This course is available through the following application route(s)
Applicants must have a Master's in Architecture (M.Arch) to apply for admission to the UCD Professional Diploma (Architecture) in 2025/26.
The Professional Diploma (Architecture) is the final professional examination for architectural graduates leading to entry to the Register for Architects in Ireland. The programme is offered on a part-time flexible basis over two trimesters, at the time that an architectural graduate is undertaking a minimum of 24 months of professional practical experience under supervision. Graduates arrange their own placements in architectural practice, which may be in Ireland or abroad, and the programme is structured to provide a context and support to graduates during their professional training.
The programme is delivered by UCD academic staff, practicing architects and other professionals with expertise in critical subject areas. Lecture recordings, learning material and readings will be available to students for flexible learning, supported by group tutorials.
Please refer to the attached document for additional information.
Join the Mailing List for information about the Professional Diploma (Architecture) at:
https://goo.gl/forms/AWO01Na6mZ0rECxS2
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: The Professional Diploma Architecture is a 30-credit part-time Level 9 programme. This programme can be completed over one or two years (up to four trimesters). To be eligible for the award of this Professional Diploma, students must complete the required 30 credits within the two-year registration period. Student MUST select the SPRING Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40090, ARCT40130 and ARCT40140, and the AUTUMN Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40100 and ARCT40110 must be taken in the Autumn Trimester. In case of any query regarding your registration please contact: professionalpractice@ucd.ie |
ARCT40100 | Case Study | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: The Professional Diploma Architecture is a 30-credit part-time Level 9 programme. This programme can be completed over one or two years (up to four trimesters). To be eligible for the award of this Professional Diploma, students must complete the required 30 credits within the two-year registration period. Student MUST select the SPRING Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40090, ARCT40130 and ARCT40140, and the AUTUMN Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40100 and ARCT40110 must be taken in the Autumn Trimester. In case of any query regarding your registration please contact: professionalpractice@ucd.ie |
ARCT40110 | Practical Experience | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: The Professional Diploma Architecture is a 30-credit part-time Level 9 programme. This programme can be completed over one or two years (up to four trimesters). To be eligible for the award of this Professional Diploma, students must complete the required 30 credits within the two-year registration period. Student MUST select the SPRING Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40090, ARCT40130 and ARCT40140, and the AUTUMN Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40100 and ARCT40110 must be taken in the Autumn Trimester. In case of any query regarding your registration please contact: professionalpractice@ucd.ie |
ARCT40090 | Procurement & Contracts | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: The Professional Diploma Architecture is a 30-credit part-time Level 9 programme. This programme can be completed over one or two years (up to four trimesters). To be eligible for the award of this Professional Diploma, students must complete the required 30 credits within the two-year registration period. Student MUST select the SPRING Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40090, ARCT40130 and ARCT40140, and the AUTUMN Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40100 and ARCT40110 must be taken in the Autumn Trimester. In case of any query regarding your registration please contact: professionalpractice@ucd.ie |
ARCT40130 | Architectural Practice | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: The Professional Diploma Architecture is a 30-credit part-time Level 9 programme. This programme can be completed over one or two years (up to four trimesters). To be eligible for the award of this Professional Diploma, students must complete the required 30 credits within the two-year registration period. Student MUST select the SPRING Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40090, ARCT40130 and ARCT40140, and the AUTUMN Trimester offerings of the modules ARCT40100 and ARCT40110 must be taken in the Autumn Trimester. In case of any query regarding your registration please contact: professionalpractice@ucd.ie |
ARCT40140 | Construction Legislation | Spring | 5 |
UCD ranks 1st in Ireland and in the top 50 worldwide in the QS Sustainability rankings 2023, which focus on what institutions are doing to tackle the world’s greatest environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges
This UCD post-graduate programme is accredited by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) as the Registration Body in Ireland for direct admission to the statutory ‘Register for Architects’ established under the Building Control Act, 2007. Graduates who complete the Professional Diploma, and who are EU citizens, are entitled to automatic recognition in EU member states under the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive, 2005/36/EC.
Fees include attendance at lectures and tutorials, academic support, lecture recordings, learning material, online access to Brightspace, UCD Student Card, access to all UCD Libraries, and the use of UCD student facilities.
This course is only available to graduates of B.Arch/ M.Arch or equivalent approved 5-year qualification in architecture. Further information is available here
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
Applications for 2025/26 will open on the 22nd October (for a January 2026 start).
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Professional Diploma (Architecture) PT:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | T411 Professional Diploma (Architecture) PT Professional Diploma (Architecture) Part-Time Commencing January 2026 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsClosed |