AAMPS: Professional Skills

Module code: AAMPS

Module provider: School of Architecture, School of Built Environment

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Mrs Louise Humphreys , email: louise.humphreys@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must have an ARB Part-1 qualification. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s): IN THE SAME YEAR AS TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE AAMAD3 AND TAKE AAMRM (Compulsory)

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to apply and further develop integrated design and professional skills gained during the first year of the postgraduate course with a particular focus on applied research in an architectural practice or industry related environment. 

Drawing upon all other modules in the programme, this module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore diverse modes of architectural research in a practical application, and to enhance employability through acquisition of relevant professional skills and experience.  

Alongside developing professional skills, students will understand professional practice in relation to their chosen specialism/research topic. Engaging in a range of forms of architectural practice, including academic research and teaching, will allow students to develop a broader understanding of the context of the architect and the construction industry as well as workplace requirements. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of professionalism and the duties and responsibilities of architects to clients, building users, constructors, co-professionals and the wider society; GC6.1 
2. Demonstrate problem solving skills, professional judgment, and the ability to take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in complex and unpredictable circumstances; GA2.6 
3. Demonstract the ability to identify individual learning GA2.7 
4. Undertake effective communication and presentation, organisation, self-management, reflection and autonomous working; GA2.7 
5. Demonstrate professionalism and competence, behaving with integrity, in the ethical and professional manner appropriate to the role of architect; GA2.6 
6. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of practice management and entrepreneurship to equip them for a career in Architecture; GC11.3 
7. Understand the constructional and structural systems, the environmental strategies and the regulatory requirements that apply to the design and construction of a comprehensive design project; GC1.2 
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the architect within the design team and construction industry, recognising the importance of current methods and trends in the construction of the built environment; GC6.2 
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the need to appraise and prepare building briefs of diverse scales and types, to define client and user requirements and their appropriateness to site and context; GC7.2 
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the contributions of architects and co-professionals to the formulation of the brief, and the methods of investigation used in its preparation; GC7.3 
11. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental legal, professional and statutory responsibilities of the architect, and the organisations, regulations and procedures involved in the negotiation and approval of architectural designs, including land law, development control, building regulations and health and safety legislation; GC11.1 

Module content

This module includes a three-month period of self-initiated practical training, integrating research, design methods, and professional skills in the workplace. Students will demonstrate personal responsibility in the appl