International Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture
Entry requirements
Professional status in Surveying, Architecture or Civil Engineering. International equivalent to RIBA Part 1 and 2 is essential for entry. All applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Full time employment in a UK/EU architectural practice is essential, along with a case study project, assessed by course leader for suitability. Min. 15 months of recorded experience (PEDRs) is required prior to starting the course. Refer to ARB for practical training requirements.
Months of entry
September
Course content
If you’re an international student or architect without UK qualifications and want to enter the UK Register of Architects, our International Professional Practice (part 3) Architecture course is the last step in becoming a professional architect registered with the ARB.
You need to be in full-time employment to be eligible for this course, preferably in a UK architectural practice.
Ideally, you’ll have studied architecture, surveying or civil engineering in the past, and have completed RIBA parts 1 and 2 or their international equivalents. You should have a minimum of two years in architectural practice, with 12 months of that experience in a UK or EU practice.
You'll learn about current practice issues, legal and building legislation, and contractual issues in the industry as you improve your knowledge of the environment and sustainability, the social and economic side of the construction industry, and develop your practice and project management skills.
Supported by staff with extensive academic and architectural practice experience, you’ll use a combination of lectures and workshops with real case studies to inform your learning. You'll practice specific skills including contract administration skills in workshops which use a JCT Standard Building Contract, and work towards being a fully qualified architect when you graduate.
Uniquely to Portsmouth, our studio-based course offers a range of design studios which you can choose to join. Each has its own design ethos, theoretical positions, design briefs, and investigation methodologies. Use your professional judgement and problem-solving skills to develop your professional experience and practice, and benefit from top-class facilities, hardware, software, and 3D modelling.
As you study, you’ll gain knowledge and experience to help you to enhance your future career, whether you want to continue with your current employer or find alternative employment.
Starting this course without RIBA 1 and 2
If you do not hold the UK RIBA 1 and 2 qualifications, you may still be suitable for this course. You can apply if you hold an international equivalent to RIBA Parts 1 and 2, or if you have 5 years of HE qualifications in a suitable field, preferably architecture, and a minimum of two years in architectural practice. 12 months of your experience should be in a UK/EU practice.
If you hold international equivalents to RIBA 1 and 2, the ARB will validate qualifications from your country or ask you to complete the relevant ARB exams. These qualifications can be validated before or during your course, or for up to two years after you graduate.
- Be eligible to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3) ARB/RIBA and practice as a qualified architect when you graduate
- Complete a case study of a live project, relevant to your current professional role
- Study Practice Management, Law and Contract, as set out in the ARB/RIBA syllabus
- Use our design studios, featuring advanced architectural computer facilities, CNC milling machine, laser cutting machines, a virtual reality suite and professional printers
- Access our Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR), the UK’s first integrated facility to support innovation in the creative and digital technologies of virtual, augmented and extended realities
- Benefit from our nurturing teaching environment and a mix of lectures and workshops, supported by staff with extensive academic and architectural practice experience, and construction industry experts
- Hear from industry experts working in UK construction, including barristers (Crown Office Chambers), lawyers (Fenwick Elliot), solicitors, architects (National practices such as AHMM and local practices), and planning consultants (Savills)
Career planning
During your course, you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events, including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
- architectural design
- interior design
- landscape architecture
- urban design and master planning
- architectural technology
- project management
- construction management
Qualifying as an architect
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- Professional Skills Course
- part time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions Team
- admissions@port.ac.uk