The Graduate Diploma in Architecture forms a central part of the Bartlett's architectural design programme, which has achieved international recognition for its innovative and challenging approach to architectural education. The process is one of critical scepticism allied to creative innovation. Much of the work presently being done in the school by staff and students is at the forefront of developing new intellectual and formal concepts in global architecture discourse.

Across both years Design is the primary module of study and is taught through Units led by a diverse spectrum of leading practitioners and academics. Design portfolios have varied considerably in their type of content dependent on the work of the Unit and personal student direction within it, some will emphasise drawings, some will present animations and films, and some will be manifest mostly as physical models or installations. All are relevant and worthwhile paths to take and each are regarded an opportunity for the student to experiment and excel.

The first year of Diploma (known as Year 4) comprises three modules, followed by two modules in the final year. The Year 4 modules are Advanced Architectural Design 1 (Unit based design projects), Design Realisation (Technology and Professional Practice), and Advanced Architectural Studies (History & Theory). Year 5 modules are Advanced Architectural Design 2 (Unit based design projects), and Diploma Thesis (An individual investigation supervised by appointed specialist). Each year consists of three terms which typically span late Sept-Dec (12 weeks), Jan-Mar (10 weeks), and April-May (8 weeks).

The Unit system, which also runs in BSc, ensures that an open, active and critical debate is sustained by the school on what constitutes architecture as an exploratory subject, a professional discipline, a creative pursuit, a cultural imperative, and a critical enquiry. The system also reinforces the Bartlett ethos that architectural knowledge and expertise is synthesised through students own projects. This tradition has made Bartlett Diploma graduates amongst the most sought after employees by leading and emerging practices such as MAKE, HOK, AHMM, Future Systems, RSH+P, Fosters, Block, Heatherwick’s and many more. Some graduates of the Diploma in Architecture, such as the groups or individuals; Lynn Foxx, Haque: Design + Research, Mobile Studio or Squint, have also foraged successful careers in parallel practices such as time base media, exhibitions and events, urban and furniture design or filmmaking.

This two-year full-time programme leads to UCL’s Graduate Diploma in Architecture (UCL Course Code: K1EP) and, in addition, exemption from Part 2 of the ARB/RIBA examinations.

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