Programme Specification for Architectural Design & Technology BA (Hons)

This programme is only offered at:

AKMI METROPOLITAN COLLEGE, ATHENS, GREECE

Final award	BA (Hons)
Intermediate awards available	Cert HE, Dip HE
UCAS code	N/A
Details of professional body accreditation	N/A
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements	Architecture
Date specification last up-dated	April 2013

Alternative locations for studying this programme

Location	Which elements?	Taught by UEL staff	Taught by local staff	Method of Delivery
AKMI Metropolitan College, Athens, Greece	ALL	NO	YES	TAUGHT – FULL-TIME ONLY (delivered and assessed in the Greek language)

The summary

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry to level 1 or the full programme

The standard entry requirement for students entering level 1 is the Greek Secondary School Diploma (Apolytirion of Lykeio – minimum 10/20) with particular attention to be given to subject specific modules. Non-Greek nationals who have obtained this qualification through attendance in the Greek schooling system will be eligible for admission on the same basis as Greek nationals. Greek nationals who have been schooled overseas may be admitted to the programme on demonstrating that:

-They hold a qualification recognised by UEL for admission to undergraduate programmes in Architecture.

-They have demonstrated command of the Greek language through possession of an appropriate qualification recognised by the Greek educational authorities

It is not envisaged that students will be admitted with experiential learning. Any such applications, along with other non-standard applications, will be determined on an individual basis in consultation with the UEL link tutor.

Entry is conditional on an interview over portfolio. Following the interview, candidates are required to fill out an application form which formalizes their request to be granted admission to their chosen programme of study. All decisions on student admission are then undertaken by a committee consisting of the Academic Coordinator, the Programme Leader, and selected programme tutors.

AMC has an organized interviewing and admissions process which it follows for every academic programme it offers. Candidates are expected to sit one or more interviews with a qualified interviewer (who is usually the Programme Leader in the student’s respective field of interest). Following the interview, candidates are required to fill out an application form which formalizes their request to be granted admission to their chosen programme of study. All decisions on student admission are then undertaken by a committee consisting of the Director, the Programme Leader and selected course tutors

A list, translated into English, of applicants to the programme along with their entry qualifications and decision taken on the application shall be forwarded to the UEL link tutor on completion of admissions for each academic year, in order to verify compliance with UEL requirements.

Following a successful completion of the aforementioned admissions process, the student will be requested to submit originals of relevant official documentation (such as Apolytirion of Lykeio certificates) to the Programme Registrar at AMC, who will be responsible for verifying that they are genuine. Copies will be kept for the purposes of future audit, and student details forwarded to UEL, who will then email the student with instructions on how to register at UEL.

AMC welcomes applicants with either a science or arts background. A combination of the two is particularly desirable. In selecting students the School looks for evidence of creative potential and willingness to work hard.

TECHNICAL REQUIRMENTS

To participate in the programme you need at least:

1. A PC or Mac, with 40 hours unrestricted access per week.

2. 56K modem with Internet access.

3. A supported Internet browser (see WebCT’s tune-up page at

http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browser_tuneup_information).

4. Reliable email

5. Access to a printer

The PC or Mac should be capable of running the standard MS Office suite (or equivalent) for producing word-processed documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It is advisable to equip your computer with Adobe and relevant drawing software packages.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Architecture at AMC

Students are taught on the atelier method in small groups under the direction of tutors who have freedom to devise their own projects. The programme emphasises learning through making and critical reflection on what one has made, in this way developing creativity and judgement of each student. The programme is unusual in the amount of personal tuition each student receives each week, usually from teachers who are also active as practising architects. Most of the learning is done through project work in the School's studios and workshops. Since the aim is to develop to the full each student's creativity and critical judgement, the programme is very demanding.

Programme structure

The programme is only available in full-time mode (3 years) and as a Single Honours programme.

Learning environment

Some of the learning is through lectures and seminars, and involves reading and writing, but the heart of the programme is the design studio where students learn to become architects through project work. AMC Architecture has its own new purpose-built facilities in Marousi - Athens. As well as its studios there are wood, metal and plaster workshops and computer suites. Students also make visits to study sites and buildings, cities and landscapes in Greece and abroad. At the end of the academic year the students exhibit their work at the end-of-year show.

Assessment

Students receive informal feedback on their progress throughout the year and formal feedback through the Mid-Year Reviews, scheduled in the second term. Assessment takes place at the end of the academic year through a review of the student’s design portfolio and associated coursework. Re-sit assessments are scheduled, usually, in September, just prior to the start of the next academic year. There are no closed book examinations.

Work experience/placement opportunities

Due to the fact that most of the tutors are also practicing architects, the school has strong and direct links with the industry. Professional Studies is integrated into the Supporting Studies Module in Levels 2 and 3, enabling students to gain perspective of the industry through project work. CV writing and Portfolio Workshops are available to Level 3 students in anticipation of the ‘Year Out’ work experience.

Project work

Project work, both individual and as part of a group, is at the core of the programme. Throughout the three-years of study you will undertake both small and large design projects as part of the module assessment. Each level of the programme sees the project work increase in complexity applying the skills acquired.

Added value

The skills of analysis and creative synthesis and of communicating in drawings, words and using IT are useful in many other areas of life and work.

It should be clarified that the BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology is not recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for the purposes of registration as an architect in the UK and/or in Europe. Individuals wishing to pursue a career and ultimately register as an architect in the UK and/or Greece are advised to contact the ARB (info@arb.org.uk) and the appropriate authorities in Greece for further advice and guidance on the requirements that they will need to meet for this purpose.

IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?

If you are interested in...

How things look as well as how they work
Buildings and cities and how people use them
Making a better place to live

If you enjoy...

Art and science
group work
hard work

If you want...

A wide-ranging programme that develops your creativity as well as your judgement.

Your future career

The programme is good preparation for any work in which you need to be able to analyse problems and make proposals for their solution.

How we support you

Architecture students come from many different educational backgrounds so the first year of the programme is partly diagnostic. It is organised to develop all the practical skills such as drawing or computer aided design, which an architect needs. Each student has a personal tutor whom they meet at least once a week. The tutor is responsible for guiding your academic development and will give personal support. You also get a lot of support from fellow students because most of the teaching and learning is in small groups working on common themes in the project work.

Bonus factors

Since many of the staff are also practitioners in the field of architecture, the course gives a direct connection to the industry.

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

To develop your creativity and judgement
To become an architect

What will you learn?

Knowledge

History & Theory of Architecture Art & Design
Technology of Building
Building Industry
Social and Environmental Sustainability
Regulatory framework in which architecture is produced

Thinking skills

Use creativity, conceptual skills and judgement to identify human needs and hopes and to meet or express them in space and form.

Subject-Based Practical skills

Ability to use a range of media (drawing, models, computers, photography, video) in analysis and representation to create architectural designs.
Experience in physical making and the use of work shop machines

Skills for life and work (general skills)

Creativity
Team working
Clarity of analysis in spoken and written words, as well as in drawing and other visual media
Use of computers
Ability to analyse problems and propose solutions.
Understanding how things are made

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:

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 360 (120 credits per year).

Typical duration

The typical duration of this programme is 3 years full-time

How the teaching year is divided

The BA (Hons) Architectural Design and Technology is a three-year programme, organised in two 60-credit modules for each level.

The modules which are co-requisite are: Architectural Design and Supporting Studies.

What you will study when

The modules of the programme are summarised in the table below

Level	Module Code	Module	Credits	Status
1	AR1001	Architectural Design 1	60	Core
1	AR1002	Supporting Studies 1 Technical, Professional & Cultural Studies History and Theory Technical Studies Visual Studies	60	Core
1	AR1003	Professional Module 1	0	core
2	AR2001	Architectural Design 2	60	Core
2	AR2002	Supporting Studies 2 History and Theory Technical / Professional Studies Visual Studies	60	Core
2	AR2003	Professional Module 2	0	Core
3	AR3001	Architectural Design 3	60	Core
3	AR3002	Supporting Studies 3 History and Theory Technical Studies Professional Studies	60	Core
3	AR3003	Professional Module 3	0	Core
-		TOTAL	360	CORE

Requirements for gaining an award

To achieve the BA (Hons) award it is necessary to take and pass all core modules as listed in the table.

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

Degree Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:

The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3

2/3

The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3

1/3

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%	First Class Honours
60% - 69%	Second Class Honours, First Division
50% - 59%	Second Class Honours, Second Division
40% - 49%	Third Class Honours
0% - 39%	Not passed

Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning is organised through:

project work
programme work
essay writing
seminars & tutorials
lectures

Knowledge, thinking skills, practical skills and general skills are developed through lectures, seminars and tutorials associated with design projects, coursework, and essay and report writing.

Assessment

Knowledge is assessed through its manifestation in course work, design projects and essays.

Thinking skills are assessed through their manifestation in course work, design projects and essays.

Practical skills are assessed through course work and design projects.

Skills for life and work are assessed individually through the ability to produce design projects, coursework and essays, and the ability to explain one's work verbally at reviews and to the assessment panel.

Quality

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before the programme started, the following was checked:

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 programme met any professional/statutory body 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 Standing Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field 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. library/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 fulfill 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 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 evaluations
Student representation on programme committees (meeting each semester)
Personal tutor, module leader, pathway leader, field coordinator

Students are notified of the action taken through:

Circulating the minutes of the field committee and the annual quality improvement report
Verbal feedback to specific groups
Providing details on the appropriate notice board

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

The relevance of the education is tested by inviting practising architects to criticise student work at regular intervals.

Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from: