Professional Practice and Management in Architecture | PG Dip

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Welcome to PG Dip Professional Practice and Management in Architecture

Lincoln's Postgraduate Diploma incorporates the architectural professional practice employed in the management of the design process and construction of projects. Students are required to be in full-time employment, typically within an appropriate UK-based design practice (or similar) under the direction of a UK Registered Architect, who acts as an Employment Mentor.

The programme has been designed to enable students to develop their knowledge, understanding, ability, and skills of the professional practice and management of architecture. Students will be able to develop a comprehensive understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as a professional to clients, the profession, and society at large.

This qualification is developed in accordance with the Professional Criteria requirements of the Architects Registration Board and the Royal Institute of British Architects for the Part 3 Professional Practice and Management examination in Architecture.

Successful completion of this programme of study will enable students to apply to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for inclusion on the Register of Architects and henceforth use the title Registered Architect; and in addition apply to the RIBA for Chartered Membership and be able to use the title Chartered Architect.

Edward Farrell - Programme Leader

Edward Farrell is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment. His previous roles include Associate Professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China; and Conservation Adviser to the London Borough of Camden on the redevelopment of King's Cross station.

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How You Study

This programme of study relies on a combination of taught and professional experience-related modules which aim to develop students' knowledge, understanding, ability, and skills in the Professional Practice and Management of Architecture.

The Postgraduate Certificate Stage taught modules are delivered in the form of workshops, lectures, and seminars which are designed to develop and reinforce theory by placing it in a professional and practical context.

Students are expected to undertake their own independent study and research in order to expand their knowledge and understanding of the subject, and are encouraged to discuss problems they encounter in the workplace.

Postgraduate Diploma Stage modules are undertaken in the workplace simultaneously with the Postgraduate Certificate Stage taught modules. Students are required to be in full-time employment typically within an appropriate UK based design practice (or similar) under the direction of a UK Registered Architect, who acts as an Employment Mentor. The mentor should be able to assist the student in gaining appropriate professional experience through involvement in real-world business activities and project management throughout all stages of the project life-cycle.

Contact and Independent Study

The Postgraduate Certificate stage taught modules require attendance over eight weekends (i.e. Friday and Saturday) throughout the academic year. They take the form of workshops, formal lectures, and seminars which reinforce theory and place it in a professional and practical context. Teaching is supported by appropriate practitioner guest lecturers.

Students are expected to undertake their own independent study and research in order to expand their knowledge and understanding of the subject and are encouraged to discuss challenges they have previously encountered in the workplace. Seeking the knowledge and professional experience of others will assist in the student's professional development.

The Postgraduate Diploma stage work-based modules are undertaken in the workplace simultaneously with the Postgraduate Certificate taught modules, during which time candidates can gain valuable appropriate real-world architecture-related professional experience.

For more detailed, programme specific information, please contact the Programme Leader.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Case Study 2023-24ARC9168MLevel 72023-24This module provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate by means of a case study, an ability to critically analyse the processes and procedures used on a project with which they have been personally involved from project inception through to completion. Additionally, evidence of their personal involvement must be clearly documented in the Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR Logbook).CorePost-Contract Studies 2023-24ARC9177MLevel 72023-24The construction phase of a project sees the culmination of the pre-construction design and contractor selection process and leads to the implementation stage of the project life-cycle, when the initial abstract and conceptual design ideas can become a reality. This module consequently deals with the preparations needed to enable the construction team to commence on site and the contract/project administration processes and procedures necessary to enable the parties to fulfil their contractual obligations. However, not all contracts will run entirely smoothly and consideration must be given to contract claims and any consequential dispute resolution procedures. Finally this module will consider those professional services which can be offered following practical completion of a project, such as the initial occupation/facilities management of a completed development and post occupancy and buildings in use studies which can help to determine how successful a project is at achieving its initial aims and objectives.CorePre-Contract Studies 2023-24ARC9176MLevel 72023-24Following satisfactory completion of a project appraisal and design brief, the design team needs to develop a coherent and effective project brief, in order to produce sensible and realistic design proposals and therefore realise the clients objectives and expectations. At the same time, such proposals must be fully compliant with all necessary legislative and regulatory requirements. As important as the design is, there is a need to generate appropriate detailed production information and tender documentation for the type and scale of the project in order to ensure a suitable contractor with the necessary experience and capabilities is appointed to construct the development. All in accordance with the time, quality, and cost constraints imposed by the client and the design team.CoreProfessional Experience and Development Stage 2 2023-24ARC9169MLevel 72023-24The Professional Interview Examination is the culmination of the Stage 2 period of Professional Experience and Development. This provides the candidate with the opportunity to build upon their Stage 1 period of professional experience and further demonstrate their ability to critically analyse their professional experience and development. As in the Stage 1 period of professional experience, this is achieved by means of the continued use of the RIBAs online Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR Logbook). In addition, Part 3 Candidates are required to complete a detailed Personal Development Plan and a Professional CV.CoreProfessional Practice and Management 2023-24ARC9173MLevel 72023-24In todays constantly changing and highly volatile competitive business environment, if a design practice is to survive, it is essential that architects have a thorough understanding of the construction industry and the value of its contribution to the UK economy. A design practice can no longer rely upon designing interesting buildings alone, but must do this in an efficient and effective manner. This can only be achieved by being fully conversant with contemporary business management strategies, how organisations behave, an understanding of project management, all of which must be undertaken in compliance with current legislation, regulations and codes of conduct within both the UK and European context. This module seeks to address these issues.CoreProject Inception 2023-24ARC9174MLevel 72023-24This module will consider in greater detail the professional issues relating to the provision of a design teams professional services and the need to have in place a written agreement defining the scope of work, the extent of the professional services to be provided, and the basis of the professional fees to be charged prior to the commencement of any project work. If a design team is to realise a clients aspirations for a proposed construction development, it is absolutely imperative that they undertake a comprehensive appraisal of the project and establish a workable and achievable design brief. This module has been designed to recognise that the boundaries between the project appraisal and the more strategic design briefing stages of a project overlap. Hence, these two stages contain certain combined elements of a sensible project proposal which ensure continuity of project development.Core

How you are assessed

Assessment on this programme is through a combination of written examinations, a case study report, a minimum of 24 months appropriate professional experience (which must be recorded using the RIBA Professional Experience and Development Record), a Personal Development Plan, and a professional CV. The final Examination is the Professional Interview Examination (Viva Voce).

Modules are assessed in three parts:
- Short questions examination
- Scenario-based examination question
- Pre-released questions that typically allow students a four-week period to research and develop their answers.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

In addition to the programme fees, Part 3 Candidates will be required to register with the RIBA in order to document their professional experience and development using the online PEDR Logsheets.

With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list. The Universitys extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts, however, some students may prefer to purchase their own and will be responsible for covering this cost.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Part 3 Entrants must hold appropriate academic qualifications which provide exemption from the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 and Part 2 "Examination in Architecture".

Any Part 3 Entrant who does not hold the appropriate qualifications outlined above, will be required to the sit the ARB's "Prescribed Examination in Architecture", prior to enrolment on the programme.

Students are required to be in full-time employment, typically within an appropriate UK-based design practice (or similar) under the direction of a UK Registered Architect, who acts as an employment mentor. The mentor should be able to assist the student in gaining appropriate professional experience through involvement in real-world business activities and project management throughout all stages of the project life-cycle.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

Accreditations

This professional programme is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Interviews

Formal interviews are not conducted when a prospective Part 3 Candidate has previously completed their Part 1 and 2 with the School, as we are aware of their suitability for the programme. However, a more informal interview with new prospective Part 3 Candidates applicants is conducted by telephone.

Where an interview may be required, these can be conducted online, or other suitable means.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this programme will enable students to apply to the Architects Registration Board for inclusion on the Register of Architects.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

PG Dip Professional Practice and Management in Architecture