Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3) PGDip

This is a distance learning course and is taken by students who have completed their Part 2 during a final 12-month period in industry (relevant experience required). It draws upon their experience gained during their time in practice as a vehicle for demonstrating that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, understanding, and behaviours required of a professional Architect. Taught content is delivered through a combination of in-person recall days, online lectures, workshops, and study group activities, and is structured around the Professional Criteria set out by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) in their Prescription of qualifications: ARB Criteria at Part 3.

The course runs from September-November each year and is structured into two defined parts, with part A (running September-May) focussing on delivery and assessment of academic inputs, and part B (running June-November) based in practice. During part B, candidates use a Case Study project to demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills, behaviours and understanding across all criteria, supported by a critical reflection of their experience in practice and the wider profession.

The course programme is prescribed by ARB (Architects Registration Board), is validated by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and successful completion of the course allows exemption from the Part 3 entry requirements to the UK Architects Register (ARB) to enable the legal use of the title Architect.

The programme aims to prepare students for entry to the UK Architects Register by providing them with the requisite knowledge, skills, understanding and behaviours required to demonstrate their competency within a professional context, using the five professional criteria, as set out by ARB as a framework. They will develop their ability to evaluate, communicate and reflect on how the required level of competency has been met and applied through their experience in practice, which is supported by a range of lectures and assessments, alongside study group sessions and tutorials.