Architecture is about making plans and proposals for how the full range of human activities and needs can be housed and sustained. UCD Architecture invites its students to engage creatively and constructively with the complex challenge of designing the built environment.
If you have a capacity and passion for creativity, for making things through technological invention or artistic experimentation, and you are excited by the idea of devising solutions to complex problems, by the prospect of designing buildings, urban environments and landscapes, then UCD Architecture is for you. It has the widest range of facilities in Ireland and the most established and respected courses to ensure that you achieve that potential.
Celebrating its centenary in 2011, the UCD Architecture has long led the way for architecture in Ireland. Its undergraduate, graduate and research programmes cover all aspects of the practice of architecture as well as advanced areas of conservation, sustainability, history and urbanism. Its staff include many of the leading figures in architectural practice as well as internationally-recognised researchers. Its graduates are working all over the world. Many have achieved great prominence in architectural design and related fields.
Rooted in its context, the UCD Architecture is global in its outlook. Uniquely in Ireland, its programmes are accredited by:
- (opens in a new window)RIAI
- (opens in a new window)RIBA
- (opens in a new window)NAAB (International Certification)1, 2, 3, 4*
The majority of students at the school spend at least one semester on international exchange with a network of over thirty leading architecture programmes in Europe, US, Australia and Asia. International students are increasingly attracted to the school’s undergraduate, graduate and research programmes.
Our programmes are taught in unique facilities on UCD’s Richview campus including spacious design studios, a well-equipped workshop and building laboratory, the built environment laboratory, exhibition spaces and the most extensive architectural library in the country.
Studio programmes are largely taught by practicing architects and landscape architects, among them many of the leading figures in their profession, whose work is widely recognised in national and international competitions and awards.
Among the expert faculty are Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Royal Gold Medal 2015 awardees Sheila O’Donnell and Professor John Tuomey, both of whom are also graduates of the School.
- (opens in a new window)Conditions for Substantial Equivalency
- (opens in a new window)Procedures for Substantial Equivalency
- UCD Architecture Programme Report Visit Two July 2014
- NAAB Visiting Team Report for Visit Two
- NAAB Visiting Team Report for Visit Three
- UCD Architecture Programme Report Visit Three October 2017
*The term “substantial equivalency” identifies a program as comparable in educational outcomes in all significant aspects, and indicates that it provides an educational experience meeting acceptable standards, even though such program may differ in format or method of delivery. The designation is valid for six years beginning 1 January of the year in which the final visit (Visit 3) took place. In order to maintain the designation, the program must be visited again in the sixth year of the designation.