Architecture (Joint Programme with MTU)

The Architecture programme is a four-year honours degree course that 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.

Course Outline

The programme includes technology and cultural/contextual modules, with 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.

Course Practicalities

• Students participate in formal lectures and seminars, and design studio tutorials and reviews, requiring attendance five days per week.
• Much is learned from interactions with other students, academic staff, and architectural practitioner associates.
• Students will participate in class field trips, visits to project sites, and study trips to Irish and other European cities.
• Every student is allocated a generously sized workstation with a locker, shelves, and a worktop large enough to accommodate an A1 drawing board plus an A1 space for other materials.

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 programme requires a broad set of skills, including creativity, innovation, logical and critical thinking, and artistic ability.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The CCAE has Erasmus links with colleges abroad, including Austria, Estonia, and 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, which, 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, including specialization in certain types of buildings or concentration on areas such as architectural design, urban design, technology, architectural conservation, and computer-based modeling.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented, with 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.

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February.

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.

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.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• 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.
• There will be a cost of approximately 300 in Year 1 for a materials pack, 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.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.

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Degree Overview:

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.

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Outline:

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.

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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)

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Teaching:

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. 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.

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Careers:

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 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.

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Other:

The CCAE has Erasmus links with colleges abroad including Austria, Estonia, and Italy Italy, and plans for exchanges with schools in France and Slovenia. 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).

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.