Program Overview

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Final Examination in Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture

Overview

This course is designed for students who have completed RIBA parts 1 and 2 and have at least two years' experience in architectural practice. The course is a final step to become a professional architect, and upon graduation, students will be able to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3) ARB/RIBA and practice as a qualified architect.

Key Information

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the ARB and RIBA.

Study Mode and Duration

• 1 year part-time

Start Date

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

The course covers current practice issues, legal and building legislation, and contractual issues in the industry. Students will also improve their knowledge of the environment and sustainability, and the social and economic side of the construction industry.

Eligibility

This course accepts only UK students. EU or international students interested in this course should consider the International Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture instead.

Course Highlights

• Study Practice Management, Law and Contract, as set out in the ARB/RIBA syllabus
• Complete a case study of a live project, relevant to your current professional role
• Use our design studios, featuring advanced architectural computer facilities, CNC milling machine, laser cutting machines, the virtual reality suite, and professional printers
• Benefit from our nurturing teaching environment and a mix of lectures and workshops
• Be supported by staff with extensive academic and architectural practice experience, and construction industry experts
• Hear from industry experts working in UK construction, including barristers, lawyers, solicitors, architects, and planning consultants
• Be eligible to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3) ARB/RIBA and practice as a qualified architect when you graduate

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course accepts only UK students. EU or international students interested in this course should consider the International Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture instead.

September 2025 Start

• UK qualifications:
  • Professional status in Surveying, Architecture, or Civil Engineering from a UK institution
  • RIBA part 1 and 2 are essential for entry
• English language requirements:
  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0
• Selection process:
  • All applicants will be invited to attend an interview
  • Full-time employment in a UK/EU architectural practice is essential for entry, along with a case study project, assessed by course leader for suitability
  • Minimum 15 months of recorded experience (PEDRs) is required prior to starting the course

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• Part-time: £3,000

Funding Your Studies

• Find out more about how to fund your studies, including scholarships and bursaries
• You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover

Modules

What You'll Study

• Practice Management, Law and Contract - 30 credits
• Professional Experience and Practice - 60 credits
• Topical Research Project - 30 credits

Facilities

Architecture Studios

• Our open-plan learning spaces encourage a studio culture of collaboration, creativity, and dialogue – preparing you for the ways of working you'll experience in your career

Architecture Project Office

• Get practical architecture experience and enhance your CV with real clients on intensive, fast-paced design workshops or consultancy projects

How You'll Spend Your Time

• This course takes 1 year (part-time)
• You can expect to attend campus throughout the academic year
• You can expect to attend 10 days of taught lectures or workshops, including 1 induction day, three 3-day seminars, and 2 assessment days
• You can expect to complete study roughly 20 hours of independent study per week
• You can expect to access learning materials online in your own time

Teaching

• Master's study is deeper and more specialized than an undergraduate degree
• You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree
• The majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face

Assessment

• You'll be assessed through:
  • Essays and written assignments (25%)
  • Written case study and career evaluation (50%)
  • Written examinations (25%)
  • Oral examination (Pass/Fail)
  • Professional Experience and Development Records (24 months worth - Pass/Fail)

Career Development

Careers This Master's Prepares You For

• To practice as an architect or use the title of Architect in the UK, you must hold RIBA 1, 2, and 3
• You'll graduate from this course with the skills and knowledge you need to work as an architect in the UK or abroad and have opportunities in both the public and private sectors
• You may choose to start your own architectural practice

Qualifying as an Architect

• When you graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3), recognized by ARB and RIBA, and practice as a qualified architect
• Once you have your Final Certificate, you'll be able to join the register of architects held by the ARB

Supporting You

Types of Support

• Personal tutor
• Student support advisor
• Academic skills tutors
• Creative skills tutors
• IT and computing support
• Academic Skills Tutors (AST)
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support
• Support with English

How to Apply

• Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us
• There's no deadline for applications to this course
• If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organized

Extra Information for International Students

• If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students
• You could also get an agent to help with your application
• If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course

Ready to Apply?

• Start this course in September 2025
• Apply now (Part-time)

I'm a Current Portsmouth Student, or a Recent Portsmouth Graduate

• If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application
• You'll have:
  • A shorter application form to complete
  • Access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
  • A guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses

After You Apply

• Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information
• We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful
• You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long
• Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one

Admissions Terms and Conditions

• When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules, and regulations)
• You should read and consider these before you apply