BArch (Hons) Architecture Programme Specification July 2011 1 of 11 version 8
1. Basic Data Highest Award and Modes of Study Mode FHEQ Level* Full and BArch (Hons) Architecture part-time * QAA (2008), The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Interim Awards None 6 Awarding Institution/Body Teaching Institution University of the West of England, Bristol City School of Architecture, Colombo, Sri Lanka Internal Approval/Review Dates Date of first approval: September 2011 Programme Accredited by QAA Subject Benchmark Statement(s) N/a Architecture and Architectural Technology Date of Programme Specification September 2011 2. Educational Aims of the Programme This programme is the first of two degrees needed to become an Architect. In particular, it aims to produce graduates who have the potential to become architects able to occupy and skillfully to practice within the profession, in particular: To give students a broad based awareness of architecture and enable them to appreciate good architecture, good design and acknowledge the related arts. To equip students with an awareness and knowledge of architecture, design and peripheral technical subjects within the streams of History/Theory/Society & Culture; Technology; Environment and Profession. To enable students to acquire the skills necessary to evaluate and implement buildable architectural designs at a micro level through core design projects. To provide a professional education for the architect to a level which is equivalent to Part I of the RIBA eamination as determined by the RIBA. To enable students to form working relationships and establish direct links with the construction industry through the Learn while you work concept of the programme. To encourage critical debate, innovative design thinking and a quest for creative design through a combination of theory, practice, peer interaction and review. 3. Intended Learning Outcomes for the Programme A Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of: 1. The regulatory frameworks, and health and safety considerations that guide design and building construction 2. Architectural histories and theories, of physical, artistic and cultural contets, and their use in informing the design process 3. The influence on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues 4. The histories and theories of architecture and urban design, the history of ideas, and the related disciplines of July 2011 2 of 11 version 8
art, cultural studies and landscape studies 5. The principles of business management and how a small business operates 6. How buildings are designed and built in the contet of architectural and professional practice and the framework of the construction industry within which it operates Teaching/learning methods and strategies Design Projects. Design is the core subject of the course and it is conducted as interactive studios. An atmosphere of critical debate, innovative design thinking and a quest for creative design is encouraged through the school, tutors, critics nd practitioners giving a balance of teaching inputs. Peer interaction and reviews are also encouraged. The designs are structured around different themes in every year and include a diversity of conceptual and pragmatic projects which develop students' knowledge and understanding. Lectures/seminars. Focused knowledge development takes place via lectures seminars and study visits.. Students are encouraged to do formative work to develop their understanding of the subject matter and receive feedback on their depth of understanding. The delivery of these lecturers seminars and study visits are conducted by specialist from the profession, academia and the construction industry bringing the cutting edge epertise needed in the programme of study. Assessment The assessment and eamination for each year of study in the design studio will be done through continuous studio based assessment, term based reviews and a design portfolio eamination of the design studio work and course end eamination of a comprehensive design project. Theoretical subjects are assessed through coursework and sessional and course end written eaminations. B Intellectual Skills On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to: 1. Apply reflective, critical, analytical and imaginative reasoning to the design process. 2. Research, analyse and integrate knowledge of contet, budget, preparation and development of a brief in the synthesis of a design proposal 3. Evaluate the impact of design on legislation, codes of practice, and health and safety during the construction and operation of a project 4. Form considered judgments about the spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of a design within the scope and scale of a wider environment. 5. To make links between course content and wider social, economical and environmental factors associated with the profession. Teaching/learning methods and strategies Studio based continuous assessment Design Studios are the core of the academic programme of the school. A student is continuously assessed through weekly design studios and at critiquing sessions. Milestones or targets are set at short intervals based on the learning outcomes defined in the design programme and evaluated continuously at regular intervals, in the progression to the critiquing sessions. This helps the student to focus intensely on specific issues whilst being constantly aware of the larger picture, bringing about a thorough understanding in the run up to design development. The arrangement also trains students towards quick and prompt decision making. Continuous assessment is carried out by the CSA staff, tutors and resource persons through a feedback sheet for each student which is handed over to the year persons for an overall assessment. The Year Persons maintain records of the progress of each student. Design Studio includes both conceptual and pragmatic projects to offer students the opportunity to develop their analytic and creative skills and to apply knowledge acquired in other modules. In parallel with, and related to, the design studio projects learning takes place in module based lecturers, seminars, workshops and study visits. Students are set formative work on which they receive feedback before the July 2011 3 of 11 version 8
submission of coursework for summative assessment. Theoretical subjects are assessed by a balance of coursework and eamination. The course also has field work where the students are allowed to eperience and analyze the built environment in a variety of contets. Assessment Students knowledge and understanding is assessed through: 1. Continuous assessment: reviews and critiques of design studio work: compiled reports, slide presentations, multimedia presentations and sketches/drawings and working models as groups and individually. 2. Coursework and eamination 3. Design Projects C Subject, and Practical Skills On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to: 1. Apply the principles of building technologies, environmental design and construction methods, in relation to: human well-being, the welfare of future generations, the natural world, consideration of a sustainable environment, use of materials, process of assembly, and structural principles. 2. To bring broadly-based inventive and analytical skills to the design process. 3. To identify and deploy the knowledge and skills most appropriate to the design task at hand. 4. To demonstrate mastery of the conventions of architectural drawing and to select and use analytical tools and CAD applications in the solution of problems and the production of designs. 5. To demonstrate a clear and analytical written style suited to the professional role of the architect. 6. To make informed judgements in respect to ethical values both at the level of responsibility of the professional to the client and the wider social and environmental contet. Teaching/learning methods and strategies Design Projects. The core of the student eperience is the design studio. The design studio is where skills are acquired as habits that will inform the rest of the student s working life and where theyare honed through eperimentation and iteration. These are structured around different themes in every year and include a diversity of conceptual and pragmatic projects which develop students' knowledge and understanding. Lectures/seminars and studyvisits. Focused knowledge development takes place via lecture seminars and study visits. Students are encouraged to do formative work to develop their understanding of the subject matter and receive feedback on their depth of understanding. practice. Practical eperience with qualified professionals allows the student to see and eperience business elements of the profession through a Learn while you work approach. Assessment 1. Continuous assessment: reviews and critiques of design studio work: compiled reports, slide presentations, multimedia presentations and sketches/drawings and working models as groups and individually. 2. Coursework and eamination 3. Design Projects D Transferable Skills and Other Attributes On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to: 1. Work as part of a team 2. Reflect upon, and relate their ideas to a design and to the work of others 3. Use visual, verbal and written communication methods and appropriate media (including sketching, modelling, July 2011 4 of 11 version 8
digital and electronic techniques) to clearly and effectively convey and critically appraise design ideas and proposals. 4. Listen, and critically respond to, the view of the others 5. To identify, access, research, manipulate and interpret data. 6. To deploy reasoning and evidence in support decisions. 7. Manage and appraise their own working practices, whether working Independently or collaboratively Teaching/learning methods and strategies Transferable skills are developed through the Design Studio modules which require their use throughout all years of the programme. practice modules also allow students to work as part of a team and to develop communication skills. Assessment Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules throughout the programme and relate to relevant assessments as appropriate. 4. Programme Structure and Requirements, Levels, Modules, and Awards The key consideration in the design of the programme structure has been to ensure that it provides the range of knowledge, skills and eperiences to prepare students for a career in architecture, delivering a series of educational and professional requirements that are necessary for validation by The Royal Institute of British Architects (as Part I qualification in architecture) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (Part I). Programme Structure YEAR 1 is the most interesting year of study and encourages students to understand and appreciate architecture. Considerable emphasis is placed on creative design and design appreciation through Design Projects and Drawing Eercises. In addition, Architectural Studies which includes Drawing, Writing, Eperiencing Architecture and Computer Studies are done under the umbrella of design to provide a richer understanding of Architecture. Under Architectural Communication students are encouraged to work on architectural drawings and writing in addition to following lectures and studios in Architectural and Technical Drafting, Perspectives and Sciography, Free hand Sketching, Graphics, Model Making, Photography, Appreciation of Architecture through writing and Computer Studies. Eperiencing Architecture is done through a series of organized visits to places of architectural and historical interest. Theory subjects are classified as History/Theory/Society & Culture; Technology; Environment and Profession. The subjects taught are Society & Culture (core subjects - History of Architecture, Ancillary Subjects Art & Sculpture, Music, Cinema & Drama); Technology (core subjects Architecture & Structures, Materials & Construction and Building Services); Environment and Profession. YEAR 2 The aim in the second year of the Course is to further strengthen and reinforce the students skills acquisition and awareness in Architecture. Students are encouraged to develop their drawing skills in 2D and 3D form. The design programme includes 5 Design Projects that focus on the various factors that influence architectural form - contet, a community and its social values, anthropometrics and ergonomics and the programme culminates in the design needs of special users and a community of houses in an urban setting. Architectural Studies which includes Architectural Communication, Eperiencing Architecture and Computer Studies are done under the umbrella of Design. The production of architectural drawings and writing are encouraged under Architectural Communication (measured drawing of a house and an appreciation, book reviews in relation to design projects). Eperiencing Architecture is done through a series of organized visits to places of architectural and historical interest. Theory subjects taught during this year are classified as History/Theory/Society & Culture; Technology; Environment and Profession and is more detailed, to widen the students awareness and knowledge. The subjects taught are Society & Culture (core subjects - History of Architecture, Theory of Architecture); Technology (core subjects Architecture & Structures, Materials, Construction and Building Services); Environment (ancillary subjects- Climate Studies, Landscape and Surveying) and. YEAR 3 The Year 3 is a year of systematic recollection of all subjects dealt with in the Part I years, with greater degree of concentration in preparing for the Part I Eamination. In this year the learning process is consolidated and the students are eposed to the integration of design. The design programme guides the student to the overall synthesis of design issues to resolve architectural problems - handle design data, prepare a design brief; respond to development controls and building regulations, improve his/her decision making skills and July 2011 5 of 11 version 8
design skills, reflect an integrated approach to design and display a general awareness of the profession and the construction industry. During this year the student undertakes a Pre CDP Project and a Comprehensive Design Project (CDP) aimed at demonstrating competence in problem solving and acquiring the technical skills necessary to create acceptable built environments at micro level. The Pre CDP Project is aimed at addressing the use of alternate technologies to create sustainable built environments. The CDP Project is a Mied Development in Performing Arts/Leisure & Entertainment/Recreation within a wider community. Architectural Studies which includes Architectural Communication, Eperiencing Architecture and Computer Studies are done under the umbrella of Design. The production of architectural drawings and writing are encouraged under Architectural Communication (working drawings of a building and book reviews in relation to the design projects and an Essay). Eperiencing Architecture is done through a series of organized visits to places of architectural and historical interest. Theory subjects taught during this year are classified as History/Theory/Society & Culture; Technology; Environment and Profession. Subjects taught are Society & Culture (core subjects - History of Architecture, Theory of Architecture, Ancillary Subject: Principles of Contet Generated Architecture and Design); Technology (core subjects - Structures, Materials, Construction and Building Services, Ancillary Subject: Interdisciplinary Design); Environment (ancillary subjects Green Architecture & Alternate Technology, Climate Studies, Lighting & Acoustics) and Profession (Ancillary Subjects Office, Development Controls and Building, Fire, Health & Safety Regulations, Quantity Surveying) and are conducted with emphasis on the application of theoretical knowledge to the CDP and also cover a spectrum of inter related disciplines. Students are also guided in Essay and Report Writing. July 2011 6 of 11 version 8
Curriculum LEVEL 1 MODULES (Credited) Stream Module Code Element Design Eam CW Mark Module Title CSA Design Studio Design 1110 ARCH/DES 1110 Design 1 4 16 Architectural Studies 1210 History / Theory ARCH/HIST 1310 ARCH/STUD 1210 ARCH/HIST 1310 Architectural Studies 6 24 History of Architecture 1 4 16 Technology ARCH/TECH 1710 (ST) Architecture & Structure 1 4 16 ARCH/TECH 1710(MAT) Materials and Construction 1 4 16 ARCH/TECH 1710 (SE) Building Services 1 2 8 Environment ARCH/ENV 1810 Environment 1 4 16 ARCH/PROF 1910 Profession 1 2 8 30 120 LEVEL 2 MODULES (Credited) Stream Module Code Element Design Eam CW Mark Module Title CSA Design Studio Design 1120 ARCH/DES 1120 Design 2 8 32 Architectural Studies 1220 ARCH/STUD 1220 Architectural Studies 6 24 History / Theory ARCH/HIST 1320 History of Architecture 2 2 8 ARCH/THEORY 1420 Theory of Architecture 2 2 8 Technology ARCH/TECH 1720 (ST) Architecture & Structure 2 2 8 ARCH/TECH 1720(MAT) Materials 2 2 8 ARCH/TECH 1720 (CON) Construction 2 2 8 ARCH/TECH 1720 (SE) Building Services 2 2 8 Environment ARCH/ENV 1820 Environment 2 2 8 ARCH/PROF 1920 Profession 2 2 8 30 120 LEVEL 3 MODULES (Top-up programme) Stream Module Code Element Design Eam CW Mark Module Title CSA Design Studio Design 1130 Design 3 16 64 Architectural Studies 1230 Architectural Studies 3 4 16 History / Theory ARCH/HIST 1330 History of Architecture 3 2*2/3 5 ARCH/THEORY 1430 Theory of Architecture 3 2*2/3 5 Technology ARCH/TECH 1730 (ST) Structure 3 2*2/3 5 ARCH/TECH 1730(MAT /CON)) Materials and Construction 3 2*2/3 5 ARCH/TECH 1730 (SE) Building Services 3 2*2/3 5 Environment ARCH/ENV 1830 Environment 3 3*2/3 10 ARCH/PROF 1930 Profession 3 2*2/3 5 30 120 Transitional arrangements have been made for those students who are at present studying under CSA old Structure. Please see appendi at the end. July 2011 7 of 11 version 8
5. Awards The highest award title is BArch (Hons) Architecture 6. Support for Students and their Learning The programme is managed by the Head of School who oversees the operation of the programme and the delivery of the modules, assisted by the Deputy Heads for the Programme and faculty in charge of each year of study). The University of the West of England () Faculty of Environment and Technology has a Link Tutor who manages the collaboration between City School of Architecture (CSA) and the University. Induction New entrants to the programme attend an induction programme to familiarise them with the structure and operation of their programme and facilities to support their studies. All students are briefed on the academic calendar, as well as academic programmes and events for the year at the beginning of the year The students are also briefed in relation to the physical and educational resources available to them. Academic Support and Guidance The Faculty who are in charge of a year of study are the immediate support mechanism available to students. Students could also discuss their learning needs and obtain advice and guidance on personal issues and job placements from the Deputy Heads of the Parts I & II Courses. Eternal Tutors, Supervising Architects at the Trainer s and the Practical Training and Welfare Counselors act as additional mentors whom the student can turn to for advice and guidance. Practical Training Support and Guidance Support and guidance on practical training is given to the students by the Practical Training Counsellors and the Supervising Architect at the Trainer. CSA has access to well established consortium of architectural practices who have the eperience to guide and equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the Architect s Plan of Work. Financial Support and Guidance Financial support and guidance is given to students through Welfare Counsellors and the Awards and Bursaries Committee that administers financial support to the students together with the Head of School through student scholarships and bursaries. Supervising Architects at the Trainer s also act as mentors to the students on these matters and some Trainer s bear the course fee payments of students or provide them loans for such purposes. More detailed information can be found in the CSA Student s Handbook. 7 Criteria for Admission Candidates for admission to the top-up programme must have successfully completed all modules at Level 1 and Level 2 of the CSA Diploma in Architectural Studies programme or equivalent, including 120 credits at Level 1 and 120 credits at level 2. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose previous qualification was not taught and assessed in English must provide evidence of attainment in English Language by achieving an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or an equivalent qualification. Transitional arrangements have been made for those students who are at present studying under CSA old Structure. Please see appendi at the end. July 2011 8 of 11 version 8
8 Method for Evaluating and Enhancing the Quality and Standards of Teaching and Learning Standards and QA The standard of the award is ultimately the responsibility of s Academic Board. On a day to day basis, the programme and modules are the responsibility of the Board of Academic Studies at CSA. The Award and Module Boards are responsible for awarding credit, considering the progress of all students and making awards in accordance with the assessment requlations. CSA will be required to report to on an annual basis in accordance with s process for the annual monitoring and review of taught provision. Eternal Eaminer(s) will report annually on the programme and their views will be considered as part of the annual monitoring and review process for taught provision. Internal monitoring and review at CSA includes: Reviews with the Head of School and Deputy Heads Monthly reviews are conducted with the staff and student representatives of each studio. Staff and student concerns are addressed and feedback is given at the net meeting after the Head of School has deliberated such issues and concerns with the Board of Academic Studies. Quality Audits Quality Audits are conducted at the end of each academic session and the Head of QA forwards his/her report to the Head of School. The report contents are discussed at the Board of Academic Studies and the recommendations of the Board are then taken up for discussion by the Head of School with the Board of Directors. For more detailed information please see the CSA Quality Assurance Handbook. 9 Regulation of Assessment This award is governed by assessment regulations that have been approved by s Academic Board as a variation to s standard assessment regulations. 10 Reference Points and Benchmarks QAA benchmark statements. The aims and learning outcomes of the programme reflect the subject-specific guidance of the QAA benchmark statements for architecture. The prescriptions set out in the benchmarks describing knowledge, intellectual skills, subject-specific and transferable skills informed the learning outcomes of the programme. The teaching and learning and assessment strategies adopted on this programme are consistent with those contained within the benchmark statements. Transferable skills are developed, practiced and assessed within modules throughout the programme. Validation/Accreditation. The award of BArch (Hons) Architecture is not validated by the RIBA (although the CSA Diploma in Architectural Studies holds this status) or prescribed by ARB. However, the curriculum, learning methods, aims and learning outcomes correspond to the guidelines and requirements set out by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be epected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the Module Specifications. July 2011 9 of 11 version 8
Curriculum Map Intended Learning Outcomes KU IS PS TS Module code Module Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 ARCH/DES 1110 Design 1 X X X X X X X X X X X ARCH/STUD 1210 Architectural Studies 1 X X X X X X X X X X X ARCH/HIST 1310 History of Architecture 1 X X ARCH/TECH 1710(ST) Architecture & Structure 1 X X ARCH/TECH 1710(MAT) Materials and Construction 1 X X ARCH/TECH 1710(SE) Building Services 1 X X ARCH/ENV 1810 Environment 1 X X ARCH/PROF 1910 Profession 1 X ARCH/DES 1120 Design 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X ARCH/STUD 1220 Architectural Studies 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X ARCH/HIST 1320 History of Architecture 2 X X ARCH/THEORY 1420 Theory of Architecture 2 X X ARCH/TECH 1720(ST) Architecture & Structure 2 X X ARCH/TECH 1720(MAT) Materials 2 X X ARCH/TECH 1720(CON) Construction 2 X X ARCH/TECH 1720(SE) Building Services 2 X X ARCH/ENV 1820 Environment 2 X X X ARCH/PROF 1920 Profession 2 X ARCH/DES 1130 Design 3 X X X X X X X X X X X X ARCH/STUD 1230 Architectural Studies 3 X X X X X X X X X X X X ARCH/HIST 1330 History of Architecture 3 X X ARCH/THEORY 1430 Theory of Architecture 3 X X ARCH/TECH 1730(ST) Structure 3 X X ARCH/TECH 1730(MAT) Materials & Construction 3 X X ARCH/TECH 1730(SE) Building Services 3 X X ARCH/ENV 1830 Environment 3 X X X ARCH/PROF 1930 Profession 3 X X July 2011 10 of 11 version 8
APPENDIX 1 Transitional Arrangements Years 2, 3 and 4 LEVEL 1 MODULES (Credited CSA old structure) Stream Module Code Element Design Eam CW Mark Module Title CSA Design Studio Design 1110 ARCH/DES 1110 ARCH/STUD 1210 Design 1 History / Theory ARCH/HIST 1310 ARCH / HIST 1310 History of Architecture 1 Technology ARCH/TECH 1710 (ST) Structure 1 ARCH/TECH 1710(MAT) Materials and Construction 1 ARCH/TECH 1710 (SE) Building Services 1 Environment ARCH/ENV 1810 Environment 1 ARCH/PROF 1910 Profession 1 120 LEVEL 2 MODULES (CSA old structure) Stream Module Code Element Design Eam CW Mark Module Title CSA Design Studio Design 1120 ARCH/DES 1120 ARCH/STUD 1220 Design 2 Design 1130 ARCH/DES 1130 ARCH/STUD 1230 Design 3 History / Theory ARCH/HIST 1320 History of Architecture 2 ARCH/THEORY 1420 Theory of Architecture 2 ARCH/HIST 1330 History of Architecture 3 ARCH/THEORY 1430 Theory of Architecture 3 Technology ARCH/TECH 1720 (ST) Structure 2 ARCH/TECH 1720(MAT) Materials 2 ARCH/TECH 1720 (CON) Construction 2 ARCH/TECH 1720 (SE) Building Services 2 ARCH/TECH 1730 (ST) Structure 3 ARCH/TECH 1730(MAT) Materials 3 ARCH/TECH 1730 (CON) Construction 3 ARCH/TECH 1730 (SE) Building Services 3 Environment ARCH/ENV 1820 Environment 2 ARCH/ENV 1830 Environment 3 ARCH/PROF 1920 Profession 2 ARCH/PROF 1930 Profession 3 120 LEVEL 3 MODULES (Top-up programme Old Structure) Stream Module Code Element Design Eam CW Mark Module Title CSA Design Studio Design 1140 UBPMTG-60-3 Design 4 & Architectural Studies 4 History / Theory ARCH/HIST 1340 ARCH/HIST 1340 ARCH/THEORY 1440 UBPMTX-8-3 History of Architecture 4 UBPMGD-6-3 Theory of Architecture 4 60 Technology ARCH/TECH 1740 (ST) UBPMUG-8-3 Structure 4 8 ARCH/TECH 1740(MAT)) ARCH/TECH 1740(CON)) Environment ARCH/ENV 1840 ARCH/TECH 1740 (SE) X ARCH/PROF 1940 UBPMUX-8-3 Materials 4 8 UBPMVG-8-3 Construction 4 8 UBPMGU-8-3 Building Services 4 UBPMVX-8-3 Environment 4 UBPMWG-6-3 Profession 4 6 8 6 8 8 120 Transitional arrangements are shown here for those students who are at present studying under CSA old Structure. July 2011 11 of 11 version 8