The professional practice course is the concluding element of the School's courses in architecture, and leads to recognition for RIBA Part III and qualification as an Architect.

The course is designed for students engaged in practice and is thus spread over the duration of one year.  Lectures are delivered in four two-day intensive courses by a number of leading practitioners and experts in their field.

Further Studies

BIAD offers opportunities for MPhil and PhD research degrees for those wishing to pursue this goal. It also offers a wide range of other postgraduate courses, all of which involve innovative research and provide vocationally valuable experience. These act as an entry point to doctoral research. In the independent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, 60 per cent of the research was judged to be of ‘world-leading’ quality. The MA courses are assessed continuously via individual tutorials, group critiques and written assignments. Students receive written and oral feedback at the end of each module.

Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Postgraduate Studentships are available through a Block Grant Partnership (BGP). Birmingham City University has been successful in its application for a BGP and has been allocated a specific number of awards for a five-year period. The awards will be advertised and administered by the University and are available for art and design based postgraduate courses. The studentships provide funding for graduates who want to continue their studies, conduct further research or to enhance their professional opportunities in a range of careers.

The School of Art is an Arts Council of England recognised RFO (regularly funded organisation) – the only educational RFO in the region. You would be supported by active researchers from the Centre for Fine Art Research (CFAR).

For further information and to apply for a bursary, refer to the Guide for Applicants for Postgraduate Awards in the Arts and Humanities on the AHRC website ahrc.ac.uk. Applications should be submitted to the AHRC before April 2010. Applicants should have or expect to gain a first class or 2:1 degree.

For further information on courses Tel: +44(0)121 331 5595 or go direct to the courses section of the website.

Employment Opportunities

The final examination with the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture Practice gives exemption from the RIBA Part III examination and enables you to become a registered architect and chartered member of RIBA.

Modules

The course is presented by a range of external speakers, often specialists in their own fields in four blocks of two days. These cover three modules:

• Context for Practice
• Practice Management and Business Administration
• Construction Management

Assessments

The assessment is in five parts: record of experience (which includes PEDR log sheets, CV and self-appraisal), case study, essay, open management paper, open book written examination and oral examination.

Entry Requirements

You are required to have obtained RIBA Parts I and II or ARB-recognised equivalent. In addition, before being permitted to sit the final examination, you are required to have completed a minimum of 24 months full-time professional practice experience, 12 months of which are to have been obtained after acquiring the Part II qualification.

Application Details

Apply via the School of Architecture

Enquiries: Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7880.   Email: ruth.reed@bcu.ac.uk

Fees Notes

For information on fees please contact BIAD Admissions: Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5150 Email: biad.admissions@bcu.ac.uk

Enquiries

Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.

Further Information

Room 211
Birmingham School of Architecture
Gosta Green
Corporation Street
Birmingham
B4 7DX

Enquiries: Tel: +44 (0)121 331 7880.

Email:  ruth.reed@bcu.ac.uk