PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice (RIBA Part 3) at Manchester Metropolitan University

Programme overview

The Architecture and Contemporary Practice programme at Manchester Metropolitan University comprises a short course that prepares candidates for their RIBA Part 3 Oral Examination, which is a requirement for registration with the ARB (Architects Registration Board). Upon completion, successful candidates who have also completed RIBA Parts 1 and 2 will be eligible for registration under the Architects Registration Act 1997 and for Chartered membership of RIBA. Consistently ranked as one of the UK’s top schools of architecture and located in a key city for architects and practices in the North, Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is the perfect place to complete your formal architectural education.

What you will study

The Manchester School of Architecture is a vibrant school with an international reputation, that is consistently within the top 3 UK schools of Architecture according to QS World University Rankings. MSA students are presented with a rich and diverse set of opportunities to learn from each other, professionals, the city and the society around them. Modules core: Professional Perspectives, Contemporary Practice 1 and 2.

Career pathways

Completion of the RIBA Part 3 - following completion of Part 1 and Part 2 - will allow candidates to register with the Architects Registration Board and for Chartered Membership of RIBA, opening up a wide range of career possibilities across both public and private sectors: Architecture. Landscape architecture.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Please note applications for January 2027 entry will close on 16th November 2026. NOTE: Although the ARB (Architects Registration Board) does not require that candidates take Parts 1, 2 and 3 sequentially, it is recommended that candidates have been awarded a UK RIBA validated Part 1 qualification, and are enrolled on a UK RIBA validated Part 2 course. Alternatively, candidates should have one of the following: International qualifications equivalent to the Part 1 and Part 2, and completed the Architects Registration Board (ARB) Prescribed Examination at Part 1 and Part 2; (With other relevant overseas qualifications, the candidate should undertake the ARB prescribed exams before registration with ARB). In addition, all candidates are required to: Be on track to complete their 24 months practice experience in accordance with ARB/RIBA regulations. If English is not the applicant's first language, submit a valid (awarded within at least 2 years prior to application) International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate of 6.5 or above in each of the band scores, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 12 months part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/course/pgcert-architecture-contemporary-practice-riba-part-3#how-to-apply

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