The GAI Diploma in Door Systems (DipDS) provides comprehensive education on all aspects of the architectural ironmongery industry with emphasis on the door.

The course leads to qualification with the Diploma in Door Systems (DipDS). To build further, a CPD programme then supports learners working towards GAI Registered Professional status as Registered in Door Systems (RegDS).

For anyone working with architectural ironmongery specifications, this course will build the technical expertise and understanding required to know what can and should be specified, and the key factors involved in doors and door systems.

The Diploma in Door Systems course includes learning across the following areas:

  • Doorsets and door assemblies
  • Linear gap
  • Smoke control considerations 
  • The role of air transfer grilles
  • Other door systems; glass and partitioning
  • Considerations when writing a door specification
  • Doors and the environment
  • Third party certification schemes
  • Testing of fire doors
  • Thermal efficiency of a door 
  • Composite and uPVC Doors
  • Fire door closing systems
  • Applications for timber and steel doors
  • BIM and doorsets
  • Example specifications for composite and uPVC
  • Relevant standards
This one-year course is assessed through compulsory coursework questions at the end of each learning stage, and a final examination.

 

Why study this course?

The benefits of completing this course include:

  • Comprehensive understanding across door systems and architectural ironmongery.  
  • Use the post nominal letters DipDS to signal your achievement to industry.
  • Receive your diploma at the GAI’s annual Education Awards event, with Medals awarded to top students.
  • Join the Guild’s CPD programme to develop demonstrable professional competence with Registered in Door Systems (RegDS) status.

ENQUIRE

To speak to one of our team about GAI courses and qualifications for you or your employees, please email  
[email protected], or submit this form

Who is it for?

The GAI Diploma in Door Systems is designed for anyone specifying architectural ironmongery, or working with architectural ironmongery specifications, who wants to build and demonstrate the technical expertise and understanding to know what can and should be specified, why, and the key factors in doors and door systems.

It can be taken by anyone who has completed either the Certificate in Architectural Hardware Stages (CiAH) or any other GAI Stage 3 Diploma qualification (i.e. DipGAI or DipAC). 

Please note: Learners who completed the Certificate in Architectural Hardware or GAI Diploma before Summer 2021 must complete a bridging course which can be taken in advance of, or concurrently with, the new diploma course. Due to the amount of time required for concurrent study, learners selecting this option may choose to take their final examination on with the traditional June exam day or one of the retake dates in September or October.

Details of bridging course requirement and costs can be found in the GAI Education Prospectus, available for download on this page. For further details, including to confirm whether a bridging course is required in any individual case, please contact [email protected]

“Coming from a background in steel doors, the Diploma in Door Systems has allowed me to expand on my knowledge and understanding surrounding the application of different door types and constructions, including steel, alongside timber, composite, uPVC and glass. It has been useful in introducing the considerations which must be made when designing, testing, and specifying ironmongery items to suit a range of door types to be used in different applications and environments. 

“In an industry where design and aesthetics must not compromise compliance with standards and building regulations, and there is a requirement to prove competency, the Diploma in Door Systems is an excellent demonstration, on the way to Registered Professional status. 

Rob Mottram DipDS - Technical Manager ARRONE, Hoppe UK

Course & Enrolment Details

The GAI Diploma in Door Systems provides a blended learning experience involving opportunities for both online and physical event learning.

  • Enrolment opens 1 July for academic year September to June. 
  • Learners who completed the Certificate in Architectural Hardware or GAI Diploma before Summer 2021 must complete a bridging course which can be taken in advance of, or concurrently with, the new diploma course (see above).
  • A one-year course, with learners expected to dedicate, on average, 80+ hours of study.
  • Learners can take multiple Diploma courses consecutively, or concurrently (by individual arrangement).
  • Study via the GAI Learning Hub, with helpful explanations, animations and video clips in every module, designed to engage learners in easily digestible chunks of material.
  • Assessed via compulsory coursework questions at the end of each stage of learning, with a minimum score of 80% required to progress to the final examination.
  • Final examination sat at a local PearsonVue test centre, available at c. 5,000 locations in 180+ countries
  • Optional but recommended online training course to prepare for the final examination.
  • Download the prospectus for full details, including terms and conditions.