Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 Exemption)

Program Overview

The Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 Exemption) - PgDip program provides students engaged in architectural practice with the skills and knowledge necessary to gain their final professional qualification. The program consists of four core modules totaling 120 credits, and assessment is conducted in four parts. Successful completion of the program allows students to become registered architects and chartered members of RIBA, and the program meets and exceeds the joint criteria set out by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and RIBA.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Successful completion of the Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 Exemption) - PgDip program provides recognition for RIBA Part 3, registration with the Architects Registration Board, direct access to the title of architect, and membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The program offers a flexible approach to obtaining the final professional qualification with two separate entry and completion points per year. Intensive two-day lecture and workshop sessions are supported by weekend revision and study groups, allowing students to balance the program with existing work commitments. The program is designed for students engaged in architectural practice, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to gain their qualification. It also serves as a foundation for ongoing professional architectural development.

Outline:

The program consists of four core modules totaling 120 credits:

• Professional Practice and Management (20 credits): This module focuses on developing professional attributes and skills in areas such as the legal framework, practice management, the architect's responsibility to society and the profession, and business and management processes.
• Building Procurement and Contract Administration (20 credits): This module focuses on developing professional attributes and skills in areas such as building procurement, contract administration, the architect's responsibility to society and the profession, and business and management processes.
• Professional Experience and Development (40 credits): This module enables students to record and develop their professional experience in practice and critically reflect on their learning within that context.
Students are required to map their work-based learning to the professional criteria, demonstrating their direct experience and developing an approach to future learning needs and career development. A minimum of 24 months of professional experience is required, with 12 months being recent and post Part 2.
• Case Study (40 credits): This module enables students to develop professional judgment and critical analysis through a live project case study.
The case study should be a current or recent project where the student has had a reasonable level of involvement and that has an appropriate level of complexity to facilitate in-depth analysis. The case study provides a vehicle for critical analysis through the investigation of an issue or issues during the pre-contract and construction stages of a project. Students are expected to compare their experience and research of these issues to best practice, make comparisons with other forms of contract, and reinforce their understanding of the different processes, risks, and responsibilities involved in dealing with the issues raised. The case study covers most of the professional criteria for Part 3 and integrates the material covered in the academic taught sessions with practical experience and work-based learning.

Assessment:

Assessment is conducted in four parts:

• Professional, practical experience: This forms a key part of the studies and helps form the basis of case studies and career appraisal.
• Professional Practice and Management paper: This is an open scenario-based paper.
• Building Procurement and Contract Administration examination: This is an open book written examination.
• Viva (professional interview): This is embedded within the Professional Experience and Development and Case Study modules.

Teaching:

Lectures are delivered in four, two-day intensive courses by leading practitioners and experts in the field. The course is studied part-time and completion is flexible over a period between ten months and two years. There are two course entry points and two opportunities to complete the oral examination per year.

Careers:

Successful completion of the program allows students to become registered architects and chartered members of RIBA. The program equips students with the professional and practical skills needed to be successful architects, including knowledge of business frameworks and legal issues. Students gain a sound knowledge of UK construction and contract law, construction procurement processes, and the roles of built environment professionals, enhancing their professional understanding. They also demonstrate an understanding of business priorities, required management processes, and the risks of running an architectural practice.

Other:

The program is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), allowing students to achieve RIBA Part 3 exemption. The program also meets the requirements of Article 46 of the European Directive on the recognition of Professional Qualifications. Birmingham School of Architecture and Design is highly respected and has a rich history of providing education and opportunities. It celebrated its centenary in 2009. Many students have degrees from other UK academic institutions for architecture, resulting in a dynamic body of high-caliber students. Visiting tutors come from local practice and the program involves other high-profile practitioners, such as Eminent Architects, visiting professors, and world-renowned consultants. Modules from this course can be studied via continuing professional development. Students can keep up-to-date with new skills and choose modules to meet their area of interest.

UK students Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students. Award: PgDip Starting: Sep 2024 Mode Duration Fees Part Time 10 to 24 months £3,045 in 2024/25 Apply Online Award: PgDip Starting: Feb 2025 Mode Duration Fees Part Time 10 to 24 months £3,045 in 2024/25 Apply Online International students Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students. Award: PgDip Starting: Sep 2024 Mode Duration Fees Part Time 10 to 24 months TBC Apply Online Award: PgDip Starting: Feb 2025 Mode Duration Fees Part Time 10 to 24 months TBC Apply Online