Course Summary
The Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice (PDAP) is a 30 Credit postgraduate qualification, which is recognised by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The course is accredited by the RIAI for the purposes of registration. Successful candidates, who also have the requisite undergraduate qualification, will be permitted to join the Statutory Register of Architects with the RIAI to practice as an Architect in Ireland.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice programme is open to the following categories of applicants:
Graduates of a recognised course in architecture, equivalent to the TU Dublin BArch
Other building professional who wish to take the course of study as CPD
Application Details
Applications for courses commencing in September 2025 will open in November 2024.
Apply to provider - Expression of Interest Form link below
Commencement Date: January 2025
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
Successful graduates will be eligible to register as a professional who is entitled to call themselves an Architect.
Duration
Mode of Study: Part Time
Method of Delivery: On-Campus, Online
Schedule
The PDAP programme has run 5.30 – 20.00 each Monday, with six seminar days which start at 14.00, over 24 contact weeks across two 15-week semesters from September to May. All of the course content is recorded and available to students through Google Classroom and is designed to facilitate students travelling from outside the Dublin area.
The case study tutorials are arranged individually with the assigned tutor. Students should allow for around 20 learning hours per week over 2 x 15-week semesters. This comprises 2-5 (depending on the day) hours in college each Monday and 15 hours self-directed learning over 24 weeks in each semester, and 20 hours self-directed learning per week for the remaining 3 weeks.