Professional Practice Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 3 exemption) PgDip
- Architecture and interiors
- Postgraduate
Prepare to become a registered architect with Kingston University’s Professional Practice in Architecture PgDip. Achieve ARB/RIBA accredited Part 3 qualifications and master the skills essential for thriving in professional practice.
Boost your architectural career with expert training
This course is your gateway to becoming a fully qualified architect.
Complete the final stage of formal education before gaining qualification and registration as an architect in the UK.
Achieve ARB/RIBA Part 3 accreditation and gain critical professional skills in architectural law, project management, and contract negotiation.
Taught by industry experts and established practitioners, the programme focuses on real-world application of knowledge. Gain the necessary insight and confidence to succeed in the fast-paced architectural field.
Glean the legal, procedural, professional and managerial competencies needed to engage in architectural practice. Apply to become a critical and reflective practitioner.
Delivered through a combination of well-structured lectures, events and practical workshops, this course has greatly expanded my knowledge and understanding of the professional aspects of the architectural practice, fully preparing me to enter the industry as a qualified architect.
Why choose this course
Kingston University's PG Dip in Professional Practice in Architecture is designed for graduates ready to take the next step in their career. This course helps you to meet the requirements for Part 3, qualifying as an architect in the UK.
The RIBA has described this course as 'rigorous, thorough and offering a high level of detail'. With no examinations, our focus is on scenario-based coursework to prepare you for professional architectural practice.
The curriculum is designed to support and inform your work-based professional experience. Key highlights of this programme include:
- Real-world learning: Develop skills in contract law, project management and professional ethics through case studies and scenarios.
- Tailored support: Benefit from a professional studies advisor to guide you through your professional development.
- Flexible learning: Study part-time, enabling you to work while you complete your qualification.
Kingston University’s excellent reputation in architectural education, coupled with its close industry ties, ensures that you’ll graduate prepared for the challenges of contemporary practice.
Accreditation
This course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 3 for the purpose of registration in the UK, and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for the purpose of eligibility for membership of the RIBA.
The Art School Experience
As part of Kingston School of Art, students benefit from joining a creative community where we encourage collaborative working and critical practice.
Our workshops and labs are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.
Course content
The curriculum has been devised to support and inform your work-based professional experience, providing modules in law, professional practice and relevant management issues. You will undertake a variety of individual assignments throughout each module; however, you must supplement this learning with your work-based experience in practice. You will be provided with scenarios and taken through the progress of several projects. These will extend and test your knowledge base and its application. You will build on and further develop the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired during your first degree, subsequent graduate education and periods of work-based learning.
You are expected to complete four compulsory modules, valued at 30 credits each.
Modules
The course consolidates your existing skills and learning: you gain core legal, procedural, professional and managerial competencies throughout the year. The course is one of continuous assessment and offers opportunities for you to critically evaluate your professional experience.
Core modules
Career opportunities
Kingston University’s Professional Practice in Architecture PgDip equips you with the expertise to explore roles such as:
- Registered Architect
- Project Leader
Kingston University’s links with the profession mean you’ll graduate with a competitive edge.
This course is a part-time course designed for candidates who are working in practice. Your professional relationship to the industry and contemporary work experience is an important element of this.
Course leaders and tutors are experienced architects and expert guest speakers present lectures on a regular basis. Part 3 assessors are drawn from renowned architecture practices and partner universities. Guest lectures have included: Orms, JTP, Foster Lomas, BDP, Hawkins\Brown, Amin Taha, Edwin Heathcote, Wilkinson Construction Consultants, ARB, Sense Studio, Bow Arts Trust, Allies & Morrison, DMH Stallard LLP, John Robertson Architects, Robin Lee Architecture.
Teaching and assessment
You'll be assessed through coursework, enabling you to get a thorough grounding in the issues throughout the year.
The course is second to none, as it places the future professional in case scenarios similar to what is experienced in practice. The teaching structure instigates research and discussion with added support from experienced tutors leaving the student well prepared for the final professional interview.
Fees and funding
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Professional Practice in Architecture PgDip at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
Apply for this course
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
This is an excellent course, combining practical guidance, experienced speakers, and detailed feedback... And no examination!
It's been a great experience. The course is well structured, with coursework helping to cover and prepare you for your own professional experience. The tutors and external professionals have been engaging and extremely helpful throughout.
A comprehensive course that runs parallel to work in practice, allows the application of fictional scenarios on real life practice events. Although intense at times, it enables learning in real time with the added bonus of no exams!
