars, Presentations, Tutorials, Practicals |
||
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through; design project work, course work (including directed reading and essay writing), and participation in lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
Thinking skills are developed through; design projects, problem solving, self-appraisal, self-evaluation, and successful completion of set assessment tasks, course work and critical evaluation of concepts, assumptions, arguments and data.
Practical skills are developed through; design project work, practical activities (including use of specialist IT applications) and construction based projects.
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through; oral presentation of design project work and written work, written work including critiques, reports and articles, group work including group presentations, working to deadlines, self-directed study and peer assessment.
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by its manifestation in course work and design project proposals.
Thinking skills are assessed by; their manifestation in design project proposals and course work (particularly those items requiring critical evaluation) and use of appropriate problem solving skills.
Practical skills are assessed by their manifestation in course work and design projects and use of specialist equipment during practical activity.
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by; an individual's ability to communicate their own work verbally at reviews and presentations, manifestation in written course work, evidence of group work and ability to produce time constrained work.
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before this programme started the University checked that:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University’s Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years the University undertakes an in-depth review of the whole field. This is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback to the University through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module and component evaluation and feedback questionnaires at end of every module and/or component
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 10 times a year)
- Student/Staff consultative committee (meeting 10 times a year)
- Group seminars and tutorials
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme and consultative committee meetings
- comments from feedback questionnaires published for every module/component
- providing details on the programme notice board/dedicated web site
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- dedicated student web site and on-line forum for past, current and former CAT students, staff and interested parties
- the relevance of the education is tested by inviting leading professionals to evaluate student work
- information/feedback provided by the Centre for Alternative Technology
- communication with prospective students applying to the course
- inviting practising architects and those from other related professions to review student work during each module
Further Information
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
