Applicants applying TU832 Architecture will be required to sit a Suitability Test AND Interview with Portfolio as part of the admission process. Please note that students do not need to submit their portfolio in advance. The portfolio will be presented as part of the online interview process.

Suitability Test

When will I hear about the suitability test?
The School of Architecture, Building and Environment will contact all CAO applicants for the TU832 Architecture programme directly by email, using the email contact details included in your CAO application. Online suitability tests are scheduled to take place from 3rd to 5th April 2024.

• Applicants applying via the Change of Mind facility will be invited to undertake the Online Suitability Test and Online Interview with Portfolio in early July.

Suitability Test Guidelines 

Admission to the TU832 Bachelor of Architecture programme comprises three elements:

• Leaving Certificate (625 max CAO points, including 25 bonus points for higher level mathematics)
• Suitability Test (100 points max)
• Interview with Portfolio (100 points max)

The Suitability Test comprises three sections:

Section 1

• ''Why am I suited to studying architecture?'' written statement of 300 approximately words. The aim of the written statement is to determine self awareness and interest in architecture as a field of study and professional activity.

Section 2

• The second section requires the applicant to develop visual clues. This identifies a capacity for visualisation, imagination and the association of ideas.

Section 3

• The third section requires the development of a three dimensional design idea. This provides an opportunity to demonstrate a 3D awareness, and a sense of scale and proportion.

Further information
For further information or queries, please email the School at School.SABE@tudublin.ie.

Interview with Portfolio

Online Interview Process
The TU832 Architecture Interview with Portfolio will take place online in May 2024. All TU832 Architecture CAO applicants will be written to with details on the process and will be assigned a time slot. Details on the process will be issued prior to the event.

Make your portfolio individual and unique
The School of Architecture, Building and Environment recognises that each applicant is unique. Your personal portfolio of work provides an opportunity for you to show your individual abilities and interests, and your readiness to join our Bachelor of Architecture programme. You are required to upload your portfolio at interview for presentation to the interview panel.  There is no requirement for you to submit your portfolio to the school prior to interview.

How long will the interview take?
Interview times with be limited to 20 minutes per applicant.

What should I bring to the interview?
We are looking for quality over quantity. We suggest that you present no more than 10-20 pieces of your work. The work presented should demonstrate your interest, experience and aptitude in creative and graphic areas. Be selective about the works you present. Include a range of items using a variety of media. 

What should I include?
The overall presentation, quality, and clarity of the portfolio is part of the interview discussion and evaluation process. Works may include but are not limited to

• Sketches
• Freehand drawings
• Paintings
• Sculpture
• Graphics
• Art photography
• Woodworking
• Ceramics
• Film
• Other visual media

During your interview, please indicate whether the works were completed as part of a school assessment, extracurricular activity, or on your own.

How should I prepare for the interview?
Before your scheduled interview, you must digitally capture your pieces so that you can share them on the screen digitally through a curated presentation. Instructions for scanning and photographing your pieces and assembling a presentation will be included in your invitation for interview email.

What criteria are used to asses the portfolio?

Your portfolio will be assessed as part of the interview process and should demonstrate the following:

• Critical observation
• Visual awareness
• Imagination
• Idea
• Invention
• Problem solving
• Creative conceptual thinking
• commitment and ambition

You may find this video useful in imagining the content of the work you might include in your portfolio:

All applicants that applied for TU961 will be called for audition / interview process. Please visit BIMM Dublin for more information.

We are looking for potential. This means openness, curiosity, a willingness to follow instincts, an ability to make strong creative choices and to connect and share with others. You will be invited to attend a 3-hour session, where you will be asked to participate in the following:

• Group workshop: Drama exercises with other applicants, usually involving physical and imaginative exercises
• Presentation of monologue: Two to three minutes in length from a play of your choice. We recommend that you choose a piece close to your own experience, age, culture, etc.
• Writing: You will be given a very short text to read and asked to provide a short written response to a set question
• Questions: Drama staff will answer any questions you have about the course

All applicants applying for TU722 Process Instrumentation & Automation (Learn & Work) must attend an aptitude test (date TBC). Applicants who achieve the required score (at least 42 marks out of 100) in this aptitude test will subsequently be invited to attend an interview (date TBC). Applicants called for interview must achieve at least 50 marks out of 100 for their interview. Following the interview process, each applicant’s total score must be equal to or greater than 110 marks out of 200. This total score given will be added to Leaving Certificate points (if applicable).

Late and change of mind applications are accepted, and all late applicants will go through the same screening process as outlined above. 

You will also need to;

• (a) Submit a CV
• (b) Complete an aptitude test
• (c) Interview with the course team