Program Overview

PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice (RIBA Part 3)

Overview

The Architecture and Contemporary Practice programme at Manchester Metropolitan University comprises a short course that prepares candidates for their RIBA Part 3 examination, followed by the Architect Registration Board’s (ARB) Professional Practice examination. Upon completion, successful candidates who have also completed their RIBA Part 1 and Part 2 examinations will be eligible for registration under the Architects Registration Act 1997 and for Chartered membership of RIBA.

Features

• Benefit from a tailored mentoring plan including PPE (Professional Practical Experience) reviews for the duration of the programme
• Online/in-person tutorials to suit individual requirements
• Maximum 10 days attendance (including exams)
• Course delivery is spread out for the duration of the programme, with the Contemporary Practice lecture series occurring one day per week, in February and March
• Covers key topics in contemporary practice, including regulation and legislation, planning, procurement, and more

Duration

• 9 months part-time (September start)
• 12 months part-time (January start)

Teaching and Learning

The Manchester School of Architecture is a vibrant school with an international reputation, consistently within the top 3 UK schools of Architecture according to QS World University Rankings. MSA students are presented with a rich and diverse set of opportunities to learn from each other, professionals, the city, and the society around them.

Our Professional Studies Team is led by permanent members of staff who maintain roles in practice. All MSA's Professional Studies Advisors are registered architects, some of whom have many years of experience as RIBA Part 3 examiners.

Candidates enrolled on the Architecture and Contemporary Practice programme will also receive the following benefits:

• Support from Peer Study Group and online learning platforms
• Access to physical and digital library and campus facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University
• Minimum of 6 individual tutorials with an assigned Professional Studies Tutor
• PPE certification (PEDR or equivalent) for the duration of the programme
• Office briefing
• Directed study modules (assessed via 2x office-based, open-book exams, PPE document submission, and final Professional Interview)

Units

• Contemporary Practice 30 credits
• Professional Perspectives 30 credits

Contemporary Practice

Following induction, you will be supported by Professional Studies Advisors (PSAs) in the review and drafting of your experience records to date at key points in the timetable. This guided reflection enables you to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding of the Professional Criteria. This will be done in parallel to the lectures and workshops that consolidate and synthesise the knowledge you have gained in practice in readiness for your Part 3 examination.

Professional Perspectives

The Professional Perspectives module comprises self-directed reflection with support from Professional Studies Advisors. Building on the process that was started in the Contemporary Practice module, you will develop and complete documentary submissions before attending an interview (oral examination). Candidates who successfully complete the examination at the end of this module are eligible for registration under the Architects Registration Act 1997 and for Chartered Membership of the RIBA if they also have ARB Part 1 and Part 2 recognition. This examination in Professional Practice is required by the Architects Registration Board.

Career Prospects

Completion of the RIBA Part 3 - following completion of Part 1 and Part 2 - will allow candidates to register with the Architects Registration Board and for Chartered Membership of RIBA, opening up a wide range of career possibilities across both public and private sectors:

• Architecture
• Landscape architecture
• Interior design
• Urban planning
• Project management

Staff Team

• Rachel Newton PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice RIBA P3 Programme Leader
• Stephen McCusker Senior Lecturer, School Professional Skills Lead
• John Hickey Lecturer in Architecture: Professional Studies
• Alison Taylor Stokes