PgDip Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 Exemption) at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Successful completion of the programme gives you recognition for RIBA Part 3, registration with the Architects Registration Board, direct access to title as an architect and therefore gain membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). There are two separate entry and completion points per year, providing a flexible approach to obtaining the final professional qualification.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media | Department: Architecture, Art and Design, Construction and the Built Environment | Duration: 10 to 24 months part-time | Study mode: part-time | Intake: September 2027, February 2028 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Aimed at students engaged in architectural practice, this postgraduate course gives you the skills and knowledge to gain your qualification. It can also form the basis of your ongoing professional architectural development. You’ll gain a critical understanding of legal requirements, practice management and construction procurement in the architecture industry, and the fundamentals of good architectural practice. Modules include Professional Practice and Management, Building Procurement and Contract Administration, Professional Experience and Development, Case study.

Career pathways

The final exam with the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice gives exemption from the RIBA Part III examination and enables you to become a registered architect and chartered member of RIBA. You’ll have demonstrated the professional and practical skills needed to be a successful architect, with the knowledge of the necessary business frameworks and legal issues.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

RIBA Part 1 and RIBA Part 2 or an equivalent qualification that the ARB has formally recognised. In certain circumstances this might include working towards a recognised ARB qualification subject to qualifications and experience. At the final examination, candidates must have gained a minimum of 24 months’ practical experience, 12 months of which must be within the two years preceding the final Part 3 interview. Entry to the final examination is based on advice by the Course Director that the candidate has sufficient and adequate experience of project management in excess of 24 months, all of which should have been recorded on the Professional Education and Development Resource (PEDR). All non-UK students will be required to take the Birmingham City University English Language Diagnostic Assessment on arrival at the University. IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 3,360 a year (2027/28). part-time, 10 to 24 months; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 3,360 a year (2027/28). part-time, 10 to 24 months; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2027, February 2028

Duration: 10 to 24 months part-time

Explore more study programmes

Engineering