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Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


AR50327: Professional practice

Click here for further information Credits: 24
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Academic Year
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: To take this unit, students must:
  • possess a recognised qualification at Part 1 and Part 2 in a school of architecture in the UK, have passed an assessment by the RIBA ARB Assessment Panel at Part 1 and Part 2 or have a qualification recognised under the EU Architects Directive. In the case of overseas candidates who hold unrecognised qualifications, evidence of a separate process of assessment and approval by the Architects Registration Board and the RIBA for equivalence of competence to those holding prescribed qualifications.
  • have completed a total of 24 months practical experience within an architectural practice.
  • have completed a minimum of 12 months practical experience within a UK practice registered with the Architect's Registration Board following achievement of qualifications giving exemption from the RIBA Part II examinations.
  • have a completed and endorsed Professional Experience and Development Record or Certificate of Professional Experience.
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
To provide, through evaluation, appraisal and research, a Documentary Submission comprising a professional curriculum vitae, a professional experience evaluation and a Case Study, appropriate evidence of professional judgement, conduct and ethics in the context of an on-going evaluation of the candidate's professional experience. Through this submission, the candidate should provide a reflective and analytical summary and appraisal of their professional experience, and within the Case Study demonstrate his/her ability to investigate a construction project within the context of professional practice and the construction industry as a whole, and to present their findings in written form. The Submission is to take the form of a professional piece of writing structured within a clear descriptive format, and to include analytical and balanced argument and conclusion derived from the candidate's particular professional experience.
To provide through the completion and submission of the Professional Experience and Development Record, evidence to demonstrate that the candidate is capable of discharging the duties and responsibilities of a chartered architect, have completed the mandatory practical experience required and established the candidate's eligibility to practise architecture.

Learning Outcomes:
Candidates who have completed this unit should be able to demonstrate their professional, analytical and communication skills, knowledge of the administration and management of professional practice, the appropriateness of their professional experience in the work place, the application of theoretical knowledge, professional judgement and ethics, and the demonstration of the capability to practice architecture.

Skills:
Independent research, analysis and assessment of the practical issues involved in the structure and management of architecture, and the management of construction and the procurement of building projects and the exposition of considered argument, opinion and conclusion in clear written English.

Content:
* The professional curriculum vitae: A formal record of the candidate's educational and professional career, including non-architectural work, summarising the candidate's experience in architectural practice.
* The professional experience evaluation: An analytical and reflective appraisal setting out the candidate's experience in architectural practice, with particular reference to projects upon which the candidate has been engaged, and supplemented with drawings, site photographs, relevant project correspondence and testimonials.
* Case Study: An analytical and critical evaluation of at least one construction project undertaken by the candidate during their recorded professional experience, with which the candidate has had direct experience in a design and administrative capacity, to supplement the Professional Experience and Development Record and professional experience evaluation. The Study requires from first-hand experience the description, analysis and formulation of conclusions concerning the evolution and operation of the project from its inception to site construction. The study should be written as an objective commentary upon the nature and progress of a project within the context of the particular management and organisational processes that have guided it, and should include individual analysis of and opinion upon the circumstances that may have arisen and the professional decisions taken during the course of the project. Emphasis is to be placed upon the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the management of the project within the circumstances described, and the speculation upon the efficacy of the decisions taken that may have affected the overall outcome. It is to be prepared and developed under structured supervision and guidance of the University through periodic individual tutorials and the commentary and advice upon draft submissions during its preparation. It is to bbe written in English, have a maximum length of 10,000 words, and be illustrated as necessary. It is to be appropriately referenced and bound.
* The Professional Experience and Development Record : A record of the candidate's professional experience, development and competency in the practice of architecture that demonstrates that the candidate has gained the required amount of professional experience in appropriate locations and of sufficient complexity and standard in compliance with the professional experience regulations.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

AR50327 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.