| Code | CK606 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Fees | Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,138. See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| CAO Points | 2023: 532 |
| CAO Points Range | 2023: 532-625 |
Course Outline
Architecture explores new ways of living, investigates new technologies and materials, and strives to ensure that new buildings, towns and landscapes are environmentally sustainable. It combines art, science and technology in the design and construction of buildings and their surroundings within a sociocultural context. Architects are engaged in all aspects and creating the built environment from feasibility studies, outline and detailed design, through planning, to construction and management. They are involved in projects of a diverse nature, including the design of domestic, retail, leisure, health, commercial, industrial and educational buildings, towns and urban landscapes.
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. This new, purpose-designed premises houses state-of-the-art technology with purpose-built workshop spaces where you will develop your skills in creativity, design and innovation.
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 "Architect", as required by the Irish Building Control Act 2007.
The first year of study provides you with a foundation in design and the built environment, appropriate to both the discipline of architecture and associated design courses. In addition to learning drawing skills, you will become proficient in photography, modelmaking and digital representation of architecture. The following years of study will become progressively more architecturally focused whilst still allowing and encouraging experimentation and research into associated disciplines. You will participate in formal lectures and seminars, and design studio tutorials and reviews. You will also get the chance to participate in class field trips, visiting project sites, as well as study trips to Irish and other European cities.
Year 1 Modules
- AT1001 & AT1005 Design Studio 1 & 2 (15 credits each)
- AT1003 & AT1006 Construction, Materials and Structures 1 & 2 (5 credits each)
- AT1009 & AT1010 Applied Technology Studio 1 & 2 (5 credits each)
- AT1004 & AT1008 History and Theory of Architecture (5 credits each)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
- 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.
- Students will be expected to participate in class field trips, visits to project sites, and 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.
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).
The architectural programme requires a broad set of skills and you need to be a creative, innovative, logical and critical thinker. An artistic ability is important although the design studio work will help develop this. An interest in the following subjects will all contribute to your enjoyment of this course: Art, Mathematics, English, Design and Communication Graphics, and a Science/Technology subject.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Study Abroad
The CCAE has Erasmus links with colleges abroad including Austria, Estonia, and Italy Italy, and plans for exchanges with schools in France and Slovenia.
Skills and Careers Information
Graduate Study Options
When you successfully complete the BSc (Hons) in Architecture you will be eligible to apply to the Master of Architecture (MArch) programme (a notified award recognised under the EU Directive on Professional Qualifications). This, together with practical experience and an RIAI Certificate in Architectural Professional Practice will provide the overall education required for professional membership of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI).
Career Opportunities
Architecture itself provides exciting and widely varied career opportunities. As a graduate 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 a team, in private practice, or in the architectural section of a commercial organisation, a government department or local authority. Our graduates have gone on to work as architectural assistant designers, draughtsmen and women, forum architect assistants, domestic heating planners and project managers.
Our students are highly regarded in architecturebased practices and have found work with employers including 4M Group, Bjarke Ingels Group, Butler Cammoranesi Architecture, Cork City Council, De Blacam Meagher, dRMM, Eva Jiricna, (Norman) Foster and Partners, Henry J Lyons Architects, Hilson Moran Partnership Ltd, Jacobs Engineering Group, Loïc Dehaye, McCullogh Mulvin, O’Donnell Tuomey, OPW, O’Mahony Pike Architects, PM Group, Scott Tallon Walker, (Terry) Farrell, Wilson Architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects, and many more.
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.
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:
| English | Irish | Maths |
|---|---|---|
| O6/H7 | O6/H7 | O6/H7 |
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.
Other Qualifications
EU/EFTA/UK students presenting an alternative school-leaving qualification (e.g. A-levels or International Baccalaureate) or QQI/FET course should visit our EU/EFTA/UK Applicants pages for further information.
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.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- 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.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
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.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.