Choosing a school
One of the most common questions we get asked is ‘Which is the best architecture school?’
A fair question considering the time and money you’ll spend there, but unfortunately not one that’s easy to answer.
Each school has different areas of expertise, interest, course structure and tutors, so it is a question of looking at the prospectus, course content, visiting the school and asking lots of questions. There is a good guide to some of the factors to consider at RIBA’s education centre
It is also worth remembering that you are at a university, not just a department. Think carefully about both the city and the university’s general reputation – The Times and Guardian university league tables can help you there.
But there is one very important element to consider when choosing an architecture course: its validation and prescription.
Course recognition
Assessment of the quality of architecture courses in the UK in undertaken by two separate bodies: Arb and RIBA.
The two bodies work off the same basic criteria, so it is rare to find a course that is not approved by both, but it does happen.
Prospective students need to understand the difference between validation (RIBA) and prescription (Arb).
Arb
Arb, short for the Architects Registration Board, was set up by the 1997 Architects Act to regulate architects in the UK.
It is responsible for:
- Prescribing – or ‘recognizing’ the qualifications needed to become an architect
- Keeping a register of UK architects
- Investigating complaints about architects
- Ensuring only registered architects use the title architect.
You can see the list of the courses that Arb ‘prescribes’ here
Why is this important?
If you decide to study a course that is not prescribed by Arb, and then want to become a UK architect, you will need to have your degree assessed by Arb.
This is a costly and time consuming process. For an explanation of the process see Advice for International Students, though written specifically for those with non-UK degrees, all the basic tenants apply to UK students who do not hold an Arb validated degree.
In short, if you wish to be a practicing architect in the UK, make sure the course you study is validated by Arb!
RIBA
RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects, is the professional organization for architects in the UK.
Membership of the RIBA is not compulsory, but it offers important benefits to architects, particularly in regards to professional development.
RIBA’s role in architecture education is to ‘validate’ programmes and it currently validates architecture programmes at over 40 UK schools on a four-year cycle.
Courses are visited by a board comprised of architects, academics and other built environment professionals to assess the standard of work produced on a course, and that students are being prepared for the professional practice of architecture. More details
Why is validation important?
A large proportion of practicing architects in the UK are members of the RIBA and use their advice and professional development services.
Full membership of the RIBA is restricted to those who have achieved RIBA-recognised Part I, II and III. If you undertake a non-RIBA validated course it can then cause problems if you wish to join RIBA. Full details of eligibility
Note: Though the RIBA validates architecture programmes outside the UK, this should not be confused with the Arb’s prescription process.