Diploma in Architecture (DipArch)

Programme Overview

This programme is ARB/RIBA Part 2 Accredited. The programme is designed to provide the necessary educational framework for students who intend to enter the architectural profession, and confers exemption from Part 2 of the Examination in Architecture ARB/RIBA and offers an intensive training in the forces acting on building, and the specific skills of the architect. Project-based, it centres on contemporary issues of urban building, the work ranging from live projects and sponsored research to competitions and theoretical studies.

The first year is the opportunity for you to extend design skills within a rigorous creative studio and to explore architecture as a response to the contemporary issues. Glasgow is one of the UK's most architecturally stimulating cities and we use Glasgow within the context of contemporary, sustainable, Compact City theory. Visiting critics bring a fresh perspective to studying in Glasgow, a city which itself provides a powerful stimulus to studying architecture.

Students who achieve a distinction in the final design thesis of the Diploma programme may be eligible to proceed to a programme leading to the award of a masters degree, MArch (by conversion), where there is an opportunity to develop an aspect of the thesis design in greater depth. Students progressing prepare a special piece of work relating to their final design thesis supervised by the Professor of Architecture.

The programme takes a further term of full-time study or by agreement with the Head of School, three terms part-time. Students develop ideas stemming from their previous work and develop fluency in the discussion of contemporary issues, encouraging them to place their own work in the wider context of current architecture and society.

Students are encouraged to devise and organise a public exhibition of their work.

Emphasis continues to be placed on drawing and model making as means of rigorously investigating, clarifying and developing a design. Some projects are undertaken as group work while others are used to develop the individuals design skills.

The projects typically include the design for a mixed use neighbourhood, high density housing, and the design of a cultural building within the inner city.