EPA (Case Study Supported by Design Challenge) - ARCH7043

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2025 to 2026
Canterbury
Late Summer Term 7 30 (15) checkmark-circle

Overview

This module serves as the End Point Assessment (EPA) of the L7 Architect Apprenticeship, precisely as defined in the relevant Standard issued by the Institute for Apprentices. The module therefore comprises a Case Study supported by a Design Challenge, a Career Appraisal and a Professional Interview. A comprehensive range of knowledge, Skills and Behaviours must be addressed to the satisfaction of the EPA Assessors. Whilst the module’s curriculum is diverse and extensive, the vast majority of the KSBs will have been addressed in preceding modules in the MArch (L7 Architect Apprenticeship – Part 2) and/or PG Diploma in Architectural Practice (L7 Architect Apprenticeship – Part 3) courses, which students take concurrently. This module thus provides the vehicle by which students can apply their diverse knowledge and skills to a precisely defined design challenge (the scope of which must be agreed before commencement of the module) and reflect on their career.

Details

Contact hours

Contact Hours: 10 hours
Office-based Hours: 290 hours

Availability

Autumn - Canterbury
This module is taught In person or online (hybrid).

Method of assessment

Written
Report comprising a Case Study supported by a Design Challenge. Worth 50%.
Written
Written Career Appraisal. Worth 30%.
Practical
Oral Examination (45 minutes). Worth 20%.
The Oral Examination will be conducted by a minimum of two EPA Assessors. In accordance with IFO requirements, the same assessors will mark all of the elements of the module. One Assessor will have a background principally in professional practice, the other principally in an academic context.

All of the above assessed components are pass-compulsory.

Reassessment methods
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Indicative reading

The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html

Learning outcomes

The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to demonstrate Knowledge and Skills extending beyond professional practice, to be demonstrated in the End Point Assessment:
1. Understanding of a range of advanced processes and techniques (e.g. digital fabrication) to generate, review and speculate on design proposals with multiple constraints, showing evidence of original thinking
2. Ability to generate architectural design proposals; evaluate and apply a comprehensive range of visual, oral and written media to test, analyse, critique and explain design proposals; produce drawings and 3D models using relevant software including Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
3. Understanding of history of architecture and its impact on architectural practice; the cultural, social and intellectual histories, theories and technologies that influence the design of buildings
4. Ability to apply understanding of current architectural debate to produce innovative solutions; produce clear, logically argued and original written work relating to architectural culture, theory and design
5. Understanding of how the theories, practices and technologies of the arts influence architectural design and their creative application in design projects
6. Ability to apply fine art theories in a creative way that acknowledges their conceptualisation and representation
7. Understanding of urban design and town planning strategies and regulations; process of obtaining planning permission (e.g. drawings, reports, application)
8. Ability to comply with relevant town planning policy throughout design and construction phases to obtain planning permission (e.g. submitting planning application)
9. Understanding of the in-depth relationships between users and buildings, between buildings and their environment, and the need to relate buildings and the spaces between them to diverse user needs and scale
10. Ability to identify end user needs, local and the social context in which the project is developed; lead design development in respect of environmental context and sustainability
11. Understanding of the range of services offered by Architects
- The potential impact of building projects on existing and proposed communities and the related planning legislation; the context of the Architect and the construction industry, including the Architect’s role in the processes of procurement and building production; the role of the Architect within the design team and construction industry
12. Ability to lead projects or parts of projects, taking into consideration business priorities and practice management; deliver services in a responsible manner, prioritising the interests of the client and other stakeholders; problem-solve and use professional judgment to take initiative and make appropriate decisions in situations with multiple constraints
13. Understanding of the client and design team briefing process, forms and terms of appointment; methods of investigation and preparation of briefs for the design projects (e.g. review of relevant precedent)
14. Ability to critically review precedents relevant to the function, organisation and technological strategy of a design proposals; prepare and develop a project brief (e.g. by referring to RIBA Plan of Work)
15. Understanding of structural, constructional and engineering considerations within building design, such as physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems
16. Ability to integrate knowledge of structural principles and construction techniques with building design
17. Understanding of principles, systems and strategies for environmental comfort and building services including sustainability principles; alternative construction materials, processes and techniques that apply to design and construction, including the impact of materials on the environment; the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM), computational design and other relevant technologies used in the design process
18. Ability to evaluate materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural designs with multiple constraints and building construction, and how to integrate these into practicable design proposals; apply various technological methods to building design to provide conditions of comfort and protection against the environment
19. Understanding of process of controlling building cost; approved Documents for building regulations
20. Ability to meet client’s brief within the constraints of the imposed budget limitations and building regulations
21. Understanding of industries, organisations, regulations and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings and integrating plans into overall planning
22. Ability to interact with statutory authorities (e.g. planning or building control), private bodies (e.g. developers) or individuals to competently deliver projects in a wide variety of sectors and within diverse legislative frameworks
23. Understanding of the nature of professionalism and the responsibilities of Architects to clients, building users, constructors, professionals and the wider society
24. Ability to act professionally when working independently and as part of a team, including communicating clearly with all stakeholders
25. Understanding of the obligations of Architects to clients, stakeholders, warranties and third-parties; client needs, appropriate communication methods, programming, coordination and competent delivery
26. Ability to offer impartial advice on construction related issues, relevant legislation and risks - Identify and describe client and end user requirements, priorities and objectives
27. Understanding of the statutory legal context within which an Architect must operate and what is required to ensure compliance with legal requirements or standards
28. Ability to work with an understanding of the relevant statutory and legal requirements during project development so that the risk of harm to those who build, use and maintain buildings is reduced
29. Understanding of business priorities, required management processes and risks of running an architecture practice
30. Ability to engage in business development and administration including contributing to business strategy development, evaluating resources, planning, implementing and recording projects tasks; supervise the work of junior staff including Architectural Assistants
31. Understanding of UK construction and contract law, and construction procurement processes; the relationship between Architects and other built environment professionals; contractual relationships and the obligations of an Architect acting as a contract administrator
32. Ability to Coordinate and engage in design team interaction; resolve construction related challenges and disputes, where appropriate; undertake construction inspection responsibilities, including completing site visits and commenting on contractors and sub-contractors work in relation to architectural drawings


The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and well, using a range of skills.
2. Demonstrate an ability to argue rationally and to draw independent conclusions based on a rigorous, analytical and critical approach to data, demonstration and argument.
3. Demonstrate problem solving skills, professional judgment, and ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances.
4. Demonstrate an ability to produce reports which are clear, analytical and logical covering a range of technical issues and include appropriate illustrations.
5. Demonstrate an ability to present orally and discuss complex and contradictory issues in a structured and analytical manner.

Notes

  1. Credit level 7. Undergraduate or postgraduate masters level module.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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