Program Overview

Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture - ARB/RIBA Part 3

The Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture - ARB/RIBA Part 3 is a course offered by the Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge.

Aims

The aim of the course is to enable candidates to successfully present themselves to the examiners through the various required submissions and to receive an endorsement of competency to practice as an architect. The course also hopes to act as a forum for a wider discussion of issues affecting the profession and the construction industry in the UK and further afield.

Structure of the Course and Assessment

The University of Cambridge Part 3 course has a specific structure, usually running from September to September. The taught element of the course is contained within three intensive workshops (October/March/June) held at the Department of Architecture in Scroope Terrace. The Cambridge Part 3 course is well suited to those students who are used to self-directed learning. They need to be well motivated, well organised, and able to concentrate through full days of intensive teaching. The assessment process is carried out in the following September.

Content of the Course

The content of the course is based upon the professional criteria, which a student needs to satisfy, as laid out jointly by the ARB/RIBA. Before they apply, applicants are advised to review these criteria. This will help them assess whether they are at an appropriate stage to consider presenting themselves for the Part 3 assessment.

Course Leader

The Course Leader is Miranda Terry.

Important Notes

• Applicants should be aware that this will be the last standalone Part 3 course run by the Department of Architecture before they move their courses onto the new ARB Education Framework.
• Candidates accepted onto the programme will need to sit the assessments in September 2027.
• There will not be any ability for candidates to intermit, as a course will not run.

Student Feedback

• "Alert! No spoon feeding. This course demands a self-driven attitude towards learning and coursework. The lectures cover the basics but they also provide an insight into the complexities of planning and running a business."
• "I am very proud to have completed my Part 3 in Architecture at the University of Cambridge. The combination of structured learning with group study sessions proved to be a very successful balance for learning. The guest speakers throughout the course were excellent, whilst a special mention must be given to the course director, Miranda, for her continued commitment to ensure that each student feels supported and on the right path to succeed."