Architecture  (SSS1)

The BSc (Architectural Science) (Hons) programme is for students who are seeking to develop a career in the field of Architecture. In 2012, the UCD School of Architecture celebrated its centenary. Today, the UCD Architecture programme, consisting of the BSc (Architectural Science) and MArch (Hons), is unique in Ireland in being accredited by the professional institutes of both Ireland and Britain RIAI and RIBA.

The BSc (Architectural Science) (Hons) programme is constantly evolving, seeking to extend architecture’s role and potential in a complex world. We aim to produce highly competent, creative professionals, capable of addressing global societal issues. Our educational programme attracts a diverse cross-section of talents and approaches – from the technically minded to the artistically gifted; from the socially conscious to the natural communicators and leaders. All have the capacity to become successful and productive graduates in architecture.

There are two main elements to the BSc (Architectural Science) (Hons) programme – project work (architectural design, drawing and model making) and lecture programmes (historical and theoretical material). Project work is taught in the architecture design studios through a combination of lectures, individual tuition, field trips, group tutorials, large reviews and exhibitions. Lecture-based modules are grouped under the broad headings of Technical (Architectural Technologies, Structures, Environmental Science), and Cultural (Architectural History and Theory, Ecology, Conservation).

The (BSc) in Architectural Science equips graduates with a breadth of knowledge and a range of skills and abilities applicable in many different contexts as an entry route to the MArch Programmes. The degree also provides an avenue into careers in associated professions such as landscape architecture, planning or research. We want our students to be competent, responsible and confident architects and life - long learners.

 

1 - 1. Demonstrate understanding of specific bodies of knowledge within the discipline of Architecture (relating to the history and theory of architecture, building construction and structural and environmental behaviour).
2 - 2. Make use of insights and research findings to inform their own understanding of the field and how they operate within it.
3 - 3. Demonstrate an ability to work with established research methods in evaluating, analysing and designing architecture.
4 - 4. Synthesise a broad spectrum of issues, make analytical decisions and record them.
5 - 5. Demonstrate ability to work at varying scales and with projects of increasing complexity from domestic to collective to institutional and in doing so observe how architecture is fundamental in the formation of our built environment.
6 - 6. Integrate new practical skills and knowledge of design methods into their design work and through reflection be able to measure the extent of their learning and understand the limits of their own knowledge and competencies.
7 - 7. Understand and demonstrate how conceptual thinking can inform the process of spatial and three-dimensional design.
8 - 8. Understand and operate within the discipline of architecture as it pertains both to the art and science of building and, in an broader sense, to the inherent order of organisms, structures and societies.
9 - 9. Develop a capacity for the close observation and analysis of physical and cultural contexts and of design precedents.
10 - 10. Demonstrate competence in the synthesis of the technical, environmental, societal and conceptual requirements of architectural design projects at a range of scales.
11 - 11. Have a broader awareness of bodies of knowledge and fields of activity which relate to the design, construction and inhabitation of buildings and designed environments.
12 - 12. Represent and communicate the design decisions in drawings, models and through other media and be able to present their decisions in a public forum.

This programme leads to the Master of Architecture (MArch) degree and is geared primarily towards the architectural profession.

UCD Architecture is at the forefront of the architectural and urban design debate, both in Ireland and internationally. It plays a central role in society, leading innovation and development on every scale. The Architecture course at UCD offers a means to engage creatively and constructively with society.

The BSc (Architectural Science) degree programme attracts a diverse cross-section of talents and approaches – from the technically minded to the artistically gifted; from the socially conscious to the natural communicators and leaders. All have the capacity to become successful and productive graduates in architecture.

Throughout this degree, two main elements are taught each year: the design project and the lecture programme. The design project is based in the School of Architecture design studios and is taught through a combination of lectures, individual tuition, field trips, group tutorials, large reviews and exhibitions (architectural design, drawing and model-making).

The lecture programme can be grouped under three broad headings:
Technical: Architectural Technologies, Structures, Environmental Science
Cultural: Architectural History & Theory, Ecology, Conservation, Perspectives on Architecture
Managerial: Professional Studies

The BSc (Architectural Science) degree is awarded following satisfactory completion of the three-year programme. For follow-on entry into the MArch, students must satisfy the progression requirement.

Progression requirement from BSc (Architectural Science) to MArch:
For UCD BSc (Architectural Science) graduates a minimum degree award GPA of 2.8 (mid 2H2) is required for automatic progression to the MArch. Students who do not achieve a GPA of 2.8 will be offered an interview to assess their suitability to progress.

Equipment: Students must purchase drawing equipment which costs approximately EUR300. Students may expect to purchase a personal computer at some stage during their programme of study.

UCD Architecture has a very extensive list of 30+ partners in Europe and worldwide, opportunities to date have included:

• University of Sydney, Australia
• Kungl Tekniska Hogskolan Stockholm, Sweden
• University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
• National University of Singapore
• Technische Universität München, Germany
• University of California, Berkeley, USA

See our UCD Global exchanges page for more information

Most architectural graduates go into architectural practice or on to further academic study in architecture or related subjects. Your skills are transferable, which enables you to work anywhere in the world. Some architects also work in other areas such as:

• Planning
• Heritage site management
• Landscape
• Cultural and artistic practice
• Curatorial work

UCD Architecture offers a wide range of taught master's, research master's and doctorate programmes, including:

• Urban Design (research)
• Conservation & Heritage (research)
• Regional & Urban Planning (taught)
• Urban Design & Planning (taught)
• Planning, Development & Urban Design (taught)
• Irish and European Landscape & Urbanisation (research)
• History and Theory of Architecture (PhD)

Check out the UCD Career Networks career guide for the College of Engineering & Architecture for details on the career supports available to UCD students.

UCD Engineering and Architecture Programme Office,
Room 122 (first floor), UCD Engineering and Materials Science Centre,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 1868
Enquiries Email: choosearchitecture@ucd.ie
Current Students Email: eng.arch@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie/engarch. and www.ucd.ie/architecture.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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