Qualifying as an architect

The route to qualifying as an architect is the UK is a long one.

Typically, students spend five years training at a university, coupled with a minimum of two years professional experience, before they take the final exams which allow them to use the title ‘architect’.

Here on BD’s Student Space you’ll find all the knowledge necessary to plot your career route, as well as tools to help you along the way.

Below is our explanation of the qualification structure, but you’ll also find our listing and explanation of accredited courses and guide for international students useful.

If you have any other questions, why not post them on BD Resource – our question and answer wiki.

Part I

The first step to becoming an architect is an undergraduate degree, which is three years in England and four years in Scotland.

The strong recommendation is to take a degree that is both accredited by Arb and validated by RIBA (what does this mean?)

The aim of Part I is to provide the student with a broad understanding of architecture and a wide range of skills.

After the degree, a student needs to decide whether they wish to become a professional architect or not. A good architecture degree is valued by employers outside the sector, and many graduates go onto have careers in a vast range of subjects.

Stage 1 professional experience

 After completing an undergraduate degree (or on some courses during in) students spend a year in profession working and recording their experiences and development.

Students’ experiences are monitored by a Professional Studies Advisor (PSA) from their university and an employment mentor from their practice.

Part II

The next stage is a part II course.

Part II courses are university based, two years in duration if studied full time, and offer students enhanced architectural knowledge and project complexity.

The nature of qualifications vary from school to school, and come either in the form of a BArch, Diploma or a MArch.

Students may choose to return to the school where they completed the Part I, or apply to study for the Part II at a new school.

Stage 2 professional experience

After successful completion of Part II, students are required to complete a minimum of one year’s professional experience within an architectural practice.

By this stage students should be capable of taking a greater responsibility on projects and will also begin to study aspects of practice, management and law on a Part III program.

Part III

Part III is the final stage required to qualify as an architect. The vast majority of students will study for their Part III exams whilst employed at an architecture practice.

Candidates are assessed on:

• Written examination
• Oral examination
• 24 months (minimum) of professional experience in a recognised recorded format such as the PEDR
• Professional CV and career evaluation
• Case study

When a student has passed their Part III exams they can apply to the Arb for inclusion on the register, which means they can officially use the title of architect.