UCD School of Architecture Professional Diploma (Architecture) 2014-1 PROGRAMME INFORMATION The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is the final professional examination for architectural graduates leading to entry to the Register for Architects in Ireland. This part-time programme includes lectures, tutorials, academic support and examinations in five modules. Architectural graduates can take the five modules over minimum of 1 year (and up to years) on a flexible basis and examinations in all modules are available in January or May. An Online (distance learning) option is available from September 2013. This post-graduate programme is accredited by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) as Registration Body in Ireland for direct admission to the Register for Architects. NOTE 1 Graduates who complete the Professional Diploma in UCD and who enter the RIAI Register for Architects are entitled to automatic recognition in EU member states under the Qualifications Directive. NOTE 2 APPLICATIONS Applications are now open for the 2014/1 Professional Diploma (Architecture) course and the closing date is Friday 27 June 2014. Late Applications may be accepted after this date, subject to availability. Applications can be made online at UCD Online Applications under either Taught Graduate courses (Major T290) or Online courses (Major T291). There is a non-refundable application fee of 4. In order to complete your application, full transcripts for the five years of your primary qualification (B.Arch, M.Arch or equivalent approved) must be submitted immediately following your application. Transcripts from schools outside Ireland require further verification: for EU states, this is confirmation from the relevant Competent Authority, for countries outside the EU you are required to provide either a Transcript Evaluation from the RIAI or evidence of Architectural Graduate Membership of the RIAI. You are not required to provide evidence of employment/ practical experience at the time of application. Applicants who have been offered a place (or who have registered) in a previous year should contact the Course Administrator (professionalpractice@ucd.ie) directly to reactivate their registration. NOTE 1 Registration for Architects in Ireland was established under the Building Control Act 2007 Section 14 http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/bills28/acts/2007/a2107.pdf NOTE 2 Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (200/36/EU) http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/policy_developments/legislation_en.htm Graduates practicing in the UK should note that the RIBA is a professional representative body, but that the Registration Board for the UK is ARB (Architects Registration Board). RIBA membership is not a statutory requirement for practice in the UK. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 1/ 11
ENQUIRIES The Professional Diploma programme is offered by the School of Architecture, UCD, Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. (Postal address: School of Architecture, UCD Belfield, Dublin 4). General Enquiries- Academic Enquiries Ms. Michelle Murray, Course Administrator professionalpractice@ucd.ie tel- (01) 716 2761 (Monday-Wednesday). Ms. Orla Hegarty BArch MRIAI RIBA, Course Director orla.hegarty@ucd.ie Updates to this Course Information will be available at the UCD School of Architecture, graduate programmes website here An Information Meeting will be held in late May in the School of Architecture, UCD Richview, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. Location Building 9 here Contact the Course Administrator for information. All are welcome to attend. FEES The course fees include lectures, tutorials, academic support, lecture notes and handouts, online access to Blackboard, UCD Student/ Library card and access to UCD student facilities. From 2014/1 the fees can be paid on a flexible basis (by module) as you complete the course: The fees are 411 per ECTS module and 822 per 10ECTS module, total 2,466. Refer to UCD Fees & Grants. Tax relief is available on tuition fees for this UCD programme as an approved postgraduate course. The tax relief may be claimed by whoever pays the fees, subject to Revenue requirements. Course Fees are be payable in August for Semester 1 modules and in January for Semester 2 modules. If you take the course over more than one academic year you may have to pay a portion of the UCD Student Centre Levy (currently 183/annum) in each semester that you are actively registered. UCD BLACKBOARD/ UCD CONNECT Blackboard is the UCD Virtual Learning Environment. Course documents, handouts, announcements, timetables, etc. are made available electronically to registered students to download. UCD LIBRARY Registered students will be issued with a UCD Student Card for the relevant semester(s) in the academic Year 2014/1: This entitles you to use UCD Library and other facilities on campus. You can access Library facilities (book ordering, renewals etc) and a wide range of databases and publications online. Richview Library (based in the School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering) is the largest dedicated Architecture Library in Ireland. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 2/ 11
PROGRAMME FOR 2014/1 The full programme (including submission dates) for 2014/1 will be available on the School of Architecture webpage and in Blackboard, for registered students, from August 2014. Semester 1 (September- December): The Lecture course for the modules in - Architectural Practice, Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts- is held on Mondays from 11.30am -.30pm from 8 September to 1 December 2014 (excl. October Bank Holiday). Students registered to the Online course can take the course on a flexible basis in their own time over either semester 1 or 2. Semester 2 (February- May): Case Study Tutorials are held in February- March to assist students in drafting their Case Study and preparing for the Oral Examination. Students registered to the Online programme can take the course on a flexible basis in their own time over the semester. STRUCTURE- Lecture based course (Major T290) Module Code ARCT40130 ARCT40140 ARCT40090 Module Delivery Assessment ECTS (credit) Architectural Practice Construction Legislation Procurement & Contracts Lecture- 4 days Mondays 8,1,22,29 September 2014 Lecture- 4 days Mondays 6,13,20 October & 3 rd Nov. 2014. Lectures- 4 days Mondays 10, 17, 24 Nov. & 1 Dec. 2014. ARCT40100 Case Study Tutorials- 3 days Feb/ March (dates tbc). ARCT40110 Practical Experience STRUCTURE- Online course (Major T291) Module Code ARCT40130 ARCT40140 ARCT40090 Essay 2-3,000 words Written Paper 2 hours Written Paper 2 hours Dissertation (9,000-11,000 words) & Oral Exam Tutorials, as above. Oral Exams (approx. 1 hour) & Assessment of Experience 10 TOTAL 30 Module Delivery Assessment ECTS (credit) Architectural Practice Construction Legislation Procurement & Contracts Online Online Online Essay 2-3,000 words Written Paper 2 hours Written Paper 2 hours ARCT40100 Case Study Online Dissertation (9,000-11,000 words) & Oral Exam ARCT40110 Practical Experience Online Oral Exams (approx. 1 hour) & Assessment of Experience For further information refer to UCD Academic Regulations. 10 TOTAL 30 PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 3/ 11
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS In order to enter the course, you are required to have a recognised qualification in architecture. (Refer to Applications above). PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE You are not required to undertake Practical Experience before starting the course. In order to complete the course (Practical Experience module) you are required to provide evidence of min. 24 months professional practical experience. Your professional experience is required to be in accordance with the RIAI Policy on Post-graduate Professional Training. Professional experience is an essential complement to academic learning. The fundamental objectives of practical training are to ensure that the student has: An understanding of the legal, contractual and procedural aspects of architectural practice; Practical experience of legal and ethical obligations arising from architectclient and employer-employee relationships; Experience, under direct supervision, of the duties and responsibilities of professional practice. Acquired knowledge, through "learning by doing" with responsibility in a busy office, It is most helpful to have worked on many work-stages of a well-managed project: This should include site experience, working with other consultants, experience of meetings with clients and statutory authorities. Experience in Ireland is very useful, as this alone provides familiarity with Irish practice, legislation, procurement and contract (which form the basis of the examination). Practical Training must be under the direct supervision of an architect. An architect is defined as any person who is registered/licensed to practice as an architect in any jurisdiction or who is a registered/chartered member of a professional body which is a Member Section of the International Union of Architects (UIA). Professional Experience must be in paid employment OR in an approved work placement/ internship scheme for a min. 21 hours/ week. Certificate(s) of Experience are required from your employer(s) as evidence of your 24 months experience. A template certificate is provided on School of Architecture webpage. Freelance work or experience as a principal is not acceptable. In the rare cases where a student is a junior partner, supervision by a suitably qualified senior partner may be acceptable. Experience in agency employment may be acceptable, if the work is of such a nature and quality as to satisfy the above requirements. Practical Experience does not have to be in Ireland. Students should note, however, that the examination relates to practice in Ireland. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 4/ 11
FLEXIBILITY/ WORKING TOWARDS REGISTRATION The course is flexible to allow graduates to take modules and pay fees at their own pace while they are completing their professional training and working towards registration as an architect. You must provide evidence of 24 months practical training and have attempted examinations in the other four modules in order to be admitted to the Oral Exam. A graduate with 2 (or more) years certified experience could enter the course in September 2014 and undertake all assessments by May 201. A graduate with 1 year certified experience could enter the course in September 2014 and undertake all assessments in May 2014 or January 2016, depending on when they complete their 24 months practical training. A graduate from 2013 could enter the programme in September 2013 and take the Architectural Practice, Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts modules prior to undertaking their professional experience. This is particularly suited to a graduate planning to seek work experience in another country. (The earliest that a 2013 graduate can complete the course is Semester 2-2014/1, subject to having completed min. 24 months practical experience at that stage). EXEMPTIONS TO PRACTICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Applicants may apply for an exemption from 12 months of the Practical Experience requirement if immediately before, or during, the B.Arch/M.Arch course (or equivalent) they have gained at least 6 years appropriate experience. Applicants may apply for an exemption from 12 months of the Practical Experience requirement if a maximum of 12 months has been spent in research and development work provided that- this is the first year of practical training; that the work is of such a nature and quality as to satisfy the objectives above; that the work is supervised by a recognised specialist in the field, personally engaged; that the work must be done in a reputable research organisation or institution with an established and adequately resourced programme. (A school of architecture employing assistants to work on established programmes would an acceptable organization). Taught postgraduate courses are not acceptable. Students seeking exemption should register for the programme and apply in writing, with supporting evidence, to the Architecture Programme Board by mid-august. For further information please contact the Course Director. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Architecture Programme Board. EXEMPTIONS FOR PRIOR LEARNING Applicants who have successfully completed part(s) of an equivalent approved examination in Professional Practice (e.g. RIAI Professional Practice Examination, UK Part 3 course etc). may apply for exemption from examinations in some modules. Students seeking exemption should register for the programme and apply in writing, with supporting evidence, to the Architecture Programme Board by mid- August. For further information please contact the Course Director. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Architecture Programme Board. UCD SUPPORTS Support and advice is available from UCD Access Centre for students who have a disability, mental health condition, a significant on-going illness or a specific learning disability. COURSE CONTENT PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE / 11
Outline Module Descriptors are provided below for information purposes only. The updated information/ examination requirements for the 2013/14 course will be available at UCD Module Information refer to 2013/14 modules, Level 4- Architecture prior to registration in August. ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE (ARCT 40130/ ARCT40800) ECTS (Credits)- Lecture Course- 20+ hours, Private Study/ Revision- 0 hours, Assignment- 0 hours Total- 12 hours Subject Material- The Architectural Profession, History of Professionalism, EU Practice & Policy, Codes of Conduct, Registration of Title, Forms of Practice, The Construction Industry in Ireland, The RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland), Current Issues for the Architectural Profession, Dealing with Clients, Appointment of the Architect, Architectural Services, Liability Issues, Dealing with Third Parties, Introduction to Management (Theory and Forms of Practice), Financial Management, Record-keeping, Practice Management (Functions and Internal Organisation), Professional Liability, Legal Issues relating to Practice and Construction. Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should be able to- -Show an awareness of the historical, social, environmental, legislative and economic context in which the built environment is procured. -Demonstrate a good working knowledge of the architect s role, responsibilities and liabilities. -Demonstrate an ability to advise and represent a client in relation to legislation, programme, budget, contract and procurement. -Show a good knowledge and understanding of Architectural Practice Management -Demonstrate an understanding of legal, liability and contractual issues and an ability to apply this knowledge to specific problems. Examination- Essay 2-3,000 words, from a range of subject titles. Submission in Semester 1 (mid-december) or Semester 2 (April). Pass Mark 0%. CONSTRUCTION LEGISLATION (ARCT 40140/ ARCT40770) ECTS (Credits)- Lecture Course- 20+ hours, Private Study/ Revision- 80 hours, Exam Time- 2 hours Total- 12 hours Subject Material- Legal Framework, EU Issues (relating to Construction Legislation), Planning & Development Legislation (Planning Law, Procedure and Practice), Health & Safety Legislation (Law, Procedure & Practice), Building Control Legislation (Law, Procedure and Practice), Conservation Legislation (International Treaties and Policy, National Monuments Act, Planning & Development Legislation related to Protected Structures and Special Amenity Areas etc.) Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should - -Have a good working knowledge and understanding of all current relevant legislation and regulations relating to planning, development, environment, conservation, construction and architectural practice. - Be able to identify the legislation and regulations relevant to a project and advise a client in relation to compliance. - Demonstrate an ability to apply all relevant legislation, regulations and best practice standards throughout the design and construction of a project. -Be aware of their own limitations and know other sources of information and expertise. Examination- Written Examination (2 hours) in Semester 1 (January) or Semester 2 (May). Pass Mark 0%. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 6/ 11
PROCUREMENT & CONTRACTS (ARCT 40090/ ARCT40780 ) ECTS (Credits)- Lecture Course- 20+ hours, Private Study/ Revision- 80 hours, Exam Time- 2 hours Total- 12 hours Subject Material- Building Procurement (pre-tender and post-tender from inception to completion and operation), Design Team and Consultants, Construction Contracts (standard forms of contract and alternatives), Project Management (theory and practice related to construction projects), Project Programming, Cost Control, Reports & Surveys (report writing, legal and technical issues), Risk Management & Construction Insurances. Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should -Be able to advise a client throughout all stages of a project from inception to completion. -Demonstrate a good working knowledge of standard/ non-standard forms of contract and methods of procurement. -Demonstrate good communication, organisational and leadership skills in managing the development and procurement of a project. -Show an understanding of the principles and implementation of effective Project Management. -Demonstrate an ability to competently undertake professional reports and surveys. -Be aware of the principles of risk management and the requirements of construction insurances. -Demonstrate an ability to initiate and manage a good system of record keeping, production of documents and circulation of information. Examination- Written Examination (2 hours). Pass Mark 0%. PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE (ARCT 40110/ARCT40810) ECTS (Credits) - Seminar- 4 hours, Professional Experience- 110 hours, Assessment of Experience (written paper)- 10 hours, Examination Time- 1 hour Total- 12 hours Subject Material- The student is required to spend a minimum of 24 months (post B.Arch/ M.Arch degree, or equivalent) of approved experience in professional practice, under supervision: During this time he/she will gain experience of all aspects of architectural practice. The student is required to submit a written Assessment of Experience as an evaluation of their practical experience. Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should be able to- - Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, competence and professionalism required for independent practice as an architect in Ireland. - Show an ability to apply the body of knowledge acquired in the other modules in response to specific issues and scenarios. - Demonstrate judgment, integrity and impartiality in their professional dealings. - Demonstrate an awareness of their personal professional responsibilities, skills, competences, limitations and on-going CPD (continuous professional development) requirements. - Show an appreciation of the historical, social, environmental, legislative and economic context in which the built environment is procured. - Show an ability to communicate clearly and comprehensively. Examination- Written Assessment of Experience (20% of marks), Oral Examination (40% of marks for each Oral Exam) in two consecutive oral examinations of duration 20-30minutes each. Students must pass all sections of the exam. Marking- Assessment of Experience 20%, Oral Examinations 80%, Pass Mark 0%. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 7/ 11
CASE STUDY (ARCT 40100/ ARCT40790) Credits- 10 Seminar- 1 hour, Dissertation- 110 hours, Tutorial- 14 hours Total- 12 hours Subject Material- The student prepares a Case Study (Dissertation) of 9-11,000 words (excl. appendices) based on their personal experience, on-going involvement, assessment and analysis of an approved construction project (under supervision in an architectural practice). The student records their experience and commentary on the progress of the project and analyses each stage. The Case Study should identify, and form conclusions about, the problems and successes of the project, and suggest ways in which problems could have been avoided or minimised, and the successes expanded. **Note The Case Study subject must be approved in advance** Learning Outcomes- On completion of this Module the student should be able to- -Demonstrate their personal professional experience gained throughout the development and construction of the selected project. -Identify and expound on all relevant and critical issues at each stage of the selected construction project. - Discuss in detail the architect s role in relation to the client, design team, specialist consultants, local authorities and agencies, contractors, suppliers and building users. -Analyse the successes and failures of the project and form a judgment on their personal contribution, professional abilities and competences. -Make reference to standard practice where a selected Case Study project deviates from typical or best practice. -Show an ability to write a professional report, including undertaking research, formatting the structure and presentation, accrediting references and assembling appendices. Examination- Case Study 9,-11,000 words (excl. appendices) on candidate s personal experience, on-going involvement, assessment and analysis of an approved construction project. The Case Study topic is submitted for approval at the time that the student applies for the Course and it is submitted during the semester. Marking Dissertation (Case Study) 80%, Presentation at Oral Examination 20%, Pass Mark 0%. EXAMINATIONS WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS The written examinations (Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts) are closed-book examinations. Students are provided with a folder of reference documents in the exam. Sample past examination papers are available to registered students in Blackboard. THE ESSAY You are offered a range of titles from which to select an essay subject. Students are encouraged to take a broad interpretation of the subject area and to draw reference from a range of readings: The essay assignment can be structured around your response to your readings, original research, a survey, personal interviews, etc. ASSESSMENT OF EXPERIENCE The student submits an Assessment of Experience prior to the Oral Examination at the end of the course. A draft assessment is no longer required at the time of your application. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 8/ 11
THE CASE STUDY Your case study demonstrates your ability to investigate a project, to formulate a report on its background and progress and to reflect on your personal experience of practice. The dissertation should identify, and form conclusions about, the problems and successes of the project, suggest ways in which problems could have been avoided or minimised and successes improved or extended. The document should be 9,000 to 11,000 words (excluding appendices and index). PROJECT SELECTION Your selected project can be: A complete building A substantial section of a completed or partially completed complex of buildings. (For example, a canteen attached to an industrial building, or the residential section of a hospital, one phase of an apartment complex etc.) A partially completed building/project, at least 0% through the estimated contract period (100% for certain small projects). Other works/ contractual arrangements may be acceptable in certain circumstances (i.e. refurbishment, landscape, internal works etc). You must be/ have been employed by the practice working under the supervision of an architect for min. 0% of the construction contract period. (100% for certain small projects). The subject may be either a project on which you are actively engaged, or one already completed. The choice should be with the knowledge and agreement of your employers. The subject must be approved by the School in advance. (Refer to submission dates for approvals). MENTORING You are not required to formally nominate a mentor for your Case Study project. However, you are required to work under the supervision of an architect and you are advised to discuss the project on an on-going basis with your employer(s) and to seek opportunities to actively discuss the issues with your colleagues. While it is useful to discuss the project and the issues with your colleagues, students are not advised to have the dissertation approved or corrected by the practice prior to submission. The purpose of the Case Study is to critically reflect on the project, the roles and responsibilities of the parties and the active involvement of the architects. Case Studies outside Ireland are generally acceptable: However, proposals will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the project and the particular circumstances of the candidate. Monitored projects will only be considered if you are in paid employment (or an approved internship) in the practice that is appointed to the project. Monitoring of a Case Study project from outside the practice is not acceptable, as this does not give you adequate opportunities to learn by doing, which is the fundamental purpose of practical training. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 9/ 11
ADVICE The School will advise on appropriate topics and provide feedback on drafts (refer to submission dates). If your Case Study is based on a project where a non-traditional building contract is used you will be required to be write the Case Study with reference to a traditional (RIAI type) contract, in order to demonstrate that you have a full understanding of the role and responsibilities of the architect. If your Case Study is outside Ireland, you will be required to demonstrate knowledge of understanding of practice in Ireland in accordance with the Learning Outcomes for the module. CONFIDENTIALITY/ RETENTION OF CASE STUDIES Case Studies are confidential to a small group of examiners and are not subsequently made available in an identifiable format in the Library or to other students. Some short anonymised extracts may be used for educational purposes. Case Studies are retained by UCD and may be used for general research purposes (subject to specific information identifying the project or the participants not being published without your written consent). Please discuss any concerns about specific issues (on-going disputes, client anonymity etc) with the Course Director. An application for the return of a Case Study will be considered but must be in writing and made at the same time as the submission of the Study. Candidates are recommended to retain duplicate copies of their Study for their own records. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What should I discuss with my Employer? You should ask your employer to support you in your preparation for the Exam. This course is a critical part of the training of an architect and is of benefit both to you and to your practice. It is important that you allow adequate time to study/ prepare for exams and that you are involved (or have been involved) in a suitable Case Study project - this includes attending meetings, visiting site, having access to files and seeking opportunities to be involved in as many aspects of practice as possible. You should give your employer a copy of the Case Study requirements and take a proactive role in discussing this at the outset. You should agree your requirements with your employer in advance: Students need time off to attend the lecture series/ work online, prepare their Case Studies and to study for the examinations. Your contribution to the practice will be greatly improved by undertaking the Course and your employer should acknowledge their duty to support you in your professional education. How much time do I need to prepare for the Exam? Students should start to work on their Case Study once the subject has been approved. The production of a comprehensive, well considered Case Study requires research and reflection, which is best achieved during the course of the project. In addition to attending lecture/ studying online, you will also need time to prepare your essay and many students take one week or more study leave for revision in advance of the written and oral examinations. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 10/ 11
How do I select a project for my Case Study? Ideally, you should consider this and discuss with prospective employers before you undertake your two years practical training. You can submit one or more Case Study proposals for discussion/ approval/ advice at any stage (refer to submission dates). Do I need to be involved in every stage of the project? It is not always possible for a student to be involved in every stage of a project. In this case, it is preferable to be involved in the later stages of a project (procurement, on-site, completion) rather than the early stages of a project, which may not be advanced on site at the time of the submission. Generally graduates have more experience at the early stages of several projects and the Case Study may be their first experience of on-site operations and contract administration. If my Case Study is delayed, can I continue with the Course? As the course is modular, you can continue with the course and be assessed in the first three modules (Architectural Practice, Construction Legislation and Procurement & Contracts). Students can take the Case Study and Practical Experience modules in the Semester 2 OR in Semester 1 or Semester 2 of a later year (so you will not have to wait a year to complete the course). Alternatively, you may seek to have a new Case Study approved. (The Practical Experience (Oral Examination) module cannot be taken until all other parts of the examination have been attempted). I was previously registered for another professional practice exam; can I apply for the Diploma course in UCD? If you were previously registered or another completed part(s) of an equivalent approved examination in Professional Practice (e.g. RIAI Professional Practice Examination, UK Part 3 course etc) you can apply for an exemption from examinations in some modules. Students should register for the programme and apply in writing, with supporting evidence, to the Architecture Programme Board by mid- August. For further information please contact the Course Director. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Architecture Programme Board. I am currently working abroad, can I count my practical experience outside Ireland and use a Case Study from another country? Yes. You can now take the course online and schedule your exams to suit your travel arrangements. Case Studies in other countries are generally acceptable, but you must submit a proposal for approval. I am not sure of my plans for next year, should I register for the lecture based course (Major T290) or the online course (Major T291)? If you are not certain about whether you can attend all sessions you should register for the online course. The online major (T290) will offer more specific supports to students who cannot attend every week. Students registered to the online course are welcome to attend lectures whenever it suits you to do so. Students registered to the lecture based programme will also have full access to all of the online information in Blackboard. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA (ARCHITECTURE) 2013-14 INFORMATION - rev.1 PAGE 11/ 11