3+2 versus 5 : A comparison of the structure of architectural education with reference to course changes at University of Moratuwa

Abstract

The architectural education system at University of Moratuwa (UOM) was changed to a direct 05 year Bachelor of Architecture degree from the 2003 new entrants. Prior to that, the format of the architectural education at UOM was a 03 year B.Sc . (Built Environment) degree and a 02 year M.Sc.(Architecture) postgraduate degree with a minimum of 1 year gaining in between. The structural change of the duration of the course was combined with other major revisions such as the "semesters" and "modules" replacing the "terms" and "subjects" of the old system respectively. The contents of the courses were also changed with the introduction of new areas of studies and elective modules The studio work of architectural design was the forte of both systems. The old system had yearend examinations for theory subjects. The new B.Arch . opted for semester- end examination. The main advantage in the new was that there were lesser possibilities of missing the batch by students due to poor performances in the theory modules. The objectives of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the two systems of education from the perspective of the students. A sample of 30 students; 15 from the last M.Sc. batch and 15 students from the first two batches of B.Arch. students wgfe selected on a random basis. All of them have now completed the part three examination of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and are chartered architects. The respondents were divided into two categories "Good students" and "Average Students" based on their performances at UOM. The findings of the study shows that 80% of the "good students" who had followed the B.Arch. programme opt for the same course given a chance to study architecture agaWr 100% of the "average students" select B.Sc. + M.Sc. as their preferred system to study architecture. r " Around 82% of the former B.Arch. students who selected B.Sc + M.Sc path stated that the main reason for the selection is that it gives a postgraduate qualification in addition to the 3 year bachelor degree. Those who selected old system stated that shorter duration and recognition to undergraduate degree as important factors which influenced their decision.