Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide a multi-disciplinary architectural engineering and design management degree programme with an educational experience that comprises building design, technology and management.
• To provide a high-quality teaching environment that develops a clear cognisance of the construction industry and capacity to solve building design, technical, and coordination problems.
• To equip students with a broad base of theoretical, practical and management knowledge and skills to facilitate the integration of design and construction disciplines.
• To develop lifelong learning skills and personal development awareness to enhance students’ ability to sustain a leading design management role.
• To produce architectural engineering and design management graduates who have the potential – with further learning – to become Chartered and play a significant role in the management and delivery of construction projects.

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

External reference points include accreditation requirements for the Chartered Institute of Building and the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.

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:

1. The process of building design and its various components including building performance and sustainability, building services, building materials, architectural and structural design.
2. Construction technology, which leads to a complete understanding of how buildings are designed and constructed.
3. The principles of management that include concepts of project management and the management of construction companies, with a focus on Design Management.
4. Practice and procedures relevant to Design Management which includes construction documentation, estimating and tendering, practical surveying and planning of construction.
5. Information technology and ICT systems that facilitate the electronic market place.
6. The law as it relates to the construction industry.
7. Economics and economic principles that impact upon society and the commercial market place.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

1. Analyse and solve building design problems, applying professional judgement to balance opportunities, risks, costs, time and quality. 
2. Coordination and monitoring of the production of information and data from a variety of sources, including drawings, specifications, codes of practices, bills of quantities and legal forms of contract.  
3. Plan, conduct and report on a programme of original research.   
4. Analyse and solve technical design problems.
5. Take a holistic approach to planning and execution of construction projects through the implementation of information technology systems.   

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

1. Produce integrated design solutions to meet a client brief.
2. Use CAD and manual methods to produce technical/architectural drawings. 
3. Use survey equipment to survey and produce drawings and reports.
4. Prepare technical and financial reports and presentations.
5. Design, plan for and implement solutions to technical problems.
6. Use commercial and technical and managerial literature effectively.
7. Take notes effectively. 
8. Use computational tools and packages.
9. Participate in teams.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

1. Communicate effectively (in written and verbal).
2. Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
3. Manage resources of time and money.
4. Use information and communication technology.
5. Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations. 
6. Learn effectively for continuing professional development within the context of professional membership of an authoritative institution.
7. Balance risks and make decisions.

4. Programme structure

Modules with their weights in parentheses are taught in Semesters 1 and 2.

4.1    Part A – Introductory Modules

4.1.1    Semester 1 

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 60) 

(ii)        There are no optional modules

4.1.2    Semester 2

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 60) 

 (ii)        There are no optional modules

4.2       Part B – Degree Modules

4.2.1    Semester 1

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 60) 

 (ii)        There are no optional modules

 4.2.2    Semester 2 

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 60) 

 (ii)        There are no optional modules

4.3       Part C – Degree Modules

4.3.1    Semester 1           

(i)         COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 50) 

(ii)           Optional Modules

One 10 credit module from                                

 4.3.2      Semester 2 

(i)           COMPULSORY MODULES (total modular weight 40) 

(ii)           Optional Modules 

Modules with a total modular weight of 20 from 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1     In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum requirements set out in Regulation XX but also:

Students registered before September 2014 should meet the following programme requirements:

In order to progress from Parts A or B, or to qualify for the award of an Honours Degree in Part C, candidates must obtain at least 40% in modules worth 100 credits in each Part and at least 30% in other modules in each Part.

Students registered from September 2014 onwards should meet the following programme requirements:

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 accumulate 120 credits in each Part.

5.2     Candidates cannot progress from Part B to the DIS 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 Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final percentage mark.