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)2019-Conditions-for-NAAB-International-Certification
- 2019-Procedures-for-NAAB-International-Certification
- UCD Architecture NAAB 2023 Program Self-Evaluation Report
- University College Dublin Continuing ICert 2023 Visiting Team Report
*International Certification identifies a program as comparable in educational outcomes in all significant aspects to a U.S.-based program and indicates that it provides an educational experience meeting acceptable standards, even though such program may differ in format or method of delivery. It further indicates that a program has met the Conditions for NAAB International Certification, which are comparable to the NAAB Conditions for Accreditation in all significant aspects. Although ICert is not
accreditation, it represents that a program of architecture has achieved the highest standard of quality assurance in professional architecture education. Graduates of architecture programs holding ICert (at the point of graduation) must still determine if their education meets the (opens in a new window)NCARB Education Standard before seeking their architecture license in a U.S. jurisdiction. This is accomplished through the Education Evaluation Services for Architects (EESA) program offered by NAAB. Graduates of architecture programs holding ICert are eligible for an expedited review at a discounted fee. Visit the (opens in a new window)EESA page for more information.