Program Overview

Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 Exemption) - PgDip

Overview

Successful completion of the programme gives you recognition for RIBA Part 3, registration with the Architects Registration Board, direct access to title as an architect and therefore gain membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). There are two separate entry and completion points per year, providing a flexible approach to obtaining the final professional qualification.

What's covered in this course?

Aimed at students engaged in architectural practice, this postgraduate course gives you the skills and knowledge to gain your qualification. It can also form the basis of your ongoing professional architectural development.

You’ll gain a critical understanding of legal requirements, practice management and construction procurement in the architecture industry, and the fundamentals of good architectural practice.

You’ll receive the support of outstanding professional staff whose extensive connections with architectural practices offer you exceptional opportunities. Lectures are delivered in four two-day intensive courses by a number of leading practitioners and experts in their field. They cover the legal framework, clients and building procurement, as well as practice and management.

Based on your own experience in architectural practice, you’ll be required to prepare a case study in two parts, one around a pre-contract issue and one around an issue arising during the construction phase of a contract. You’ll also use records of experience to develop a critical career appraisal.

You’ll be based in our multi-million pound City Centre Campus Parkside Building with access to advanced digital studios for rapid prototyping and digital production, as well as drawing, CAD and digital visual communication skills workshops.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

• Royal Institute of British Architects

Why Choose Us?

• We are the only Royal Institute of British Architects-accredited School of Architecture for the Part 3 course in the region.
• The course meets and exceeds the joint criteria set out by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and RIBA. Its scope corresponds with the guidelines for RIBA validation and ARB prescription.
• The course 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-calibre students.
• Visiting tutors come from local practice and we involve other high profile practitioners, such as Eminent Architects, visiting professors and world-renowned consultants.

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• RIBA Part 1 and RIBA Part 2 or an equivalent qualification that the ARB has formally recognised. In certain circumstances this might include working towards a recognised ARB qualification subject to qualifications and experience.
• And including one of the following, or equivalent:
  • GCSE (grade C or above) in English Language
  • IELTS: overall score of 6.5 (or equivalent). Candidates should have achieved a score of at least 6.0 in each category
  • TOEFL: overall score of 550 or above
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: grade C or above
  • IGCSE English Language: grade C or above
  • Hong Kong Use of English test: grade C or above

Fees & How to Apply

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.
• Award: PgDip
• Starting: Feb 2025
• Mode: Part Time
• Duration: 10 to 24 months
• Fees: £3,045 in 2024/25

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.
• Award: PgDip
• Starting: Feb 2025
• Mode: Part Time
• Duration: 10 to 24 months
• Fees: TBC

Course in Depth

Modules

• Professional Practice and Management 20 credits
• Building Procurement and Contract Administration 20 credits
• Professional Experience and Development 40 credits
• Case study 40 credits

Employability

Enhancing employability skills

The final exam with the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice gives exemption from the RIBA Part III examination and enables you to become a registered architect and chartered member of RIBA.

You’ll have demonstrated the professional and practical skills needed to be a successful architect, with the knowledge of the necessary business frameworks and legal issues.

A sound knowledge of UK construction and contract law, construction procurement processes and the roles of built environment professionals will enhance your professional understanding.

You’ll also be able to demonstrate understanding of the business priorities, required management processes and risks of running an architectural practice.

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the exceptional quality of our campuses. With an investment of over £400 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.

You will be based in our multi-million pound Parkside building – a state of the art facility located within our City Centre Campus. Here you will have full access to our recently upgraded, high spec CAD (Computer-Aided-Design) workstations situated within our dedicated computer labs and open access areas. We also provide access to leading edge digital design software, enabling you to explore technical drawing, graphics, 3D modelling, visualization, animation, computation, simulation, and virtual reality.

The Parkside Building is also home to our digital fabrication labs, where you will be able to explore 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, ceramics, glass and traditional model-making, guided by our team of expert technicians with access to our on-site material store, and professional printing facilities.

You’ll also benefit from:

• Design studios
• Physical and digital library
• Loanable laptops
• Dedicated social spaces
• Cafés

Our staff

• Ian Shepherd
  • Ian Shepherd Associate Professor / Director of Professional Studies / Course Director Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (Part 3) Ian has been involved with architectural practice on a professional level since qualifying in 1990. He was a one of the founding partners in Birmingham based D5 Architects LLP where he remained as a consultant until April 2017. In addition to his commitment to architecture and the built environment through the practice, he is also interested in...
• Hannah Vowles Emeritus Professor of Architecture Hannah studied architecture at Kingston and the Architectural Association. She worked in architectural practice for 10 years, in both the public and private sector. Hannah founded collaborative art practice / project Art in Ruins with artist Glyn Banks making exhibitions, installations, publishing critical writing, curating and teaching.