Architecture

BSc (Architectural Science) (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MArch (NFQ Level 9) or BArchSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Course Video

Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

UCD Architecture is at the forefront of architectural and urban design, both in Ireland and internationally. It plays a central role in society, leading innovation and development on every scale. The Architecture course at UCD offers a means to engage creatively and constructively with society. If you have a capacity and passion for creativity, for making things through technological invention or artistic experimentation, and you’re excited by the idea of designing buildings, urban environments and landscapes, then this course is for you. The design process is central to Architecture, harnessing the mind’s analytical and creative powers to produce innovative solutions to everyday and future challenges.

Key Fact: UCD Architecture is the only college in Ireland with professional accreditation/ international certification from RIAI, RIBA & NAAB.

Studios are largely taught by practising architects and many alumni are leading figures, whose work is recognised nationally and internationally.

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

There are two main elements to the Architecture course – project work (design, drawing and model making) and the lecture programmes (historical and theoretical material). Project work is taught in the architecture design studios through a combination of lectures, individual tuition, field trips, group tutorials, large reviews and exhibitions.

The lecture programme can be grouped under three broad headings:

Technical

  • Architectural Technologies
  • Structures
  • Environmental Science

Cultural

  • Architectural History & Theory
  • Ecology
  • Conservation
  • Perspectives on Architecture

Managerial

  • Professional Studies

A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. In your final year, you’ll also submit a report of your design research project.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You may be interested in the following blog posts: Interested in studying architecture in UCD? & An insight into the life of an Architect student

International Study Opportunities

UCD Architecture has a very extensive list of 30+ partners in Europe and worldwide, opportunities to date have included:

  • University of Sydney, Australia
  • Kungl Tekniska Hogskolen Stockholm, Sweden
  • University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
  • National University of Singapore
  • Technische Universität München, Germany
  • University of California, Berkeley, USA
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Most architectural graduates go into architectural practice or on to further academic study in architecture or related subjects.

Your skills are transferable, which enables you to work anywhere in the world. Some architects also work in other areas such as:

  • Planning
  • Heritage site management
  • Landscape
  • Cultural and artistic practice
  • Curatorial work

UCD Architecture offers a wide range of taught Master’s, research Master’s and Doctorate programmes, including:

  • Urban Design (research)
  • Conservation & Heritage (research)
  • Regional and Urban Planning (taught)
  • Urban Design & Planning (taught)
  • Irish and European Landscape & Urbanisation (research)
  • History & Theory of Architecture (PhD)
  • Architecture, Urbanism & Climate Action
  • Landscape Architecture (taught)
Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“Studying Architecture at UCD allows me to explore my passions through the study of art, design, history, engineering and physical construction. Our time is mainly spent in studio working on design projects individually or in teams. Aside from this, I’ve spent my time in a wide variety of lectures; construction and 3D modelling workshops held weekly in our building lab; reading through the large collection of architectural books and collections in Richview library and working on various creative projects. I have greatly enjoyed working closely with practicing architects who give great insight on current design practices. A variety of other opportunities including yearly trips abroad to study the architecture of other cities such as Rome and Paris.”

Jennifer Fox, Student

Contact Information

UCD Engineering & Architecture College Office
Engineering and Materials Science Centre,
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 1916
Email: laura.egan-obrien@ucd.ie

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