Programme Specification (please see the notes at the end of this document for a summary of uses of programme specifications) Fields marked with * must be completed for the initial submission for Stage One approval to the Board of Studies and to the Academic Programmes Committee GENERAL INFORMATION Awarding Institution//Body Teaching Institution* Validated/Franchised/Licensed (if appropriate) Programme accredited by (including date of accreditation)* Programme approved by (including date & minute number of Senate) Final award Programme title* UCAS code (if applicable) Subject Benchmark Statement* Intended level of completed programme (in line with FHEQ)* Duration of programme & mode of study* Date of Specification preparation/revision* Applicable to cohorts (eg. for students commencing in September 2012 or 20012/13-2013/14)* University of Bath University of Bath The Royal institute of British Architects The Architects Registration Board of the United Kingdom (October 2008) Senate 13 June 07 Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice Post Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice N/A The RIBA Description & Regulations for the Recognition of Courses and Examinations in Professional Practice and Management, (Part 3) in the United Kingdom, to be found at: http://www.architecture.com/files/ribaprof essionalservices/education/part3/part3re gulations.pdf 7 11 months part time study 20/08/14: admin update to language requirement 01/02/13: unit structure change from 2 to 3 units Previous version: March 2010 For students commencing in October 2014 Synopsis and academic coherence of programme* The programme is the final stage of 3 stages that represent the formal academic and professional training of an Architect and confirms his/her entry into the profession as a qualified Architect in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. It is structured in accordance with the syllabus defined within the RIBA Description and Regulations for the Recognition of Courses and Examinations in Professional Practice and Management, and meets the requirements of the RIBA and ARB Part III Criteria for validation and prescription by the respective professional organisations. It draws upon and augments the Department s existing complementary academic units in Practice, Management and Law (Part 1) and Practice, Management and Law (Part 2) delivered within the B.Sc and M.Arch programmes respectively.
The emphasis is on an intensive, integrated, practice-based approach to the management of the practice of architecture, locally and nationally, and provides the opportunity for individual candidates to qualify for entry into the architecture profession within one academic year of their registration. The programme is available to all candidates who have successfully completed a recognised qualification at Part 1 and Part 2 in a School of Architecture in the UK, or have been endorsed by an assessment by the RIBA ARB Assessment Panel at Part 1 and Part 2 or have a qualification recognised under the EU Architects Directive. Candidates must also have demonstrated that they have undertaken a minimum of 24 months recorded professional experience that conforms to the RIBA s Professional Experience Regulations published within the RIBA s Professional Experience and Development Record. The Certificate in Professional Practice aims to equip candidates with the knowledge, skill and judgement required of the profession and is designed as a test of candidates understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as professionals to clients, employers, the profession, other members of the building team and to society. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate a candidate s competence for the practice of architecture. The Programme and examination combines an assessment of a candidate s professional experience of the duties and responsibilities of professional practice, and the professional knowledge and judgement specific to practising architecture in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The programme and examinations are structured in accordance with the framework defined within the RIBA/ARB Criteria for Part 3, and these criteria are used to establish evidence both of a candidate s fitness and competence for the practice of architecture, and of his/her professional awareness, knowledge, understanding, skill and ability that attends professional status. The summative test of compliance with the Criteria is through formal written submissions and a final oral examination. Educational aims of the programme* The educational aims of the programme are to: Provide a programme of study in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines set out by the Royal Institute of British Architects within the Description and Regulations for the Recognition of Courses and Examinations in Professional Practice and Management (Part 3) in the United Kingdom, the RIBA Outline Syllabus for Part 3, the Criteria for Validation: Part 3 set out by the RIBA, and the Prescription for Qualifications: ARB Criteria for Part 3 Endorse and confirm the standards required of the profession through a process of supervised enquiry, taught academic study, examination and professional viva voce to establish and verify the candidates capability and competence for Practice. Intended learning outcomes * (including teaching, learning and assessment methods, specifying those applicable for interim awards where appropriate) Knowledge & Understanding: Intellectual Skills: Upon completion of the Programme, graduates will be able to demonstrate A comprehensive understanding of the architectural profession and the obligations and responsibilities as professionals to clients, employers, to the profession, to other members of the building team and to society; The capability and competence for the practice of architecture Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to demonstrate clear evidence of commercial awareness, selfmanagement, professional competence and integrity. In
addition, the graduate must demonstrate: Form QA3-2 The ability to undertake independent study and research within specifically defined areas of enquiry; The ability to apply theoretical knowledge to the practice of architecture Clarity in the application of professional reasoning and judgement; Clarity in the dissemination and exposition of the principles and protocols associated with the practice of Architecture and the expression of appropriate, reasoned professional opinion and argument in clear, written English. Authorship, knowledge and effective communication skills in all areas of practical experience, the duties and responsibilities of professional practice and the understanding of professional knowledge and judgement specific to practise of architecture in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Professional Practical Skills: Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to demonstrate: A clear understanding of the intellectual, practical, ethical and professional skills and attributes required of the profession in response to the RIBA Criteria for Validation and The ARB Prescription of Qualifications in 5 key areas. These are: 1. Professionalism 2. Clients, users and the delivery of services 3. Legal framework and processes 4. Practice and management 5. Building procurement Transferable/Key Skills: Upon completion of the programme, graduates will have demonstrated their understanding and awareness of the duties and responsibilities of the architect in professional practice, their knowledge and professional judgement specific to the practice of architecture and their competence and capability for independent practice in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Structure and content of the programme (including potential stopping off points) (Append the relevant programme description (PD) form(s) and cross reference below) There are no potential stopping off points. The programme is offered as a part time study programme to be completed from October and September (11 months) within any one academic year. The programme is composed of three academic units. AR50326 Practice and Project Management (6 credits) AR50327 Professional Practice (12 credits) AR50428 Oral Examination (12 credits)
Details of work placements / work-based learning / industrial training / study abroad requirements It is a requirement of entry to the programme that students are employed within a professional Architectural practice registered with the Architects Registration Board, and are resident within the United Kingdom for a minimum period of 12 months prior to their entering the course. The programme is offered to both UK and foreign nationals who have satisfied the requirements of the Architects Registration Board and the RIBA in respect of their Parts 1 and 2 qualifications, either through the recognised degree courses offered by the UK Universities, or in the case of those overseas candidates who hold unrecognised qualifications, through a separate process of assessment by the Architects Registration Board and the RIBA for equivalence of competence to those holding prescribed qualifications by overseas candidates wishing to qualify within the United Kingdom. Whilst delivering a core taught element within the course as a whole, the programme relies and draws extensively upon the students experience within their practice work place. Whilst in practice, candidates will receive individual mentoring from a nominated registered architect within their respective practices in respect of the degree of responsibility that they should be achieving in order to meet the requirements of the examination. The Course Director offers structured guidance on all of the written elements of the examination, (with the exception of the written examinations which are the subject of a separate revision seminar held at the University) through an initial individual tutorial held at the candidate's practice, at which the candidate's office mentor is encouraged to attend. The purpose of the tutorial is to: enable the structure of the practice in which the candidate is working to be understood; review and advise upon the preparation of the Documentary Submission; address any issues that the candidate wishes to raise in relation to the course. Largely the emphasis is placed upon the preparation of the Case Study, but the breadth of practical experience relative to the course criteria is also reviewed and advice and recommendations given. Details of support available to students (e.g. induction programmes, programme information, resources) Induction Programme: An Introductory Seminar over 1 day at the commencement of the Programme in the first week of the semester in which the structure and nature of the programme is outlined and the expectations of the Candidates in terms of the submissions that are required to be made and the standards that are to be achieved are outlined. Seminars/Workshops: a) A case Study Workshop is held in November over 1 day in which the structure of the Case Study is discussed and reviewed and comparable examples of previously submitted documents are examined. Guidance Notes for its preparation, issued within the Programme Handbook are discussed. b) A Revision Seminar is held in May prior to the written examinations when past papers are considered and the topics introduced within the March Lecture course are reviewed. Guidance is given upon the preparation for the written papers and for the Oral Examination. Individual Tutorials: The Director of Studies undertakes two formal tutorials with each candidate at the
Department and/or at the candidate s practice between the Introductory Seminar in October and the commencement of the taught course in March. Other visits or meetings may also be arranged during the period of study dependent upon the particular needs of the individual candidate. A further formal tutorial will be held with the candidate at the Department in the July. In addition to the formal tutorials, the Course Director also reviews drafts of the Case Study document in particular that the candidates are encouraged to submit. In general the duties of the Course Director are to provide advice and guidance to the candidate at any time during the preparation of the written elements in order for the academic and professional criteria in these areas to be met. The Programme Handbook and Unit Descriptors Library and study skills information. Extensive library and other learning resources and facilities. Access to support services, including learning support. Regular access to the Director of Studies. The Director of Studies is available or may appoint others to assist students with personal problems and advise on pastoral issues. The Director of Studies will be able to respond to many of the questions and concerns raised by students. However, there is also a range of specialist student support services that will offer both information and advice to support the Director of Studies as well as take referrals to work more directly with the students. Students can also self-refer to these services. These services can provide information, advice and support in relation to accommodation, emotional difficulties, assessment of needs and provision of support relating to disability, student funding, general welfare, academic problems, student discipline and complaints, careers, international students, spiritual matters, part time work, security and personal safety. The Students Union can also provide advocacy for students. More information about these services can be accessed via: http://www.bath.ac.uk/students/support/. There are also Medical and Dental Centres, and a Chaplaincy on campus that are very experienced in meeting the needs of a student population, as well as a University nursery and vacation play scheme to provide childcare for older children during the school holidays. Admissions criteria (including arrangements for APL/APEL) All candidates must have successfully completed courses in Architectural study that provide exemption from the RIBA Parts I and Parts II of the Examination, 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 graduates who do not hold recognised qualifications, to have gained exemption through a separate process of assessment by the Architects Registration Board and the RIBA for equivalence of competence to those holding prescribed qualifications by overseas candidates wishing to qualify within the United Kingdom. Those applicants whose first language is not English or have not undertaken higher education in the UK prior to beginning the programme will be required to attain IELTS 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each of the four components); or minimum of 69 in PTE Academic (with no less than 62 in each component).
Summary of assessment and progression regulations The University has agreed a set of rules for progression and assessment for all Postgraduate Taught programmes of study from which the following are drawn. Awarding Credits All of the University s taught postgraduate programmes of study are constructed from individual units defined by their own learning outcomes and assessment requirements. The size of each unit is defined by its credit tariff whilst the academic attainment demonstrated by successful completion of a unit is defined by its level. The standard size for a taught Masters unit, other than a dissertation/project unit, is normally 6 credits. However, other unit sizes may be permitted with the approval of the Faculty Board of Studies. In order to be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate, a student must normally gain a minimum of 30 credits by successful completion of the assessment requirements of units defined within the scheme of study, with at least 24 of these credits being gained at M level. Postgraduate Certificates may or may not be named depending on constraints imposed by the professional recognition of a title. Credits will be awarded for successful achievement of the learning outcomes specified for the unit. This will normally be defined as the achievement of at least 40% of the total marks available from the summative assessments. The pass mark for Masters level units has been set at 40% (Senate June 2005). In order to satisfy the jointly held ARB/RIBA criteria for Part III, all the content is core and no compensation can be awarded. Reassessment A student will normally be permitted one attempt to retrieve a failed taught unit. A Board of Examiners for the Programme, having due consideration for the academic standards of the award, will determine the reassessment requirements. Any reassessment or supplementary examination requirement must be fulfilled within 18 months of the original failure. Any unit passed on reassessment will be awarded a maximum mark of 40%, for presentation of achievement on the student transcript. A student will normally be permitted to retrieve failures in up to 12 credits towards to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate. In practice this means for the PG Certificate in Professional Practice that Unit AR50326 Practice and Project Management may be retrieved (at the discretion of the Programme Board). The retrieval of remaining elements of the Documentary Submission offered within Unit AR50327 (Professional Practice) and AR50428 may be achieved in accordance with the guidance and recommendations of the Professional Examiners following the Oral Examination, whose decision is final. Indicators of quality and standards (e.g. professional accreditation) To assure continuing excellence in its quality and standards, the University of Bath has a quality management framework including: 1. A Quality Assurance Code of Practice, and associated regulations and policies : http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/cop/statements.html
2. A learning, teaching and quality committee structure which monitors quality and standards and instigates action for enhancement. For further information: Governance: http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/qa03psguidqsgov.doc Review and Monitoring: http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/qa03psguidqsrevmon.doc 3. Staff development arrangements that assist staff in enhancing their own performance as educators, as researchers or as professional support services staff. Further information: http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/qa03psguidqsasd.doc Students are involved in many of these processes. The emphasis here is upon the informed student voice - engaging with students as academic citizens to ensure they have opportunities to take an active part in shaping their own learning. http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/qa03psguidqsstuvoice.doc A more detailed overview of the University s Quality Management framework is set out in this summary document: http://www.bath.ac.uk/quality/documents/approach-to-qualitymanagement.pdf The University s management of its academic standards and quality is subject to external institutional review by the Quality Assurance Agency on a six year cycle. In its 2013 Institutional Review, the QAA confirmed that the University met its expectations for the management of standards, the quality of learning opportunities, the enhancement of learning opportunities. The University was commended on its provision of information. Professional bodies (The Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects Registration Board of the United Kingdom) require particular standards and content in our programmes so that students exit able to claim professional registration or recognition, enabling them to progress successfully in their subsequent careers. Current professional accreditations are reviewed periodically by the bodies concerned. They are shown against each relevant programme in the prospectus. The full list can be seen here: QA8 RegisterofAccreditationsCurrent.pdf. Sources of other information Information about postgraduate programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Design is available at http://www.bath.ac.uk/engineering/graduate-school/pg-taught/index.html RIBA/ARB Criteria for Validation/Prescription and websites.
Programme code Programme title Award type Award title Mode of Attendance Length State any designated alternative programme(s) TEAR-APC01 Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice Postgraduate Certificate Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice Part-time Year N/A Year 1 Part Stage Normal period of study for this Mode Unit code Unit title Unit status Credits DEU status SRU status Taught, or Dissertation/ project credits Notes 1 1 AY AR50326 Practice and project management 6 Yes TSC AY AR50327 Professional practice 12 Yes TSC AY AR50428 Oral Examination 12 Yes TSC Programme characteristics & decision references Programme Progression requirement N/A NFAAR-PGT appendix http://www.bath.ac.uk/registry/nfa/nfaar-pgt-appendix-13.pdf (Certificate) Number of TSC 30 Number of DPC None Any approved exemptions None Notes: 1. All averages are credit weighted. 2. In a one stage programme, Stage Required Unit(s) (SRUs) are not applicable. 3. Students can only be condoned in a maximum of 20% of the taught stage credits (TSC). 4. For a Masters/diploma programme, the maximum number of credits that can be re-assessed is 18 TSC. 12 TSC for PG Certificate. 5. Where the Dissertation Project Average (DPA) is made up of more than 1 unit, marginal failure in one unit can be compensated by a better mark in the other unit. 6. Where the project/dissertation unit(s) is started at the same time as taught stage units please ensure that this is clear by indicating this in the Normal Period of study column. 7. DIS = dissertation period i.e. normally the summer vacation after the end of teaching.