DA6072 - Work Based Practice Management and Law

Learning is delivered through a combination of academic presentations and seminars, in conjunction with self-directed learning that employs the experiences, knowledge and guidance to be found within your workplace. You will utilise your professional working environment, your experience of building procurement, and your self-directed inquiries as the basis for learning and assessment. This learning will be supported by electronic and library resources provided by the institution, including discipline-specific books, journals and databases. You will agree your proposals for mapping and reflection with the module tutor, and you will be supported through group seminars at timely intervals to encourage peer learning and review. Summative assessments will demonstrate knowledge acquired in the workplace, combined with self-directed learning, towards the mapping of your learning and experience against the professional body criteria.

Formative feedback will be provided verbally at seminars, or virtually via e-mail, Teams or other appropriate media, providing advice for the further development and critical appraisal of your work and performance. Project and learning materials will be available to you on the eLearning Portal (ELP) so that you can access relevant information when necessary. Negotiated drop-in sessions or communications (telephone, Skype etc.) will be enabled through our ‘open door’ policy, offering support for your learning when necessary. An electronic reading list will be established, providing you with access to key materials at all times. The university library also offers you academic support including study skills development activities and information through the Ask4Help Online service.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

KU 1. Demonstrate an understanding of and critical perspective on the constraints and influences on architectural practice through study of related theories, processes and regulatory controls, and their appropriate application.

KU 2. Evaluate, propose and use appropriate visual, verbal and written communication methods and appropriate media to represent the testing, analysis, critical appraisal and resolution of complex design problems.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

IPSA 1. Apply the principles of management and demonstrate a critical appreciation of legislation to the design process.

IPSA 2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of design-thinking to ensure an appropriate response.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

PVA 1. Develop and articulate an understanding of, and personal engagement with the ethical, professional, financial and social responsibilities of a design professional within a multi-disciplinary environment.

Formative Assessment

Will take place in group seminars and individual guidance to provide ongoing developmental feedback and reflection. You will be encouraged to constructively engage in critical discussions and debates with your cohort to promote peer learning.

Summative Assessment

You will self-evaluate your professional practice to date through mapping your experience and knowledge acquired in the workplace against the professional body criteria for Practice, Management and Law elements of the Part II syllabus. You will provide a critical reflective commentary on your relevant experiences, identifying gaps in your knowledge and evaluating your practice’s global approach to project procurement and related issues of professionalism and ethics.

Critical Mapping Portfolio (100%)
KU1, KU2, IPSA1, IPSA2, PVA1

Feedback will be offered in verbal and written form to provide advice for further development and a critical appraisal of work and performance.
Moderation of summative assessment will take place at the end of the module.

None

None

This module will build upon your academic learning and your current Professional Practice, towards satisfying the professional body criteria for practice, management and law at Part II. You will draw upon case studies, professional experience, and your employer’s practice to assemble a critically-curated portfolio to evidence that expresses your understanding of, and engagement with the required criteria and the graduate attributes of architects. Key themes addressed within this module are concepts of professionalism; legislative, statutory and regulatory frameworks; the role of the architect with wider design teams and the construction industry; financial factors and cost control; consents, approvals and standards; the procurement processes of architectural projects, and basic principles of running professional practices and architectural projects; fire and life safety considerations; and the architect’s responsibilities towards environmental stewardship. Critical inquiry and self-directed study will be employed towards the evaluative and reflective mapping of your work-based practice to professional body criteria.