Programme Specification for BA (Hons) Architecture FT + PT 2009/2010 Teaching Institution: London South Bank University Accredited by: The Royal Institute of British Architects Full validation of the BA(Hons) FT and PT Degree Courses for the period July 2008 - June 2012 The Architects Registration Board Full Prescription of BA (Hons) Full time and Part time degree for the period 30th December 2009-30th December 2013 The Architects Registration Board Annual Monitoring December Submission 01 December The Commonwealth Association of Architects validation of the BA (hons) degree for the period June 2008-November 2009 Faculty of origin: ESBE Highest Award within the Programme: BA (Hons) Architecture FT + PT Other Awards within the Programme: No other awards. Reference Points: Internal: 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (1/12)
SBU Mission SBU Core Skills Policy SBU Academic Regulation BA (Hons) Course Document BA (Hons) Course Guide 2003 / 2004 External: Subject Benchmark Statement for Architecture Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (QAA May 2000) New QAA Benchmark Statement is out for Consultation November 2009 Procedures and Criteria for the Validation of ProgrammeExaminations in Architecture (RIBA/ARB) Ammended May 2009 Prescription of Qualification ARB Criteria 2003 SEEC Credit Level Descriptors Rationale & Aims: Aims of the Programme Architects are involved all over the world in creating a wide range of buildings, which not only house people and facilitate their activities but also reflect the shared beliefs and values of their societies. Architects not only design buildings but work in the conservation, regeneration and urban design of buildings and cities. The fulfilment of these aims produces a demand for professionally qualified architects who must be properly trained. The aims of the programme are to provide a design based and rigorous programme of study for students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Design is core to the course and is studied both at a theoretical and practical level with design studies making up half of the units of the course. The course emphasises the integration of other core areas of study into the programme, which meets the procedures and criteria of the professional validating bodies for exemption from the RIBA Part 1 examination. The BA (Hons) undergraduate programme is one element of a sequence of courses, which offers an educational ladder of opportunity spanning from: 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (2/12)
Foundation Course Undergraduate Degree Course : Exemption from RIBA Part 1 Postgraduate Diploma Course: Exemption from RIBA Part 2 Professional Studies: Exemption from RIBA Part 3 The aims of the programme are: to enable students to approach architecture and design from an informed and critical perspective and to develop wider academic and intellectual abilities to enable students to become aware of the conceptual structure of architecture and its relations with society, art, knowledge and culture to impart knowledge and awareness of the principal factors affecting the spatial organisation and form of buildings, the concept of environmental performance and how buildings interact with their context to enable students to create architectural designs that integrate social, aesthetic and technical requirements to acquire the techniques, knowledge and procedures appropriate to the realisation of architecture at undergraduate level. to familiarise students with some of the techniques of buildingconstruction and the evaluation of building performance to develop in students an historical awareness of the development of buildings and cities to develop in students the ability to analyse critically and the facility of self-criticism to increase students awareness of the demands of practice and to enable them to acquire appropriate intellectual, practical and communication skills 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (3/12)
to enable students to meet the key criteria in Design, Technology and Environment Cultural Context, Communication, Management Practice and Law at Part 1 required by the profession whilst ensuring an integration of design experience with wider academic and educational perspectives to prepare students for specialised study at Postgraduate level through the Diploma Course in Architecture and the Part 3 course, preparing students for a career in Architecture or in a related field Programme Outcomes Programme Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and other attributes in the following five core interrelated areas: A1 Design, A2 Technology, A3 History and Theory, A4 Information Technology, A5 Professional Practice. These areas respond to the criteria identified by ARB in its Prescription of Qualifications. Students undertake a combination of eight units of study at each level. Most units of study are mandatory due to the professional requirements of the course. In the second and third year of the course, an element of choice between academic directions is given by the choice of Atelier design studios on offer. A. Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of: A1. Design 1.1. how key histories and theories of architecture and the existing physical and cultural context can inform design processes, programmes and proposals; 1.2. how to conceptualise, investigate and develop the design of three dimensional objects, spaces and buildings; 1.3. how to create architectural designs that integrate social, aesthetic and technical requirements; 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (4/12)
1.4. the ways in which analysis, research, context, preparation and development of a brief inform a design proposal; 1.5. how regulatory frameworks including the needs of the client, community and users can affect design; 1.6. the critical appraisal of design options according to key criteria. A2. Technology Students will acquire knowledge and understanding and are expected to demonstrate, within coherent architectural designs and academic portfolio: 2.1. a knowledge and awareness of the theories and principles of environmental technologies and their impact upon human comfort, well-being and protection 2.2. an ability to devise structural and constructional strategies for a building which employs integrative knowledge of structures, services, materials and constructional elements 2.3. an ability to integrate knowledge of the principles and theories associated with visual, thermal and acoustic environments 2.4. an awareness and understanding of the relationship between climate, service systems and constructional systems 2.5. an awareness and understanding of the relationship between building technologies, environmental design, sustainable design and the needs of future generations. 2.6. an appreciation of the impact on design of legislation, codes of practice and health and safety both during the construction and occupation A3. History and Theory Students will have an ability to form considered judgements about the spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of a design within the scope and scale of a wider environment. In making design proposals for buildings, or for modifications of the townscape and cityscape students are expected to develop an awareness of social implications and historical precedents. They must be articulate about their design 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (5/12)
intentions, justifying the conceptual stances adopted in their studio projects with logical and consistent argument. There is therefore considerable emphasis on the significance of History and Theory as a crucial area of study, both as an academic subject in itself but also as a means of informing a greater awareness of cultural context within the design studios. Students will acquire: 3.1 an awareness of the influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues 3.2 knowledge and understanding of the histories and theories of architecture and urban design, the history of ideas, and the related disciplines of art, cultural studies and landscape studies 3.3 an awareness and understanding of how physical, cultural and artistic contexts can inform the design process 3.4 an ability to reflect upon and relate their ideas to a design and to the work of others. A4. Digital Media It is essential to facilitate students in acquiring a full range of IT skills in both drawing and digital media. Digital Media provides essential communication skills and prepares the student to gain practical experience in an architect s office during the year out where most drawing is done using computers. Students will demonstrate: 4.1. an ability to use digital and electronic techniques clearly and effectively to convey and critically appraise design ideas and proposals 4.2. a facility to research and source information using the worldwide web 4.3 a fluency with electronic and digital technologies to describe conceptual, spatial and material representations of an architectural nature in both 2D and 3D A5. Professional Practice Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of : 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (6/12)
5.1. the regulatory framework within which architecture operates 5.2. the principles of business management and how a small business operates 5.3. how buildings are designed and built in the context of architectural and professional practice and the framework of the construction industry within which it operates 5.4. how to manage and appraise their own working practices, whether working independently or collaboratively. 5.5 the concept of professionalism and the roles and responsibilities of the architect. B. Intellectual Skills Students will develop their intellectual skills such that they are able to: B.1. critically evaluate and appraise design ideas, academic arguments and diverse theoretical approaches B.2. research, analyse, investigate and synthesise material from a wide range of sources and provided by a variety of methods. B.3. develop creative and innovative designs, which respond to a range of problems and scenarios, acknowledging both change and the future. B.4. appraise and respond to the requirements of diverse clients and user groups. B.5. listen and critically respond to the views of others. B.6. demonstrate the capacity for independent and self-managed learning and personal development through thoughtful self-reflection. B.7. define, analyse and develop design propositions responding to issues of a spatial and architectural nature. C. Practical Skills Students will acquire and develop practical skills in architecture and design which demonstrate: 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (7/12)
C.1. an ability to conceptualise, investigate and develop the design of three dimensional objects, spaces and buildings C.2. an ability to create strategies and architectural designs that integrate aesthetic,social and technical requirements C.3. an ability to use verbal, written and drawn communication methods (including modelling, sketching, digital and electronic techniques) to effectively appraise and represent design proposals C.4. an ability to manage project work within the overall framework of the architecture course C.5. an ability to communicate and articulate their design intentions, justifying the conceptual stance adopted in their projects with logical and consistent argument. D. Transferable Skills Students will acquire and develop transferable skills such that they are able to: D.1. communicate effectively using visual, graphic and verbal means D.2. communicate effectively using digital and electronic communications technologies D.3. manage time and work to deadlines D.4. analyse problems using innovation, logic and lateral thinking D.5. perform effectively both as an individual and as a member of a team D.6. manage work in an independent self-critical and reflective manner D.7. be flexible and adaptable in the approach to and development of a project, in identifying both problems and opportunities. D.8. show an effective use of negotiation, mediation and advocacy skills 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (8/12)
Entry Requirements 10. Entry Requirements In order to be considered for entry to the full-time programme applicants will be required to have one of the following qualifications: GCE or VCE Advanced Level in two subjects and passes at GCSE (grade C or above) in five subjects including English and Mathematics. Pass in a twelve unit Vocational Double Award and passes at GCSE (grade C or above) in five subjects including English and Mathematics GCE or VCE Advanced Level in one subject and passes at GCE or VCE Advanced Subsidiary Level in two subjects that differ from the Advanced Level and passes at GCSE (grade C or above) in five subjects including English and Mathematics. BTEC National Diploma / Certificate, including four merits at Level 3, in addition to GCSE (grade C or above) in Mathematics and English A Scottish certificate with passes in four subjects, all at higher grade Overseas qualifications recognised as accepted for entry by the University An Irish leaving certificate with Mathematics at lower level and four subjects at higher level (Grade C or above) Satisfactory completion of an accredited access or foundation course Any other qualification, which can be regarded as equivalent to the above. Applicants over the age of 21 on 1st of September of the year of entry may be admitted without these qualifications provided that they demonstrate that they have achieved the required level of knowledge and skills in other ways e.g. experiential learning. Interviews The majority of students who apply for the course have the opportunity to attend an interview with a portfolio of their work. Overseas students are invited to send a portfolio of A4 drawings to the admissions tutor. Exceptionally, based on an interview and portfolio inspection the admissions tutor may accept a candidate 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (9/12)
with lower academic attainment than those set out in the above schedule. Programme Structure 11. Programme Structure The programme is offered as a 3-year full-time and a 5 year part-time course leading to the award of BA (Hons) in Architecture award which enables the holder to achieve exemption from RIBA Part 1. Exceptionally candidates may be offered an unclassified degree, which does not offer exemption from the RIBA Part 1 examination. The programme of study has been developed to respond to both the academic and professional criteria for the course. Due to the specific criteria set by the professional bodies all units of study are mandatory. The course has been organised to respond to the five core areas of the curriculum: 1 Design 2 Technology 3 History and Theory 4 Information Technology 5 Professional Practice All of the units offered on the course are mandatory although there may be some choice within course components offered. Field trips however are optional and there is a choice of design studios (Ateliers) offered to students. FULL-TIME MODE The undergraduate course is made up of 24 units of study and students complete eight units of study in each year of the three year course. Full-time year 1 level one Architecture 101 LAR_1_324 Architecture 102 LAR_1_325 Architecture 103 LAR_1_326 Architecture 104 LAR_1_327 Modelling and workshop practice DDA_1_120 Technology and environment 1 LAR_1_330 History of architecture 1 LAR_1_329 Digital media 1 LAR_1_333 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (10/12)
Full-time year 2 level two Architecture 201 LAR_2_334 Architecture 202 LAR_2_335 Architecture 203/204 LAR_2_336 Experimental media LAR_2_342 Technology and environment 2 LAR_2_338 History of architecture 2 LAR_2_337 Digital media 2 LAR_2_347 Full-time year 3 level three Architecture 301 LAR_3_347 Architecture 302 LAR_3_348 Architecture 303/304 LAR_3_349 Technology and environment 3 LAR_3_351 History of architecture 3 LAR_3_350 Philosophy and theory of architecture LAR_3_339 Professional practice LAR_3_352 PART-TIME MODE in 2008-2009 The undergraduate course is made up of 24 units of study and students complete four to six units of study in each year of the five year course. Part-time year 1 Architecture 101 LAR_1_324 Architecture 102 LAR_1_325 Architecture 103 LAR_1_326 Digital media 1 LAR_1_333 Part-time year 2 Architecture 104 LAR_1_327 Architecture 105 LAR_1_328 History of architecture 1 LAR_1_329 Technology and environment 1 LAR_1_330 Digital media 2 LAR_2_347 Part-time year 3 Architecture 201 LAR_2_334 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (11/12)
Architecture 202 LAR_2_335 Technology and environment 2 LAR_2_338 History of architecture 2 LAR_2_337 Digital media 2 (transitional arrangement - 2008-2009 only) LAR_2_347 Part-time year 4 Architecture 203/204 LAR_2_336 Experimental media LAR_2_342 History of architecture 3 LAR_2_337 Philosophy and theory of architecture LAR_3_339 Professional practice LAR_3_352 Part-time year 5 Architecture 301 LAR_3_347 Architecture 302 LAR_3_348 Architecture 303/304 LAR_3_349 Technology and environment 3 LAR_3_351 1_9DFA_0809 finalised on 21/12/2009 by Riccardo Pierini (12/12)