Employability & Professionalism
Different working practices and employability lie at the heart of the Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Design. From the Projects Office, enabling students and staff to engage in live projects both regionally and internationally; through the foundation and the core u/grad and p/grad curriculum and onto the Masters programs, professional qualification and the PhD program; students take part in projects which explore a breadth of current practices in design and architecture and related fields, such as history, urban design and scarce resources. The projects are updated annually by the practicing designers, architects and active researchers who go on to lead their development in the design studios and in the workshop. The Faculty also boasts a vibrant series of practitioner guest lectures, exhibitions, CPD and summer workshops.
ref. website
Students become specifically engaged with employability within the first two years of the undergraduate degree (module nos......) when they are introduced to current legislative (planning/health and safety) and management employment-related issues through lectures, seminars and interactive workshops; and become familiar with the recording and evaluation of work and academic experiences using the pdp (personal development planning) and the architects’ professional RIBA electronic PEDR (Professional Experience and Development Record) system; Interior Architecture also offers an optional work placement module at the end of the undergraduate degree; all of which are closely mentored by both tutors and practitioners.
During the courses students are offered CV writing tutorials, and a register of available work is maintained within the Faculty; and students are actively supported in their search for work experience either alongside the courses, ie as a part time student, or at the end of the first degrees.
For architectural students there is opportunity to take part in a wide variety of working experiences in their ‘year out’ having gained RIBA part 1 and before returning to Diploma (to gain part 2) or going onto the Masters program.
At postgraduate level 4th year students of architecture all take part in the Advocacy module where alternative forms of working practices and business models are explored in lectures, debates and seminars; and where students are encouraged to talk directly with clients, employers, architects and other related professionals and consultants as part of an evaluation of the context within which architecture occurs and an investigation into an architect’s legal, social and professional ‘duty of care’.
During the courses several students take the opportunity to collaborate and set up their own practices or businesses; tutorial advice is offered on this kind of enterprise which is encouraged not only through contacts with the Projects Office and within taught self-directed design studios but also by the Professional Studies Advisor (PSA). The PSA oversees the development and recording of necessary and appropriate work experience leading to the final RIBA Part 3 professional examination which is open to all appropriately qualified candidates. Once passed, after a minimum of 7 years academic and work experience, this qualification enables the students to register with the ARB (Architects’ Registration Board) and call themselves and practice as an ‘architect’ ( which is a protected title in the UK).
link to RIBA
http://www.architecture.com/EducationAndCareers/Home.aspx
link to ARB
http://www.arb.org.uk/index.php
Volunteering
During the year the Faculty gets many requests from established architectural practices as well as individuals who are looking for ASD students to work for them. Whether it is drawing up plans for someone's house extension or a doing a year-out practical experience at a firm, these are often great opportunities for students to get experience while making some money. Advertisements for jobs can be found in the labelled folder on the table in front of the UG/PG Centre on the first floor.
Other opportunities for students exist within the Faculty as Artisans or Ambassadors. Artisans are needed for in-house work including anything from general maintenance and upkeep of the building to mounting and dismantling the summer show. Ambassadors are needed for Faculty events often relating to recruitment. During events such as interviews for incoming students, open days and the summer show, Ambassadors are required to answer questions about the school and the programmes as well as give tours around the Faculty.
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