RIBA, or the Royal Institute of British Architects, is a professional organization for architects in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1834, it has been at the forefront of promoting excellence in architecture for nearly two centuries. One of its key initiatives is the RIBA Accreditation program, which provides recognition to university architecture programs that meet high standards of quality and relevance.
The RIBA Accreditation program is created to guarantee that students receive an extensive education that equips them for a thriving career in architecture. This includes exposure to a broad range of subjects, including design, history, theory, technology, and professional practice. In order to receive RIBA Accreditation, universities must demonstrate that their programs are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest developments in the field, and that they offer students the opportunity to engage in real-world projects and gain practical experience.
For students, the benefits of studying at a RIBA Accredited university are numerous. Firstly, they can be confident that they are receiving a high-quality education that is aligned with the latest industry standards. Additionally, RIBA Accreditation provides a clear pathway for students to become registered architects, as the accreditation is recognized by the Architects Registration Board, the statutory body responsible for registering architects in the UK.
This means that students who graduate from a RIBA Accredited program are well positioned to launch successful careers in architecture. For architects, RIBA Accreditation is a symbol of professional excellence and a testament to their commitment to the highest standards of design and practice. By holding RIBA Accreditation, architects can demonstrate to clients and employers that they have received a rigorous and comprehensive education, and that they have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field. In conclusion, RIBA Accreditation is a highly respected and widely recognized program that is vital for the advancement of architecture. By ensuring that university architecture programs meet high standards of quality and relevance, it prepares students for successful careers and helps to ensure that architecture continues to be a vital and innovative field.
How do I get RIBA Accreditation?
Becoming an architect is a long process that takes at least 7 years to complete. The journey is comprised of three parts, as set out by RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Part 1: Undergraduate Degree (3 years)
The first step is obtaining a three-year undergraduate degree in architecture. It is important to note that a degree in architecture is not a guarantee of becoming a fully qualified architect. To follow the full path, it is essential to choose a university and degree that is RIBA validated. This means that the degree will exempt you from the RIBA Part 1 Examination and you will automatically gain the Part 1 qualification upon graduation.
Part 1 Professional Experience (1 year)
After obtaining your degree in architecture, you must gain a year of professional experience in the field. This professional experience is a requirement for the Part 3 qualification, and at least 24 months of professional experience must be completed, with at least 12 months taken after a Part 2 Master’s degree. Records of professional activities are documented through PEDRs (Professional Experience and Development Record) and must be submitted every 3 months to be signed by a supervisor and a supervising tutor. These records are an important part of the final qualification.
Part 2: Master’s Degree (2 years)
The second step is obtaining a two-year Master’s degree in architecture. Like the undergraduate degree, it is recommended to choose a RIBA validated program to gain exemption from the Part 2 Examination. This degree provides further education and training in the field of architecture and prepares students for Part 3.
Part 3: Final Exam (Examination)
The final step is passing the Part 3 examination. This examination tests the knowledge and understanding gained through the previous two qualifications and professional experience. Upon passing the Part 3 examination, an individual is considered a fully qualified architect.
Discovering the RIBA Approved Architecture Programmes in the UK
The RIBA performs validation on over 50 institutions in the United Kingdom that provide architectural education, including universities and schools of architecture. This validation process confirms that these programs meet the minimum standards set by the RIBA and adequately prepare students for a career in architecture. However, it’s important to note that the RIBA only validates programs and courses, not individual students or professionals.
In the United Kingdom, RIBA does not have the authority to grant licenses or register architects. This responsibility falls to the Architects Registration Board (ARB). If you require more information, it’s recommended that you directly reach out to ARB. If you’re an architect practicing outside of the UK and EU, you may apply for RIBA Chartered Membership through the Membership Eligibility Assessment Panel (MEAP) process, which grants international chartered membership status.
The following is a compilation of 10 RIBA-approved institutions and programme’s in the UK. If you wish to check all 50,Click here
| University | Programme |
|---|---|
| University of Cambridge Department of Architecture | Part 1 BA (Hons) in Architecture Part 2 MPhil in Architecture and Urban Design Part 3 Examination in Professional Practice |
| University of Nottingham Architecture and Built Environment | Part 1 BArch (Hons) in Architecture Part 1 M.Eng. Architecture and Environmental Design Part 2 MArch Part 2 MArch Architecture with Collaborative Practice Research (ARB/RIBA Part 2) Part 3 Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture |
| University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University The Manchester School of Architecture | Part 1 BA (Hons) Architecture Part 2 M. Arch Master of Architecture Part 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (RIBA P3 |
| London South Bank University Engineering, Science and the Built Environment |
Part 1 BA (Hons) in Architecture; BA (Hons) Architectural Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 6) Part 2 MArch; Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship Part 3 Examination in Professional Practice |
| Royal College of Art (London) School of Architecture |
Part 2 MA Architecture |
| University of Greenwich (London) School of Architecture, Design and Construction |
Part 1 BA (Hons) Architecture Part 2 MArch Part 3 Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice |
| The London School of Architecture | Part 2 MArch in Designing Architecture |
| Architectural Association (London) | Part 1 Intermediate Examination Part 2 Final Examination Part 3 Professional Practice and Practical Training Examination |
| RIBA North West Region, Liverpool | Part 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (RIBA P3) |
| The Glasgow School of Art The Mackintosh School of Architecture | Part 1 Bachelor of Architecture Part 1 Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) Part 2 Diploma in Architecture Part 2 Master of Architecture Part 3 Examination in Professional Practice (Administered by APEAS |
What are the RIBA Validated Courses?
The RIBA Validation process is a systematic evaluation by experts in the field of architecture to ensure that educational programs adhere to the global standards in architectural education. This process also promotes student excellence and diversity in the academic realm. Schools of architecture undergo assessments by visiting boards who judge the quality of the coursework and determine if students are eligible for exemptions from RIBA’s architecture examinations.
It’s worth noting that RIBA does not validate individual students or professionals and only endorses educational programs or exams run by educational institutions or examining organizations. To receive a RIBA recognized qualification, you must study a course that has been validated by RIBA.
We have provided some names of the globally recognized RIBA-approved Programme’s and Universities.
| University | Country | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nottingham, Ningbo | China | Part 1: BArch (Hons) Architecture (Architecture and Built Environment)/B.Eng (Hons) Architecture. Students enrolled from the 2012/2013 academic session onwards will be awarded the BEng (Hons) Architectur |
| University of Hong Kong | China-Hong Kong | Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies – BA (AS): 4 years, Part 1 Master of Architecture – MArch: 2 years, Part 2 |
| Aarhus University of Architecture | Denmark | PART 2 Master of Arts in Architecture (with effect from the 2015 graduating cohort) |
| Confluence Institute for Innovation and Creative Strategies in Architecture | France | Part 1 Architecture Confluence Degree level A Part 2 Architecture Confluence Degree level B |
| University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia | Part 1: Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc Architecture), 3 years full time Part 2: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), 2 years full time |
| University Teknologi (MARA) (UiTM) – Puncak Alam | Malaysia | Part 1: Bachelor of Science (Architecture) BSc (Arch) 3 to 4 years Part 2: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) Part 2 (2 years)/ MArch (from 2013) |
| Abu Dhabi University | United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Part 1: Bachelor of Architecture |
| Heriot-Watt University, Dubai campus | UAE | BA (Hons) Architecture, 4 year |
| Pratt Institute School of Architecture, New York | USA | Bachelor of Architecture Program (5 years): RIBA Parts 1 & 2 on completion of the 5-year programme. Master of Architecture Program (3 years): RIBA Part 2 |
Is it possible to earn RIBA Accreditation in UAE?
In the United Arab Emirates, two universities have received accreditation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) Bachelor of Architecture has earned the distinction of being the first program in the UAE to receive RIBA accreditation. Additionally, Heriot-Watt University’s architecture degree is also recognized by RIBA.
The Abu Dhabi University (ADU), a well-regarded educational institution known for its quality education and applied research, has received a great honor for its Bachelor of Architecture program. It has earned accreditation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the top recognition for architecture programs. ADU, dedicated to supporting the UAE’s shift towards a knowledge-based economy, established the Bachelor of Architecture program in 2010 with the aim of producing the next generation of top-notch architects capable of designing cutting-edge buildings.
In line with its goal of offering academic programs that meet the demands of the job market, the program is available at ADU’s three campuses located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai. Since its establishment, ADU has received numerous prestigious awards, establishing itself as a leading center for knowledge. The university is constantly striving to improve its facilities, academic programs, and extracurricular activities to support the government’s efforts to diversify the economy.
The BA (Hons) Architecture program at Heriot-Watt University has received recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1, making it the first four-year program in the UAE to attain this distinction and the only one in Dubai. The program provides students with a solid foundation in the core skills and principles of architecture, equipping them for post-Part 1 experience, further studies, or full-time employment. Delivered by highly qualified faculty, the program focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of architecture, with the RIBA Part 1 accreditation serving as a benchmark for students seeking to build a successful career in the field.
Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to work as architectural assistants with consultants, contractors, or government organizations. Additionally, the students may enroll in a RIBA Part 2 postgraduate program at universities across the globe. This will not only expand their understanding of architecture, but also challenge them to tackle more complex projects.
