Architecture - Bolton Street
Architecture is the art and science of designing space. This course will suit you if you’ve got a creative aptitude for architectural design, the ability to implement your designs in practice, are interested in artistic and cultural aspects of society, and have an aptitude for technical and managerial challenges.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Technological University Dublin |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Technological University Dublin | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
5 Years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Minimum No of Subjects: 6
Higher: 2 H5's
Minimum Grade in:
Maths: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Applicants will be advised of and must attend a suitability test & interview
For further information go to: https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/courses/architecture-tu832/?keywords=tu832
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
Entry/Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for consideration for a course an applicant must possess the minimum entry requirements for that course. Entry requirements are outlined above.
CAO offers are determined on the basis of examination score except in the case of courses which involve suitability tests, interviews and other assessment procedures. All suitability tests/interviews/auditions/portfolio reviews etc will generally be carried out during the period March - May each year.
Where a specific grade is required in a subject (H4, O3 etc) an applicant must achieve that grade or better in order to be eligible for consideration (H = Higher Level; O = Ordinary Level). Where a requirement is 2 or 3 honours, grade H5 or better on Higher Level
Leaving Certificate papers is needed to meet such a requirement.
In the case of both Higher and Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate results, grades lower than H7 (Higher) or 06 (Ordinary) are not acceptable for eligibility purposes or for points calculation.
For the purpose of meeting minimum entry requirements, results from any number of sittings of the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination may be combined.
An applicant’s examination score will be calculated by adding together the points scored in the best six subjects in a single sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination.
Matriculation Examinations will not be accepted either for the purpose of meeting minimum entry requirements or for calculating examination scores.
Demand usually exceeds the number of places available and therefore examination results better than the minimum entry requirement are likely to be required.
When a number of applicants have the same points score, a random number is attached to the score for each course preference. This will then determine the position of each applicant on the waiting lists for offers.
Bonus Points Maths (Irish Leaving Certificate)
25 bonus points will continue to be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. Bonus points are only counted where that subject is scored as one of the applicant’s best six subjects for points purposes.
Foundation Level Mathematics
We accept Foundation Level Mathematics for the purposes of entry requirements the case of any course where Higher or Ordinary Level Mathematics is not a requirement. Please check above to ensure you are aware of the individual math requirement.
Points are awarded as follows:
F1 = 20 points
F2 = 12 points
Foundation Level Irish
For the most part the University will not consider Foundation Level Irish for the purposes of entry requirements or for points, however a grade F3 in Foundation level Irish is acceptable for meeting the minimum entry requirements for some Higher Certificate courses. Students with an F3 in Foundation level Irish must have passed five other subjects with a minimum grade of O6 including Math, students should check on individual course pages to determine if their foundation Irish grade is sufficient.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
The Link Modules can be used as one of the six subjects for overall points calculation and may also be considered as a subject for the purposes of minimum entry requirements, dependent on the programme for which you are applying.
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
QQI FET Applicants General Information
How to Apply
You must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
In order to apply, you must have obtained a full major award. A Component Certificate (minor award) is not sufficient.
The best 8 modules of your award are used for ranking purposes.
In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390.
If you’ve accumulated your major award over more than one academic year, you’ll need to apply to the QQI for a major award.
If you present full QQI Level 5/6 awards, you won’t be required to meet minimum entry requirements based on Leaving Certificate results. The QQI Level 5/6 award is accepted in its own right.
Careers / Further progression
What are my career opportunities?
Graduates of the TU832 Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) programme are eligible to become Registered Architects subject to experience and professional practice examination.
Architects may practice in a personal professional capacity, or in employment in private and public sector organisations. The field of practice is quite extensive in Ireland and abroad and may offer alternatives of general practice or specialisation throughout a career.
Many graduates have pursued very successful careers abroad and others have gone on to become prominent architects in Ireland.
Have a look at Alumni profiles on the TU Dublin Architecture website to get a sense for career and employment opportunities.
Progression
After you complete the B Arch, you may progress to the Level 9 M Arch course via the Advanced Entry application process. If you elect to complete the BSc Arch degree, you may progress to the Level 9 M Arch course directly after your 4th year on the B Arch. After completing the B Arch or M Arch courses, and two years of professional practice, you may apply for the Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice Level 9 course (TU411).
Visit the Postgraduate and Professional Development pages on the TU Dublin Architecture website for further information on postgraduate study opportunities.
Further information
Whatever your reason for coming back to education – to update your skills, gain a new qualification, achieve a personal goal or ambition, etc. TU Dublin welcomes applications from all mature students aged 23+.
It may be daunting but you’re not alone. TU Dublin has a range of supports in place to help you decide what course to take, get through the application process and get settled into college life.
For further information go to https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/entry-routes/mature-applicants/
EU Applicants
We welcome EU Applicants with high-school qualifications from a European Union or European Free Trade Association country.
A Level GCSE Applicants
We welcome students who have completed their GCSE or A Level exams.
TU Dublin Access Routes
We aim to ensure that students of all backgrounds and nationalities can find a pathway to higher education that suits their circumstances at different stages of their lives and careers. Please take some time to look at the various Access entry routes outlined below and feel free to contact us for further information. We are more than happy to give you advice on which entry route might be suitable for your individual needs and to support you in making your application.
For more information on these entry routes go to https://www.tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/entry-routes/
70
Yes - May 2023
Suitability Test & Interview with Portfolio
Applicants for the TU832 Architecture course will be required to sit a Suitability Test AND Interview with Portfolio as part of the admission process.
Suitability Test
When will I hear about the suitability test?
The School of Architecture, Building and Environment will contact all CAO applicants for the TU832 Architecture programme directly by email, using the email contact details included in your CAO application.
Applicants applying via the Change of Mind facility will be invited to undertake the Online Suitability Test and Online Interview with Portfolio in early July.
Suitability Test Guidelines
Admission to the TU832 Bachelor of Architecture programme comprises three elements:
Leaving Certificate (625 max CAO points, including 25 bonus points for higher level mathematics)
Suitability Test (100 points max)
Interview with Portfolio (100 points max)
The Suitability Test comprises three sections:
Section 1
''Why am I suited to studying architecture?'' written statement of 300 approximately words. The aim of the written statement is to determine self-awareness and interest in architecture as a field of study and professional activity.
Section 2
The second section requires the applicant to develop visual clues. This identifies a capacity for visualisation, imagination and the association of ideas.
Section 3
The third section requires the development of a three dimensional design idea. This provides an opportunity to demonstrate a 3D awareness, and a sense of scale and proportion.
Further information
For further information or queries, please email the School at School.SABE@tudublin.ie.
Interview with Portfolio
Online Interview Process
The TU832 Architecture Interview with Portfolio will take place online in May 2023. All TU832 Architecture CAO applicants will be written to with details on the process and will be assigned a time slot. Details on the process will be issued prior to the event.
Make your portfolio individual and unique
The School of Architecture, Building and Environment recognises that each applicant is unique. Your personal portfolio of work provides an opportunity for you to show your individual abilities and interests, and your readiness to join our Bachelor of Architecture programme.
How long will the interview take?
Interview times with be limited to 20 minutes per applicant.
What should I bring to the interview?
We are looking for quality over quantity. We suggest that you present no more than 10-20 pieces of your work. The work presented should demonstrate your interest, experience and aptitude in creative and graphic areas. Be selective about the works you present. Include a range of items using a variety of media.
What should I include?
The overall presentation, quality, and clarity of the portfolio is part of the interview discussion and evaluation process. Works may include but are not limited to
Sketches
Freehand drawings
Paintings
Sculpture
Graphics
Art photography
Woodworking
Ceramics
Film
Other visual media
During your interview, please indicate whether the works were completed as part of a school assessment, extracurricular activity, or on your own.
How should I prepare for the interview?
Before your scheduled interview, you must digitally capture your pieces so that you can share them on the screen digitally through a curated presentation. Instructions for scanning and photographing your pieces and assembling a presentation will be included in your invitation for interview email.
What criteria are used to asses the portfolio?
Your portfolio will be assessed as part of the interview process and should demonstrate the following:
Critical observation
Visual awareness
Imagination
Idea
Invention
Problem solving
Creative conceptual thinking
Commitment and ambition
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Is Architecture & Built Environment for you?
Are you fascinated by the design and creation of buildings around you or by famous architecture you have seen on your travels? Do you think there are better ways to plan cities and towns? Can we find more sustainable and more affordable ways to build homes, and are we building the right homes that people need? If you are interested in these questions, you’re in the right place.
What is Architecture?
The TU832 Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) course prepares students for the practice of architecture.
Architecture is the art and science of designing space. This course will suit you if you’ve got a creative aptitude for architectural design, the ability to implement your designs in practice, are interested in artistic and cultural aspects of society, and have an aptitude for technical and managerial challenges.
A five-year course, it covers topics such as design studio, the history of theory and criticism of architecture, environment, construction, visual and digital communications, computer applications and law.
The learning environment in Architecture is different from most degrees. We learn in our studios, in our gallery, through conversations, through vertical projects, and by drawing and making things.
Most of your student experience will centre on studio-based design projects, which allow you to design buildings and explore the urban and rural context. Throughout the course, there’s a strong emphasis on studio work and exploring the student’s understanding of architecture.
While not mandatory, B Arch students are encouraged and supported to apply for professional practice work experience and defer their studies for 1 academic year following 3 years of full time study. They’re also encouraged to take the opportunity to gain work experience in professional practice during the summer and winter breaks.
Professional Accreditation
The TU Dublin degree in Architecture is recognised internationally. After two years of postgraduate experience, you may take the examination in Professional Competence and thus become a member of the RIAI and register as an architect.
Have a look at Architecture Student Work on the TU Dublin Architecture website to get a better understanding of what the course involves.
Year One
Semester 1
Architecture Design Studio 1
History Theory & Criticism 1
Environment Services and Materials 1
Building Technology and Structures 1
Technical Studio 1
Semester 2
Architecture Design Studio 2
History Theory & Criticism 2
Visual Communication 2
Building Technology and Structures 2
Technical Studio 2
Year Two
Semester 1
Architecture Design Studio 3
History Theory & Criticism 3
Building Technology and Structures 3
Visual Communication 3
Semester 2
Architecture Design Studio 4
History Theory & Criticism 4
Environment Services and Materials 2
Technical Studio 3
Year Three
Semester 1
Architecture Design Studio 5
Environment Services and Materials 3
Building Technology and Structures 5
Visual Communication 4
Semester 2
Architecture Design Studio 6
History Theory & Criticism 5
Building Technology and Structures 4
Professional Studies 1
Year Four
Semester 1
Architecture Design Studio 7
Environment Services and Materials 4
Professional Studies 3
History Theory & Criticism 7
Semester 2
Architecture Design Studio 8
Options Electives 1
Building Technology and Structures 6
Professional Studies 2
Year Five
Semester 1
Architecture Design Studio 9
Thesis Development 1
Options Electives 2
Semester 2
Architecture Design Studio 10
Contact Us
Emma Geoghegan - Head of Architecture
emma.geoghegan@TUDublin.ie
+35312206821
Contact Us
School of Architecture, Building and Environment
School.SABE@tudublin.ie
+35312206584