This document outlines the agenda and discussion topics for a seminar on the future of architectural education. The morning session will include introduction and breakout discussion groups on the topic. The afternoon will focus on action research development. Key contexts discussed are the changing higher education environment with an emphasis on employability and reducing student debt, as well as the RIBA education review exploring shortening time to qualification and integrating education and practice. The curriculum review addresses over-teaching, introducing pathway options and expanding collaborative and interdisciplinary opportunities. Discussion groups will debate questions around vocational training versus broad education, increasing diversity, affordability, interdisciplinary learning, appropriate objectives/methods/assessment, incorporating real-world experience, and alternatives to studio

1. ARC571 Reflections on
Architectural Education
Seminar 2
Friday 2 December 2016

2. Timetable:
10.00 introduction to morning session – room 13.17
10.15 discussion groups:
‘the Future of Architectural Education’
11.15 feedback and further discussion
2.30 introduction to afternoon session – room 14.12
3.00 Action Research development workshop
4.00 feedback and further discussion

3. Discussion Group:
The Future of Architectural
Education

4. Context – Higher Education
• New fee arrangement introduced in 2012
• Neo-liberal context positions the students as consumer,
rather than receiver of education
• Question of ‘is it worth it?’ becomes paramount
• Emphasis on employability and marketable skills

5. Context - RIBA Education Review
• Minimum 7 years to professional qualification
• Typically a student takes 9 years
• Level of student debt is unsustainable
• Majority of students embarking on an architecture
course will not go on to practice as an architect
• Should it be considered a ‘vocational training’?
Education Review explores:
• Reducing the time to professional qualification
• A ‘single gateway’ to professional qualification
• Integrated course – education and practice experience
• Imperative on Schools of Architecture to develop new
course structures
Image – Flickr Creative Commons

6. Context - Curriculum Review
Stage One:
• Addressing over-teaching and over-assessment
• All modules follow HEA and University guidelines
Stage Two:
• Introducing a ‘pathways’ approach
• Accredited and non-accredited routes
• Ability to take modules in other disciplines
• Ability to develop a specialism aligned to PGT modules
• Expanding the ‘Collaborative Practice’ model
• Developing overseas partnerships and study abroad
options

7. Discussion Group
• Discuss your thoughts as a group
• Make reference to given texts
• Relate to your own experience
• Prepare notes for group discussion

8. Questions to address:
• Vocational training or broad education? – What
should the relationship to practice be?
• How do we increase diversity – in cohort and
curriculum? – flexible pathways, etc.
• How can the course be made more affordable? –
overall length, earn-while-you-learn, etc.
• How do we incorporate more interdisciplinary
learning opportunities?
• What are the appropriate learning objectives,
teaching methods and assessment criteria?
• How much reality and ‘liveness’ should there be?
• Are there alternatives to studio-based learning?