Course overview

The MA Professional Practice course 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.

The MA Professional Practice (Architecture) is a part-time professional academic programme that runs for a period of two years. It is continuously updated to respond to the latest issues regarding legislation, contracts, management and practice. The mode of study will vary, the first year concentrating on small group investigation, research and study. Year two 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.

The course syllabus also covers important peripheral matters on the environment and sustainability, a broad understanding of the construction industry in social and economic terms and wider issues of practice and project management.

The School of Architecture

Based in the award-winning Portland Building, designed by the RIBA gold medallist Professor Sir Colin Stansfield-Smith, the School provides a vibrant and friendly community for both staff and students.

Is this the right course for me?

To join this course you will need a degree in architecture or a related subject and a minimum of 24 months' practical experience in an architectural practice or a related profession. The MA Professional Practice (Architecture) is suitable for architecture students, architectural technologists and for people returning to the profession after a career break. Typical candidates are:

• students with the equivalent of RIBA Part 1 and 2 wishing to undertake the Part 3 final examination and further develop a specialism in project management and areas of law
• students with a first degree in architecture or architectural technology or a related discipline wishing to study architectural professional practice, who have a minimum of 24 months' practical experience
• international students who wish to study an ARB Part 3 award together with a Master's award
• mature students in practice who have taken a career break and wish to update their knowledge or wish to obtain an MA in Professional Practice

Suitability for the course will be assessed at interview. Students from other schools of architecture are welcome on the course. The mode of delivery is designed to suit students who are based outside of Hampshire, with teaching delivered through three-day seminars at two-month intervals.

This course requires a considerable commitment from candidates in terms of time and personal self-directed study, together with collaborative working with students in other practices.

Course content

The course comprises five modules of study:

Year one

• Topical Essay (30 credits): 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 large areas of practice and construction industry knowledge to be covered by the groups to the benefit of all participants. This unit is also studied for the Part 3 award.
• Law and Contract (30 credits): this unit will develop a greater understanding in areas of law relevant to the construction industry. Issues such as building procurement, buildings contracts, dispute resolution, QA and contract management will be covered. Assessment will be through preparation of a report.
• Architectural Project Management (30 credits): through study students 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

• Professionalism, Law and Contract, Practice and Management (30 credits): this unit covers the main topics as set out in the ARB/RIBA syllabus and 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 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-Based Learning (60 credits): this unit is where you can demonstrate your understanding of good practice and management skills through interpretation of practical experience. The Case Study provides you with 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. 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. Group and individual tutorials will be offered for the career evaluation and case study components. This unit is also studied for the Part 3 award.

Teaching and assessment

The course is taught using a variety of methods:

• Seminars (Year one): fortnightly one-day seminars will include lectures, small group discussion and project-based learning.
• Seminars (Year two): the seminar series is designed to allow you to get away from the pressure of the office and concentrate on the intensive input offered during these seminars. They are set up as a series of lectures and workshops delivered by various speakers, who are experienced and often specialists in their own field. Workshops are included in the seminar sessions and groups of students are given problems to resolve and present to their colleagues.
• Tutorials: you will be expected to attend an individual tutorial at the enrolment stage of the course to discuss case study topics and practical experience. You will also be able to arrange individual tutorials for your case study and career evaluation as required for the duration of the course.
• Study groups: you will be encouraged to form study groups for the topical research project and presentation, and to assist each other at the revision stage, prior to examination. The formation of groups is usually based on geographical location. You are encouraged to meet regularly, revise together and practise past examination papers.
• Self-directed learning: at this stage of your career you are expected to be self-motivated, well organised, well versed in study skills and able to determine your own study programme.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, including coursework and examinations. The purpose of the examination is not only to test your skills and knowledge, but also your experience and judgement regarding organisation and management of architectural practice, and the design and procurement of building and operational relationships between the architect, client, contractor and associated bodies. Assessment will encompass your knowledge of professional practice and processes, ability to apply knowledge in practice and the quality of professional judgement exhibited in doing so.

Career prospects

The MA Professional Practice provides grounding in many aspects of project running and business not included in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of architectural study.  Project management is a key skill in the construction industry that will ensure successful students are well placed to develop their career outside of the normal architectural sphere, and will ensure they are valuable team members.  Business skills and an understanding of law will allow career development in a management role within practice.

Studying the MA course will also 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.

Facilities and features

Portland Building incorporates many of the principles of effective and environmentally sensitive architecture. Apart from being a fantastic place to learn and study, the building is an example of how important buildings are in creating an environment that is conducive to learning.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MA Professional Practice: Architecture are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Portsmouth School of Architecture (ARCH)
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 2421
Email: create.admissions@port.ac.uk