Course description
These one-year courses supersede the Department's BArch degree as the fifth year of academic architectural education en route to full professional qualification, and provide an open and creative learning environment embracing theory and practice.
Students appraise current theoretical approaches to architectural design, assessing and exemplifying their relevance in existing and proposed contexts; develop and display formal and technical architectural ability; undertake a comprehensive building design project; demonstrate their awareness of management procedures relevant to design practice; and carry out a detailed examination of an issue or issues of particular architectural significance, eg by dissertation or special project (Masters degree only).
Structure
The Diploma course comprises four study modules: Special Studies; Theoretical and Exploratory Architectural Design; Technical Investigations; Architectural Design Project. The focus of study is design project work: analysis, synthesis and appraisal are exemplified through appropriate modes, such as drawings, models, computer studies and essays. Each module is designed to give students an opportunity to explore and develop projects related to their own interests at the frontier of contemporary architectural debate.
