MA
Professional Practice - Architecture
Develop a contemporary approach to architectural project management
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course provides a combined study of the latest issues regarding legislation, contracts, management and practice within the architecture profession.
It aims to modernise your outlook and judgement regarding management of architectural practice, the design and procurement of building processes and the operational relationships between the architect, client, contractor and associated bodies.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Debate and solve real-life case studies in order to apply your learning and make an effective contribution to your workplace
- Participate in live web-based chat forums to discuss your work with lecturers and other students
- Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection
What opportunities might it lead to?
If you are an architecture student, professional or you are returning to the profession after a career break, this course is a great way to refresh and update your competencies in the field.
It is designed to cover current business and practice issues, recent legal and building legislation and contractual issues. In addition, students will develop skills in project management and dispute resolution. The course can lead to the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3) ARB/RIBA.
I've really enjoyed the excellent sessions by visiting lecturers from different areas of the industry which have brought the real world into the classroom.
Robert Leslie, architecture and property student
Key Facts
- Duration
- 2 years part time
- Entry
An honours degree or professional status in surveying, architecture or civil engineering. If the ARB/RIBA Part 3 award is taken RIBA part 1 and 2 are required. A case study project is required.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.0.- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man part-time students: £4,500 p/a* (2 years)
International part-time students: £4,500 p/a* (2 years)
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- create.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 2421 - Department
- Portsmouth School of Architecture
Structure & Teaching
Year one
In your first year you will concentrate on small group investigation, research and study.
Here are the units you will study:
- Topical Research Project: This unit enables you to work in a small group to research a given topic over a period of months. You will be asked to present a scholarly text which critically appraises your particular area of research. The group is also asked to produce a handout for their fellow students, combining the findings of the group, and to make a formal presentation to the class during the summer seminar. This unit allows you to gain large areas of practice and construction industry knowledge. This unit is also studied for the Part 3 award.
- Law and Contract: In this unit you will develop a greater understanding in areas of law relevant to the construction industry. You will cover issues such as building procurement, buildings contracts, dispute resolution, QA and contract management. Assessment will be through preparation of a report.
- Architectural Project Management: Through study you will develop key management, organisational and negotiating skills relevant to building projects. Scenario-based learning will be key to the teaching programme, and assessment will be through peer and tutor review.
Year two
Your second year is aligned with the Final Examination in Architecture (Part 3) and encompasses practice-based learning through a case study, together with intensive three-day teaching seminars.
Here are the units you will study:
- Practice Management, Law and Contract: In this unit you will cover the main topics as set out in the ARB/RIBA syllabus and it forms part of the Part 3 award. It will make you aware of the size and relative importance of the construction industry to other sectors of the national and international economy and the role of the architectural profession relative to the industry. It will also introduce you to legislation and the law applicable to architectural practice and building procurement, giving you an understanding of the principles and processes of practice management and business administration. The unit is delivered through lectures together with a one-day contract workshop using real-life scenarios which are examined, discussed and responded to. This unit is assessed through formal examination; past papers are available and candidates are encouraged to practise these prior to the formal examination.
- Professional Experience and Practice: This unit is where you can demonstrate your understanding of good practice and management skills through interpretation of practical experience. You will have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability and professional judgement in coping with situations and problems that arise during the course of a typical building project through a case study. This case study is the key document that will illustrate to the examiners the professional knowledge and experience you have gained through your involvement with the project. The Professional Career Evaluation should be carried out with a high degree of professionalism and is a critical evaluation of your career to date. These two documents, together with a personal CV and practical training records, form the documentary submission for this element of the course. You will have group and individual tutorials for the career evaluation and case study components. This unit is also studied for the Part 3 award.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught using a variety of methods including seminars, tutorials and study groups which encourage a vibrant culture of discussion and debate. You will also undertake a significant amount of self-directed learning for which you will need to be self-motivated, well organised and possess excellent study skills.
How are you assessed?
Assessment takes the form of examinations and coursework. It is designed to test your knowledge of professional practice and processes, your ability to apply knowledge in practice and the quality of your professional judgement exhibited in doing so.
Tutor's view
Paula Craft-Pegg
Architecture
Our workshops are designed to help you develop your skills and knowledge of architectural practice, with an emphasis on collaboration and critical analysis. You will engage in the scenario based workshops, exposing you to real life situations and bringing topics like law and contract to life.
Facilities & Features
Design Studios
You’ll have access to superb facilities to help prepare you for professional practice
Flexible Learning
You will benefit from web, email or phone access to many of our facilities and services
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Design Studios
You’ll have access to superb facilities to help prepare you for professional practice. Our dynamic studios house advanced architectural computer facilities, with Macs and PCs offering the latest design software. Other facilities include:
- CNC milling machine for building three-dimensional models
- Laser cutting machines which automate the production of complex models
- Life drawing studios and a virtual reality suite
- Professional printers as well as extensive computing, film and video facilities
Flexible Learning
Although you may not be campus based, you will still benefit from web, email or phone access to many of our facilities and services. Our student website, LookUP, will be your one-stop shop for all news, information and links to other services, and 24/7 online access to the University Library’s vast electronic book, journal and database collections will help you find the right resources for your studies.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
This course provides a firm grounding in the many aspects of business and running projects which is not included in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of architectural study. Project management is a key skill in the construction industry. Therefore, this course will ensure you are well placed to develop your career outside of the normal architectural sphere, and will guarantee you become a valuable team member to any construction project. Business skills and an understanding of law will also allow career development in management roles within architectural practices.
Studying this course will lead to the Part 3 award (recognised by the ARB and the RIBA). To be eligible for a dual award you must hold RIBA Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications and have the minimum required practical training documented in the Professional Experience and Development Record. The Part 3 award will enable you to join the register of architects held by the ARB.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.