Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BArch (Hons) Architecture

Academic Year: 2018/19

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body
Final award BArch/BArch + DPS
Programme title Architecture
Programme code CVUB02
Length of programme Four years with Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)
UCAS code K101
Admissions criteria

BArch DPS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/k101

Date at which the programme specification was published Tue, 28 Aug 2018 22:30:41 BST

1. Programme Aims

The aims of this programme are to...

A1 Demonstrate the use of a well-rounded, broad-based, student-focused experience that includes opportunities to train with varied forms of architectural practices in preparation for a successful career as an architect


A2 Provide progressively challenging design briefs that enhance individual and team imagination, creativity, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and reflection


A3 Provide a high quality educational experience that produces design and industry leaders who are able to communicate their ideas visually, orally and in writing


A4 Develop a thorough and broad understanding of architecture and its broader cultural, social, environmental and historic context


A5 Explore a wide range of architectural technologies, materials and innovative solutions to develop technical prowess


A6 Develop an understanding of integrating active as well as passive design features and environmental design strategies to enhance user comfort and reduce embedded and operational carbon


A7 Facilitate collaborative projects with other disciplines across the construction and arts & design fields


A8 Provide the opportunity to engage with complex design problems in a variety of design contexts through research-informed teaching and practitioner involvement in the delivery of modules


A9 Develop an awareness for and impact on user and broader community-based needs to inform the design process 


A10 Provide a variety of theoretical and real contexts to assess architecture and it's qualities, language and relationships


A11 Obtain a broad grounding in professional aspects of architecture including business management and planning, statutory and legal frameworks and client issues

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Q1 Students are exempt from the part 1 exam offered by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This degree also leads to the MArch programme (RIBA Part 2) and full professional qualifications (RIBA Part 3).[1]


Q2 Input from our industrial contacts through focus groups, interviews and workshops.


Q3 QAA Architecture Benchmark statement (2010): http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Architecture.pdf


Q4 Intended learning outcomes (ILO) align with the education criteria jointly set by the ARB and RIBA: https://www.architecture.com/files/ribaprofessionalservices/education/validation/ribavalidationcriteriafromseptember2011parts1,23.pdf


Q5 ILO’s also align with the EU Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC), Section 8, Article 46: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32005L0036

 

Q6 To assure quality and  excellence the course adheres to the University’s Quality Procedures Handbook: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/registry/pqtp/aqphandbook/

 

Q7 The course has been designed in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education, including the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in the UK (FHEQ)



[1] The RIBA pathway to registration is currently under review. Information available here: https://www.architecture.com/RIBA/Becomeanarchitect/Oureducationalactivities/RIBAEducationReview.aspx

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

K1 Basic technological principles of structural design, building materials, and construction in relationship to new and existing building proposals

K2 The use of building physics and environmental design principles to inform the sustainable design and occupation of architecture

K3 Architectural periods and styles throughout history

K4 Architectural and urban design theories

K5 The urban environment and the cultural and social issues associated with it

K6 The design process and the way that it is informed by context, stakeholders, budget, brief and regulations

K7 A broad range of communication competencies to convey their ideas visually, orally and in writing

K8 The architectural profession and the context of practice as an individual and working in an inter-disciplinary team

K9 Architectural language, qualities, relationships and potential impact

K10 The use of research skills and approaches as an integrated part of the design process

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:  

C1 Propose clear design ideas in relation to a design brief and convert them into physical space

C2 Analyse issues of site, scale, environment, context, programme and users’ needs to form and respond to a design brief

C3 Identify and critically evaluate the materials, construction methods and technologies employed within a building design

C4 Examine the expected performance of key elements with regards to structural performance and environmental impact 

C5 Critically analyse architectural, structural, environmental and material strategies/solutions for a complex design problem

C6 Recognize the constraints and interfaces between the process of design, the management of a business and the various frameworks that construction projects fit within

C7 Evaluate building form and key elements through historic and theoretical lenses

C8 Identify appropriate methods to collect information, conduct research, evaluate the results and draw conclusions

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

P1 Conduct individual and collaborative design investigations

P2 Analyse building site conditions in terms of social, physical, economic and environmental factors

P3 Formulate informed judgements with regards to design proposals that negotiate project aspirations with a wide range of factors

P4 Employ a range of visualisation methods and written vocabulary to communicate design proposals clearly and effectively

P5 Produce digital drawings and models using a range of software to simulate and model building designs

P6 Conduct research using appropriate methods to investigate complex issues

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

T1 Identify opportunities and problem solve

T2 Utilise design strategies and tools including software that cuts across design professions

T3 Manage time and projects effectively

T4 Gather and manage information

T5 Produce and present ideas in visual and written forms

T6 Think logically and laterally and critically reflect

T7 Work independently and as part of a team

T8 Support the running of a small business within the UK legal framework

4. Programme structure

All modules are compulsory and year long

Part A

Code

Title

Modular Weight

CVA055

Design Studio A

50

CVA056

Design Skills

10

CVA057

Tectonics 1 - An Introduction to Materials, Structure & Construction

20

CVA058

Building Science

20

CVA059

Architectural History

20

 Part B

Code

Title

Modular Weight

CVB075

Design Studio B

50

CVB076

Advanced Design Skills

20

CVB077

Advanced Technical Investigations

20

CVB078

Critical Theory

20

CVB079

Design in Context

10

 Part C

Code

Title

Modular Weight

CVC090

Design Studio C

60

CVC091

Design Interventions

10

CVC092

Research Dissertation

30

CVC093

The Business of Architecture

20

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A or Part B, or to qualify for the award of an Honours Degree in Part C, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum requirements set out in Regulation XX but also accumulate 120 credits in each Part.  Candidates cannot progress from Part B to the DPS year until Part B progression requirements have been met.

 

 

 

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C.  The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio of 40 (Part B) to 60 (Part C) to determine the final percentage mark.

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