Triangle

Course overview

This is a distance learning course and is taken by students who have completed their Part 2 during a final 12-month period in industry (relevant experience required). It draws upon their experience gained during their time in practice as a vehicle for demonstrating that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, understanding, and behaviours required of a professional Architect. Taught content is delivered through a combination of in-person recall days, online lectures, workshops, and study group activities, and is structured around the Professional Criteria set out by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) in their Prescription of qualifications: ARB Criteria at Part 3.

The course runs from September-November each year and is structured into two defined parts, with part A (running September-May) focussing on delivery and assessment of academic inputs, and part B (running June-November) based in practice. During part B, candidates use a Case Study project to demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills, behaviours and understanding across all criteria, supported by a critical reflection of their experience in practice and the wider profession.

The course programme is prescribed by ARB (Architects Registration Board), is validated by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and successful completion of the course allows exemption from the Part 3 entry requirements to the UK Architects Register (ARB) to enable the legal use of the title Architect.

The programme aims to prepare students for entry to the UK Architects Register by providing them with the requisite knowledge, skills, understanding and behaviours required to demonstrate their competency within a professional context, using the five professional criteria, as set out by ARB as a framework. They will develop their ability to evaluate, communicate and reflect on how the required level of competency has been met and applied through their experience in practice, which is supported by a range of lectures and assessments, alongside study group sessions and tutorials.

Why choose this course?

Top 100

and 5th in the UK for Architecture

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

1st

in the Russell Group universities for ‘overall satisfaction’ in Architecture

The National Student Survey 2022

9th

in Architecture

Times Good University Guide 2023 

Modules

Professional Studies

This module contains the taught components of the Professional Studies Part 3 course structured around the Professional Criteria set out by the ARB (Architect’s Registration Board) in their Prescription of qualifications: ARB Criteria at Part 3. The module forms part of the overall professional studies programme which is validated by the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to meet and provide exemption from the entry requirements to the UK Register of Architects.

Content covers professional practice from the macro to the micro level; the way political/social/economic changes affect the profession and practice, down to detail such as the use of contract administration forms and day-today job-running in the office. Combined with self-led/independent learning and activities within study groups, the taught components of the module aim to provide an overview of the following:

  • Professionalism
  • Clients, users and delivery of services
  • Legal framework and processes
  • Practice and management
  • Building procurement

The module will build on knowledge and understanding gained within the workplace and gives context and theory to experiences in practice.

Professional Competencies

This module runs alongside the Professional Studies module and aims to locate and test knowledge and understanding to practical scenarios and practice context. Structured around the Professional Criteria set out by the ARB (Architect’s Registration Board) in their Prescription of qualifications: ARB Criteria at Part 3, the module forms part of the overall professional studies programme which is validated by the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to meet and provide exemption from the entry requirements to the UK Register of Architects.

Based around the professional criteria outlined below, content covers professional practice and competency as set out by the ARB and RIBA. Using 'factional' and/or practice-based scenarios, the module aims to apply knowledge and understanding of the programme's taught components in a real-life context. Combined with self-led/independent learning and activities within study groups, the module will also investigate current competency requirements within the profession and allow students to demonstrate an awareness of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours as required of the profession.

  • Professionalism
  • Clients, users and delivery of services
  • Legal framework and processes
  • Practice and management
  • Building procurement

The module will build on knowledge, skills and behaviours gained within the workplace and gives context and theory to experiences in practice.

Professional Practice

This module contains the practice-based components of the Professional Studies Part 3 course structured around the Professional Criteria set out by the ARB (Architect’s Registration Board) in their prescription of qualifications: ARB Criteria at Part 3. The focus of the module is the case study which uses a live design project as a vehicle for candidates to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, behaviours and understanding across the criteria. The module culminates in a viva with representatives from within the profession as well as independent academic staff. The module forms part of the overall professional studies programme which is validated by the Architect’s Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) to meet and provide exemption from the entry requirements to the UK Register of Architects.

Following on from the Professional Studies, and Professional Competency modules, this module allows students to apply their knowledge to the work they are undertaking in practice. Through critical analysis and reflection, with reference to RIBA work stages, students will indicate best practice, illustrate professional judgement and evidence the requisite knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a competent member of the architectural profession.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Friday 05 July 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars

Students are expected to augment the formal teaching sessions and readings with independent observation, analysis and reading.

How you will be assessed

  • Essays
  • Assignments
  • Case studies
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Oral exam
  • Workplace-based assessment

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Professional qualification

Applicants should have parts 1 and 2, and experience of working in an approved practice.

Applying

The programme, Professional Practice in Architecture K10G, is available to Part 2 graduates from any UK ARB/RIBA prescribed and validated school of architecture.

Candidates who completed their Part 2 qualification at the University of Nottingham should apply for the MArch Conversion K109. This course is for graduates who have achieved an average final mark of at least 60%, including a mark of at least 50% for the final year of the course.

Teaching for both programmes is identical and students form a single cohort.

Applicants should have parts 1 and 2, and a minimum of 12 months working in practice, as well as IELTS 6.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element). Candidates should be currently working in an approved practice and will require a minimum of 12 months experience post-Part 2 before they can sit the professional interview.

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification PGDip
Home / UK 2,930
International 3,210

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates

This content was last updated on Friday 05 July 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.