RSUA Professional Insights Programme 2024/25 has launched
9 October 2024
In partnership with Belfast’s two schools of architecture, RSUA is launching the Professional Insights Programme 2024/25. The purpose of the programme is to give undergraduate students an initial understanding of the real-life work of an architect. This will help students better connect their current studies to their future professional life.
The programme is a mandatory requirement for second year undergraduate architecture students studying at Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
Building on the success of previous years, we’ve made three changes to the programme for 2024/25 as follows:
- Practice registration vs architect registration
Instead of partnering students with individual architects, they will be partnered with architecture practices/organisations so that the six hours of mentoring time can be shared amongst colleagues.
- Share the commitment
There is an option for small practices or sole traders to work together to provide a range of experiences for students.
- Insight confirmation
The students will be asked to complete a form detailing what insights they covered during their time with the practice(s). Someone from your practice must sign and verify this form.
Programme overview
Participating practices are asked to provide six hours of mentoring time. The six hours can be split over several weeks or completed in one day. It’s up to you and your students to agree the time split and what works best for you all.
Practices should aim to cover at least three of the following insights:
- On-site activity
- Interaction between client/user and architect
- Working with other professions
- Planning and/or building regulations
- Resourcing and business administration
- Winning work and/or procurement
- The process of material selection
Timetable
The programme will launch on 8 November 2024. The deadline for all programme activity to be completed is 10 April 2025.
How do I get involved
If your practice would be willing to take part, please register online by 5pm on 25 October 2024, even if you’ve personally taken part in the programme before.
Why participate?
Practices are encouraged to participate in this programme to help students be more work-ready. It is also a useful way for employers of architects to engage with the next generation of potential recruits. Participation may also be used to demonstrate delivery of Social Value.
CPD points
Mentoring can also provide learning opportunities for architects as they reflect on their work and revisit the fundamentals. This can count towards an architect’s Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Pay and insurance
Neither students or practices will be paid or receive expenses for participating in this programme. As this is part of the students’ studies, the universities will be covering the insurance, except where a practice is deemed to be legally liable in causing any injury or damage arising.
If you have any queries, please contact Jude Faloon (jude@rsua.org.uk).
