Changes in architectural education - your questions answered

The Architects Registration Board, often known as the ARB, is making changes to the way in which it regulates both the academic and practice-based education process.

This has led to RIBA receiving several questions about the future study process for architecture. While the changes relate to registration as an architect, which is ARB’s remit, RIBA is keen to provide as much clarity as possible to current and prospective students, architects, academics, career advisors, parents, and those who have previously studied other subjects but wish to move into the architectural profession.

RIBA will continue our validation process at all stages in the architectural education system (RIBA Parts 1, 2 and 3), which is recognised and highly sought after across the world. Whilst there may be some variations, our expectation is that as is the case now, most courses will be designed to meet the requirements of both ARB and RIBA at each key stage – for example, a university will propose a Master’s level or equivalent qualification for validation by the RIBA at RIBA Part 2, as well as accreditation by ARB to meet their new academic outcomes.

The ARB have also published useful answers to some frequently asked questions about the forthcoming changes on their website.

FAQs:

Q: What is the difference between the roles of RIBA and ARB in architecture education?

A: In the UK, the architecture profession is regulated, and you must register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to use the title ‘architect’. Currently, those applying for registration must hold ARB recognised qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 as well as 24 months approved experience. In future, applicants for registration must hold ARB accredited qualifications at Master’s level or equivalent, as well as an ARB accredited practice qualification.

RIBA is a professional membership body for the architecture profession. We validate over 230 architectural programmes at over 120 schools of architecture around the world, preparing students for professional practice. Gaining RIBA validated qualifications puts you on the path to becoming a Chartered Architect and RIBA membership is available at all career stages to support you.

Q: Do students still need to complete an undergraduate degree, or other similar qualification, in architecture, in order to become an architect in the UK?

A: The ARB will no longer accredit undergraduate (Part 1) programmes from 31 December 2027 – but undergraduate degrees in architecture will certainly continue to be offered by universities and many will still require this for entry to the Master’s-level qualification. However, it does mean that for the ARB, an undergraduate degree in architecture is not an essential requirement for registration. The ARB will now be concerned with the knowledge, skills and behaviours that a student can demonstrate at the end of a Master’s-level qualification, and a further practice qualification in architecture.

RIBA will continue to validate architecture programmes at RIBA Part 1 (undergraduate), RIBA Part 2 (Master’s) and RIBA Part 3 (in practice). RIBA believe strongly in the value of the Part 1, 2 and 3 process and in an undergraduate degree in architecture, where the majority of students will continue to learn the three-dimensional, problem-solving skills that are fundamental to the practice of architecture.

The RIBA Part 1, 2 and 3 Validation system places particular emphasis on quality and student experience and is recognised around the world, drawing international students to the UK and supporting students in their transfer between different programmes at each stage.

Q: Does RIBA require an undergraduate degree in architecture as an entry requirement for a RIBA Part 2 course?

A: Schools of architecture/universities are responsible for their own admissions processes and decisions. Those delivering RIBA Part 2 programmes will need to be able to demonstrate that they have adequate admissions procedures in place to determine that a student has the potential to meet the professional requirements of the Master’s degree / Diploma at RIBA Part 2. The ARB will also set their own expectations for providers regarding the potential for course entrants to meet the ARB Outcomes and have stated that some providers will still require an undergraduate degree in architecture.

A RIBA Part 1 undergraduate or equivalent qualification will continue to be the most common route to enter a RIBA Part 2 course; other students with other experience or from other disciplines may be given entry but this will depend on the provider’s admission requirements. Some providers may accept students from other disciplines only after they undertake some further form of prior study which may need to be self-funded.

RIBA will expect all schools of architecture with a RIBA validated Part 2 programme to demonstrate that it is communicated clearly to students who have entered the programme at Part 2 level without an undergraduate degree in architecture, that following this route may restrict where they will be able to practise architecture as a qualified and registered architect without having to undertake further academic study, since another country or jurisdiction may still require an individual to undertake further study, an examination, or additional professional practice to satisfy local requirements.

Q: Why is RIBA continuing to validate at Part 1 if an accredited qualification is no longer required by ARB at this level?

A: RIBA believes strongly that a Part 1 undergraduate degree in architecture offers a grounding in design process, three-dimensional problem solving and contextual understanding which are critical skills for the profession. The qualification is highly valued by RIBA, the wider academic community and architectural practice.

A Part 1 qualification provides other institutions with a clear indication of the knowledge and skills a student has obtained in their undergraduate degree and provides a framework to make transfer between institutions for Part 2 more straightforward.

RIBA is also a school of architecture in its own right and will continue to run the RIBA Studio qualifications, including the Certificate in Architecture at Part 1 level, Diploma in Architecture at Part 2 level; and the RIBA Part 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture.

Q: Can I still become a Chartered Member of RIBA if I don’t complete a RIBA Part 1 qualification?

A: RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by RIBA and our three-part validation pathway forms a route to RIBA Chartered Membership. RIBA will be reviewing its routes to Chartered Membership in the light of ARB’s changes, but the three-part pathway will remain the primary route.

Q: Will schools of architecture accept me onto a Master’s-level course if I don’t have a RIBA Part 1?

A: The ARB reforms are such that they will give schools of architecture the opportunity, if they choose to do so (this decision is entirely at the discretion of the school), to accept students onto their Master’s-level programmes with a variety of undergraduate degrees or experience, not restricted to an undergraduate (Part 1) in architecture.

RIBA has communicated to all validated schools that they will expect all schools of architecture with RIBA validated Part 2 programmes to be able to demonstrate that they have adequate admissions procedures in place to determine that a student has the potential to meet the professional requirements of the degree.

RIBA will also expect all schools of architecture with validated Part 2 programmes to demonstrate that it is communicated clearly to all students that they have responsibility to ascertain the requirements for architect registration in the country where they wish to practise architecture.

Q: Will employers prefer to take on graduates/architects who have completed all 3 RIBA Parts?

A: Employers will want to take on the most suitable candidates for their business and will have their own recruitment requirements.

Q: How will the changes affect me if I want to register/practise as an architect outside the UK?

A: As now, and particularly following Brexit, all applicants considering studying architecture in the UK with a view to working in a different country in future are advised to check the requirements of their local registration/licensing authorities for clarification on the recognition of UK qualifications and experience. On the ARB website you can find further guidance.

Q: I completed an unrelated undergraduate degree; is it now easier for me to change career and train as an architect?

A: Schools of architecture, including RIBA, are considering how we revise and deliver our programmes to meet ARB’s new outcomes and will explore ways in which students can access the range of courses.

Some schools may consider offering access courses for those with what is often called a ‘non-cognate’ degree, which usually means a degree from a non-built environment discipline. As ARB’s changes have only recently been announced, schools are still developing their course offer, and more information will become available in due course. You should also investigate what course funding options may be available to you, as access to tuition and maintenance loans may be limited if you have already completed a degree.

Q: I completed a built environment related degree - what do the changes mean for me if I want to become an architect?

A: To become a registered architect, there will no longer be a requirement to have an undergraduate degree in architecture. However, to succeed on a RIBA Part 2 course, students require a range of skills that are normally acquired by completing an undergraduate degree or equivalent level qualification in architecture. If the skills and knowledge you already have from university/practice or a combination of the two are relevant, then you should approach the provider of your choice to discuss next steps. You should also investigate what course funding options may be available to you, as access to tuition and maintenance loans may be limited if you have already completed a degree.