PgCert Professional Practice in Architecture at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

This programme has run at Queen's since the 1970s for architecture graduates continuing towards the registered and chartered architect profession. It provides exemption from the RIBA Final Examination Part III and is recognised by the Architects Registration Board for registration under the Architects Act 1997. It is validated by RIBA and prescribed by ARB every four years. The core course including examinations involves 11 days of attendance, with lectures and events spread across the year and open-book office-based submissions.

Department: Natural and Built Environment | Duration: 1 year part-time | Intake: 2026/27 entry year (page shows the 2026 course listing) | Study mode: part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Professional practice in architecture: design processes, risk and opportunity appraisal, business and team configuration, contracts and regulatory and professional frameworks. Optional 1-2 day workshops, including one on contracts and regulatory frameworks in southern Ireland, are available for an additional fee.

Career pathways

Leads to registration as an architect with ARB and chartered membership of RIBA; with the optional southern Ireland workshop it can support a Route B application to the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Queen's BSc in Architecture or an equivalent qualification prescribed by the ARB, plus a Queen's BArch or MArch or equivalent ARB-prescribed qualification (ARB Part 1 and Part 2). Applicants from other institutions must normally show they completed professional studies elements within their RIBA/ARB Part 1 and Part 2 courses, and professional experience at Part 3 level within UK or Ireland jurisdiction is normally required. International applicants need ARB written confirmation or the ARB Examination to gain Part 3 status; otherwise they may take the programme for personal professional development only. A questionnaire and current CV are required with the application, and a deposit is required to secure a place. IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component (taken within the last 2 years). Application deadline normally 31 October 2026; applications after 30 November may not be accepted.

GBP 2,455 a year (2026/27). Same fee listed for NI, ROI, GB, EU Other and international students; optional additional workshops carry extra fees Source

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,455 for the whole programme (2026/27). NI/ROI/GB residency; payable over 2 years Source

Intake: January 2027

Duration: 1 year part-time

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