A diploma from the University of East London, based at the Graduate School of the Environment at the Centre for Alternative Technology

This course is delivered at CAT’s Graduate School of the Environment based in the award-winning Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE). Surrounded by mountains and forest, this location fosters a unique learning environment.

CAT’s 35 years of sustainable education experience has led to the development of courses that not only tackle environmental issues, but are focused on sustainability at the core of every aspect of learning.

The diploma runs for a continuous 18 months, saving six months on the standard 24-month Part II course.

Aims

The Professional Diploma is aimed at the architecture student who understands that the world is in a time of transition and that building design plays an important role in environmental impact. Therefore there is great potential within the profession for environmental change and this is pivotal to the entire sustainability debate.

• Aimed at students who wish to pursue a career in architecture and wish to attain a highly credited Part II diploma.
• Graduates of this course will understand built environment design in the context of adaptation to sustainability issues.
• Monthly intensive residential study weeks immerse students in their projects.
• Collaboration with external designers, architects and community projects add 'real-life' experience to the students' resumes.
• Intensive 18 month course allows graduates to respond more quickly to the urgent need for a greater understanding of sustainability issues in the built environment.

The Programme content

The Professional Diploma programme offers a unique blend of design and academic study together with practical experience. Students are equipped with the knowledge and vocational skills that are becoming increasingly important in the architectural industry.

The following modules are delivered via a lively mixture of practical workshops, studio-based design work, site visits, seminars and lectures.

• Design studies with professional practice.
• Design and fabrication: collaborative project.
• Design and fabrication: renewable energy engineering.
• Design studies: summer school.
• Environment, energy, climate and human beings.
• Building performance and energy use.
• Building performance and use of materials.

See the list of upcoming module dates here.

Methods of assessment

Students are continuously assessed on essays, presentations and practical work.

There is a final exhibition of students’ designs exhibited in the prestigious WISE building and assessed by external examiners. See our image galleries for examples of previous exhibitions.

Entry requirements

• Exemption from RIBA part 1
• Presentation of a portfolio of work

Applicants who have been educated overseas but lack RIBA part 1 exemption can gain exemption by presenting their previous work independently to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as an external student.  Further information can be obtained from the ARB at: - www.arb.org.uk

The Professional Diploma in Architecture: Advanced Environment and Energy Studies is currently prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), subject to periodic review, for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects. Prescription is normally granted on a four-yearly basis subject to ARB being satisfied that standard requirements have been met. The prescription of this qualification will be due for renewal by 30th September 2014 as part of the four-yearly review cycle.

Fees

Currently the fees for the entire course (academic year 2012/13) are:

• UK and EEA students: £12750

This fee includes all full board accommodation during the residential teaching weeks at CAT.

Please note the fees for the academic year 2013/14 may be higher.

A budget plan is available on request.

See our fees policy here.

International students should note that we do not have a Tier 4 Sponsor licence, which allows us to accept International students who require student visas to study on our residential courses.
Please take a look at our MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies course which is available by distance learning
This is a wide ranging and comprehensive course in sustainable architecture and renewable energy.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form here.

Once we have received your initial application we will contact you to let you know if we wish for you to come for a visit.

We are planning open days for applicants  when you will be expected to join us for an informal interview and presentation of your portfolio.

Contacts

Student Support Officer:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tel +44 (0)1654 704985

Trish Andrews, Acting Programme Leader: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tel +44 (0)1654 704957

Is this the course for you?

If you would like to visit for a free overnight stay during a module, attend lectures and workshops and meet staff and students, please contact the Student Support Officer: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

See the video of course lecturer Trish Andrews talking about the Professional Diploma course.

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Videos

See videos of practical modules

FAQs

Read the FAQs relating to the Professional Diploma

Apply now

Use this quick and easy online application form.

Programme handbook

A detailed, 80 page description of the course.

Programme specification

A summary of the course on the University of East London website.