Program Overview

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Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice

Overview

The Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice (PDAP) is a 30-credit postgraduate qualification recognized by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The course is accredited by the RIAI for the purposes of registration. Successful candidates, who also have the requisite undergraduate qualification, will be permitted to join the Statutory Register of Architects with the RIAI to practice as an Architect in Ireland.

Course Details

TU Code

TU411

NFQ Level

Level 9

Award Type

Special Purpose

Award

Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice

ECTS Credits

30

Duration

1 Year

Course Type

Postgraduate

Mode of Study

Part-time

Method of Delivery

Blended

Commencement Date

September 2025

Location

Bolton Street

Fees

€430 per 5 ECTS Module
€1,430 15 ECTS Module Case Study
€2,720 Total Fee

Course Content

Taught Modules Semester 1 and 2

The classroom element is delivered through a series of six professional components, which are four weeks in duration:

• ARCH 6101 – Professionalism (fee bidding and office management)
• ARCH 6101 – Planning
• ARCH 6102 – Building Control
• ARCH 6102 – Construction Procurement
• ARCH 6103 – Design Management
• ARCH 6103 – Construction Management
• Case Study Module Semester 1 and 2

The Case Study Module runs in parallel to the taught classroom components (it may also be taken with a one or two semester break). It is to a large degree undertaken through self-directed study. There will however be six individual tutorials arranged with the Programme Chair, which will provide feedback and support for both the Case Study and the Janus Report. There will in addition be a mock interview, held after the final submission and before the final viva. Students will be required to submit a case study, career evaluation (Janus) report and sit an oral examination at the end of the semester.

Module Listing

• Year One
  • Semester 1
    • Building Control and Construction Procurement [Mandatory]
    • Management of Design and Management of Construction [Mandatory]
    • Professional Practice Portfolio [Mandatory]
    • Professionalism and Planning [Mandatory]
  • Semester 2
    • Professionalism and Planning [Mandatory]
    • Building Control and Construction Procurement [Mandatory]
    • Management of Design and Management of Construction [Mandatory]
    • Professional Practice Portfolio [Mandatory]

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the PDAP programme, the student will be able to:

• Describe contemporary issues relevant to the practice of architecture in Ireland
• Recognize the requirement to act ethically within the RIAI Code of Conduct
• Evaluate personal performance against good practice
• Explain the importance of collaborative practice in the field of architecture
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the global, societal, and legislative context of sustainable design
• Describe the general principles of management
• Outline the specific issues arising from architectural practice
• Describe his/her obligations and responsibilities to employers, clients, other professionals, and to a society at large
• Integrate the principles of project management
• Examine the principles of team management
• Debate the general legal context & explain how aspects of it impact on the management of architecture
• Evaluate the effects of Planning & Development & Heritage legislation on the realization of architecture
• Predict the effects of Safety Health & Welfare legislation on the realization of architecture
• Appraise the effects of Building Control legislation on the realization of architecture
• Outline the legislative context of fire safety design and certification
• Characterize the societal and legislative context of inclusive design
• Conclude the duties and obligations placed upon the architect when appointed as contract administrator
• Differentiate approaches to cost planning with and without the input of a quantity surveyor
• Examine roles, responsibilities, and relationships of sub-consultants during the Pre-Tender Design Process and the Post Tender Project process
• Evaluate the selection process for main contractor(s) and sub-contractors
• Assess a resource plan and information issue programme addressing pre-tender procurement activities
• Reflect on and critically evaluate the management of a real-life project
• Reflect on and critically evaluate the management of real-life practice
• Appraise the key methods by which the government controls and regulates the construction industry, including current consumer protection issues and related legislation
• Judge the legislative and economic controls of development including fiscal measures, planning legislation, environmental law, building regulation, health and safety regulation, and identify associated codes of practice and sources of technical information
• Predict how the legislative and economic control of the built environment and the construction industry affects development and the procurement of projects in Ireland
• Appraise sources of information available to architects in Ireland
• Plan and negotiate future appropriate professional experience accordingly

Minimum Entry Requirements

The Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice programme is open to the following categories of applicants:

• Graduates of a recognized course in architecture, equivalent to the TU Dublin BArch
• Other building professionals who wish to take the course of study as CPD

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates will be eligible to register as a professional who is entitled to call themselves an Architect.