Architecture (Joint Programme with MTU) (BSc (Hons))

Why Choose This Course

This exciting and innovative honours degree course in architecture has been developed with the support of the local architectural profession and in consultation with the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI).

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The CCAE has Erasmus links with colleges in Estonia, Austria and Italy.

Skills and Careers Information

The study of architecture provides opportunities to develop a wide range of transferable skills. Graduates of this course will have had rich experience of working in teams, working to deadlines, developing abilities in verbal and graphic communication and, most importantly, skills in creativity, design and innovation — the essential ingredients of success in the contemporary economy.

Architecture itself provides exciting and widely varied career opportunities. You may specialise in certain types of buildings, or concentrate on a particular area such as architectural design, urban design, technology, architectural conservation, and computer-based modelling.

You may work individually or as part of team, in private practice, or in the architectural section of a commercial organisation, a government department or local authority.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate entry requirements: 

At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

Mature students: Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview. Portfolio (in two parts) to be submitted in April. Part 1 – CV; Part 2 – not more than 8 A3 or A4 pages, which might include sketches, paintings, illustrations, photography and photographs of original 3D works.  There are approximately 2 mature places available.

International Students should visit the International Education website.

Direct Entry to Year 4 of the Joint UCC/MTU BSc (Hons) Architecture programme:

Applicants who hold a Level 7 or Level 8 Architecture qualification may apply for direct entry to Year 4 of the UCC/MTU BSc (Hons) Architecture programme. Please note that Interior Architecture and Architectural Technology qualifications will not be considered eligible for application to this entry route.

Fees and Costs

Course fees include a tuition fee, student contribution fee and capitation fee. The state will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student Contribution and Capitation Fees are payable by the student. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138.

Please see Fees Office for more information.

How Do I Apply

EU Applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry. 

Non-EU Applicants

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry. Find out about the mature entry requirements here. 

This challenging and engaging Architecture programme includes technology and cultural/contextual modules, and has a strong focus on learning through activities in the design studio. The Architecture degree is delivered by the Cork Centre for Architectural Education in Cork city, a collaboration between UCC and the Munster Technological University.

The Architecture programme has been designed in response to the guidelines of the UNESCO/UIA Charter for Architectural Education, the European Qualifications Directive (2005/36/ EC) relating to the Architectural Profession, and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Education Policy.

Combined with the Master of Architecture, it is accredited by the RIAI. Together with two years' work experience in an architect's office and a Postgraduate Certificate in Architectural Professional Practice and Experience, this will allow you to register as a professional architect.

Registration provides for legal protection of the title of , as required by the Irish Building Control Act 2007.

Modules

All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.

Year 1 Modules:

• AT1001 & AT1005 Design Studio 1 & 2 (15 credits each)
• AT1003 & AT1006 Construction, Materials and Structures 1 & 2 
• AT1009 & AT1010 Applied Technology Studio 1 & 2 
• AT1004 & AT1008 History and Theory of Architecture

Year 2 Modules:

Design Studio;  Construction, Materials and Structures;  History and Theory of Architecture; Environmental Design;  Applied Technology Studio

Year 3 Modules:

Design Studio;  Conservation;  Applied Technology Studio;  Environmental Design;  History and Theory of Architecture;  Landscape

Year 4 Modules:

Design Studio;  Dissertation;  Architectural Technology;  Professional Practice and Management.

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.

Recognised Qualification

Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS 1 Year at Bachelor degree level from a recognised university with competitive grades in specific relevant subjects

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum average of 90% in Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS competitive grades in year 1 at Bachelor degree level.

International Baccalaureate   

Expected lecture/lab/practical hours: Students participate in formal lecture and seminars, and design studio tutorials and reviews. This normally requires attendance five days per week.

Much is learned from interactions with other students as well as from the academic staff and the architectural practitioner associates. Hence there is an expectation that the workstation facilities provided are made use of, between the formal series of lectures and seminars.

In addition to learning drawing skills, students will be expected to become proficient in photography, model-making and digital representation of architecture, and to

Field trips: Students will be expected to participate in class field trips, visiting project sites, and also study trips to Irish and other European cities.  

**Every student is allocated with a generously sized work station with locker, shelves and a worktop large enough to accomodate an A1 drawing board plus an A1 space for other materials. Teaching and Learning occurs through tutorials delivered at the drawing board, and through design reviews, when all student design work is publically displayed and discussed, at the end of each design project. 

There will be a cost of approximately €300 in year 1 for a materials pack. 

You should also allow €300 for model-making costs and €400 per annum for field trips plus spending money.

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.