Program Overview

PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice (RIBA Part 3)

The PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice (RIBA Part 3) programme at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to prepare candidates for the RIBA Part 3 examination and support them on their journey to becoming an architect.

Course Overview

The programme 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.

Entry Requirements

• A UK RIBA validated Part 1 qualification
• Enrolled on a UK RIBA validated Part 2 course
• Alternatively, international qualifications equivalent to the Part 1 and Part 2, and completed the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Prescribed Examination at Part 1 and Part 2
• Registration on an Architect Apprenticeship Level 7 at Manchester School of Architecture
• Be on track to complete their 24 months practice experience in accordance with ARB/RIBA regulations
• If English is not the applicant's first language, submit a valid International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate of 6.5 or above in each of the band scores, or an equivalent accepted English qualification

Fees and Funding

• UK and Channel Island students: Part-time fee £1709 per 30 credits
• EU and non-EU international students: Part-time fee £1709 per 30 credits
• Additional costs:
  • Specialist costs (optional): £1100
  • Other costs (optional): £250

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, including:

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

Course Information

• Course length: 9 months part-time (September start), 12 months part-time (January start)
• Study mode: Part-time
• Assessment: 50% coursework, 50% examination
• Core modules:
  • Contemporary Practice
  • Professional Perspectives

Study and Assessment

• Part-time: 25% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 75% independent study
• Assessment: 50% coursework; 0% practical; 50% examination

Taught by Experts

The PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice (RIBA Part 3) programme is part of the Manchester School of Architecture at Manchester Met. The programme is taught by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.

How to Apply

All applications will be reviewed by the Part 3 Programme Team. Candidates will then be invited to a 1:1 discussion to discuss their circumstances further and confirm their readiness for Part 3. Interviews are held monthly, in batches of 10. Application deadlines are 25 July 2025 for September 2025 entry and 31 October 2025 for January 2026 entry.

Related Courses

• MArch Master of Architecture
• BA (Hons) Architecture

Disclaimers

• Programme review: Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the latest online learning technology.
• Important notice: This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that our published course information is accurate.
• Confirmation of regulator: The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory framework can be found at officeforstudents.org.uk.