Information on how to become a registered Architect in the UK
If you’re interested in applying for a BA (Hons) Architecture degree to become a UK registered Architect, you may be aware that the process to gain registration has changed recently. We have summarised the new process for you below, to inform you of the new route to qualification.
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To be a practicing registered Architect in the UK, you must be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Following changes to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) accreditation framework, all schools of architecture, including ours, are currently in a transitional phase to align our courses with the new Standards for Education to prepare students for registration.
Current process for students who started a BA (Hons) Architecture on or before September 2024:
Currently, you need to hold the ARB Accredited Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications that we have accredited, in addition to completing the minimum two years’ professional experience. This guidance applies to anyone graduating from a BA (Hons) before 31st December 2027.
New process for students starting a BA (Hons) Architecture degree on or after September 2025:
Under the new system, in order to register as an architect in the UK, students who begin a BA Architecture course after September 2025 will require an ARB-accredited master’s-level qualification that meets the ARB’s Academic Outcomes, together with a practice qualification that meets the ARB’s Practice Outcomes (or an accredited combined qualification), and will also need to complete a minimum of two years of professional experience. You can find further information about the process for accreditation on the ARB website.
This means that students graduating after 31 December 2027 will not require an ARB-accredited Part 1 qualification.
Information for students who hold an ARB Accredited Part 1
Students who already hold an ARB Accredited Part 1 or who will complete a Part 1 before 31st December 2028, will simply join the new pathway.
More information about the route to registration as an Architect, including information for those who are affected by the transitional arrangements can be found on the ARB website.
Information sourced from the ARB website (www.arb.org.uk)
How can I gain chartership with RIBA?
In addition to gaining registration with ARB, Architects in the UK also have the option to gain chartership with the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) – the professional body for Architects.
Chartership with the RIBA will continue to require the Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications, in addition to the minimum of two years’ professional experience. Our BA (Hons) Architecture course retains its RIBA Part 1 validation, and we intend to maintain this, ensuring eligibility for our graduates to seek Chartership with RIBA.
Information source from RIBA’s Website (https://www.riba.org)
What is the difference between the ARB and RIBA?
Registration with the ARB is a legal requirement for those using the protected title of ‘Architect’. RIBA chartered membership is an additional voluntary qualification. It is not a legal requirement to have RIBA membership to practise as an architect, however, registering with the RIBA means that you will be able to use the term “chartered” after qualification, and is a sign of quality and professionalism.
You should consider linking out to the relevant information published so students know where to find more information.
Would an applicant know the difference between RIBA and ARB? If not put in a plain English explanation of the difference.
This reads like a guarantee, but RIBA validation is external isn’t it - like ARB?...Therefore, we shouldn’t be making such guarantees...we should say we intent to maintain… or is currently validated...etc