Architecture (Joint Programme with CIT) (BSc (Hons)) at University College Cork

This challenging and engaging course includes technology and cultural/contextual modules, and has a strong focus on learning through activities in the design studio. It is delivered by the Cork Centre for Architectural Education in Cork city, a collaboration between UCC and the Cork Institute of Technology.

The course has been designed in response to the guidelines of the UNESCO/UIA Charter for Architectural Education, the European Qualifications Directive (2005/36/ EC) relating to the Architectural Profession, and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Education Policy.

Combined with the Master of Architecture, it is accredited by the RIAI. Together with two years' work experience in an architect's office and a Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Professional Practice and Experience, this will allow you to register as a professional architect.

Registration provides for legal protection of the title of "Architect", as required by the Irish Building Control Act 2007.

Course Practicalities

Expected lecture/lab/practical hours: Students participate in formal lecture and seminars, and design studio tutorials and reviews. This normally requires attendance five days per week.

Much is learned from interactions with other students as well as from the academic staff and the architectural practitioner associates. Hence there is an expectation that the workstation facilities provided are made use of, between the formal series of lectures and seminars.

In addition to learning drawing skills, students will be expected to become proficient in photography, model-making and digital representation of architecture, and to

Field trips: Students will be expected to participate in class field trips, visiting project sites, and also study trips to Irish and other European cities.  

**Every student is allocated with a generously sized work station with locker, shelves and a worktop large enough to accomodate an A1 drawing board plus an A1 space for other materials. Teaching and Learning occurs through tutorials delivered at the drawing board, and through design reviews, when all student design work is publically displayed and discussed, at the end of each design project. 

Skills and Careers Information

The study of architecture provides opportunities to develop a wide range of transferable skills. Graduates of this course will have had rich experience of working in teams, working to deadlines, developing abilities in verbal and graphic communication and, most importantly, skills in creativity, design and innovation — the essential ingredients of success in the contemporary economy.

Architecture itself provides exciting and widely varied career opportunities. You may specialise in certain types of buildings, or concentrate on a particular area such as architectural design, urban design, technology, architectural conservation, and computer-based modelling.

You may work individually or as part of team, in private practice, or in the architectural section of a commercial organisation, a government department or local authority.