Applicants must have completed a three-year course in architecture, the standard and scope of which are approved by the Diploma Committee of the Faculty, or be able to produce other evidence of fitness to study for the Diploma. Cambridge graduates musl hive obtained-honour* in Parts IB and II of the Architectural Tripos. In addition applicants should normally have completed a period of practical training, usually in an architect’s office, after completing their three-year course. For all candidates, acceptance is at the discretion of the Diploma Committee of the Faculty.
The Diploma course includes both design projects and written work. Project work is carried out in studio groups drawn from students in both years of the course. This form of studio structure allows each student some choice between the pursuit of a particular area of interest over the two years, and the experience of a range of different approaches.
Each year two of the four studios usually base their design projects on sites outside the United Kingdom. The cost is approximately Ј460 for travel and accommodation. Students who are currently LEA funded should be able to obtain a contribution towards the cost, all others will need to fund the full cost.
The form of the written work differs between the two years. In the first Diploma year additional seminars are given related to the history, theory and practice of the three related branches of study:
(i) architecture;
(ii) urban and regional development;
(iii) and (iii) building technology. Students are required to write one 2,500-3,000 word essay related to each of these three courses. In addition, students are required to present studio-work. There is a examination with both the internal and external examiners in connection with the work presented.
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