Course summary
Overview 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. Eligibility This course accepts international students only. If you are a UK or EU student, please see our UK version of this course: Final Examination in Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture. Course highlights
- 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)
Modules
All modules are core.
- Topical Research Project (30 credits)
- Practice Management, Law and Contract (60 credits)
Assessment method
You'll be assessed through: essays and written assignments (25%); written case study and career evaluation (50%); written examinations (25%); oral examination (Pass/Fail); Professional Experience and Development Records (24 months worth - Pass/Fail)
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Architects Registration Board
- Architects Royal Institute of British
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.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. |
| PTE Academic | 65 | An overall score of 65 with a minimum of 62 in each skill. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 91 | 91 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| Trinity ISE | Trinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| International | £3000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation.
For further fee information please see the corresponding University of Portsmouth course page or visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/masters-and-postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding
Provider information
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth
PO1 2UP