BSc (Hons) Architecture Part 1 Professional Body Information
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BSc (Hons) Architecture Part 1 Professional Body Information
BSc (Hons) Architecture Part 1 Professional Body Information
This page explains how the BSc (Hons) Architecture Part 1 degree relates to the UK's professional bodies for architecture: the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). It also summarises a planned regulatory change and its implications for students on this course.
Students applying for four year courses - BSc Architecture (ARB/ RIBA) Part 1
The BSc (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 1 is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at the Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is currently revising its requirements for registration and is removing from its requirements the award of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. The ARB intends that its prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on 31 December 2027.
Students entering the course in Sept 2024 will graduate in June 2028, if they progress without interruption through the 4 years of the course. Students will therefore graduate after the proposed end date for ARB prescription at Part 1, and their degree will therefore not be a prescribed ARB award. This will not impact any student’s ability to complete a qualification as a UK-registered architect, as the ARB will continue to accredit academic awards at master’s level only.
The BSc (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 1 is currently, and will continue to be, subject to validation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.
Students applying for three-year courses - BSc Architecture (ARB/ RIBA) Part 1
The BSc (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 1 here is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at the Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is currently revising its requirements for registration and is removing from its requirements the award of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. The ARB intends that its prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on 31 December 2027.
Students entering the BSc (Hons) Architecture RIBA part 1 course in Sept 2024 who take an additional year to complete the course will graduate in June 2028. These students will therefore graduate after the proposed end date for ARB prescription at Part 1, and their degree will therefore not be a prescribed ARB award. This will not impact any student’s ability to complete a qualification as a UK-registered architect, as the ARB will continue to accredit academic awards at master’s level only.
The BSc (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part 1 is currently, and will continue to be, subject to validation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.
Professional Body Information: The Architects Registration Board (ARB)
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the statutory regulator for architects in the UK and sets the education and registration requirements for anyone wishing to practice and use the title ‘architect’ in the UK. They do this by accrediting qualifications required for registration as an architect. Details of ARB can be found at: About the Architects Registration Board (arb.org.uk)
Following a statutory consultation in 2023, ARB has published changes to educational requirements necessary for registration as an architect, which will come into force from December 2027. Currently, and up until December 2027, UK graduates wishing to register as an architect will need to have an ARB-accredited Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualification, alongside relevant work experience.
From 31 December 2027, ARB will only accredit Master’s level qualifications (Level 7 in England, Level 11 in Scotland) and the professional diploma which follows. This means that from 2028, an undergraduate Level 6 qualification in architecture will not be required for registration as an architect in the UK.
FAQs
What does “ARB-prescribed” mean?
An ARB-prescribed qualification is one that the Architects Registration Board (ARB) has formally recognised as meeting its requirements at a specific stage of architectural training. Until 31 December 2027, this degree is prescribed at the Part 1 level.
Is this course still recognised after 2027?
Yes. The course will continue to be validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at Part 1 level. What changes is the ARB’s prescription of undergraduate qualifications, not the academic content or quality of the degree.
Will this affect my ability to become an architect?
It may affect how you progress, depending on when you complete the course. Students who finish before 31 December 2027 will hold an ARB-prescribed qualification. Students completing from 2028 onwards will still hold a RIBA Part 1 qualification and can continue their architectural training through recognised pathways.
What happens if I start the course before 2028 but finish after?
If you complete the degree after 31 December 2027, it will no longer be listed as an ARB-prescribed qualification, even if you started earlier. However, it will remain RIBA validated at Part 1 level.
Does ARB still regulate architects?
Yes. The ARB will continue to regulate architects in the UK, including professional registration and Part 3 requirements. The change relates only to the prescription of undergraduate degrees, not the regulation of the profession itself.
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BSc (Hons) Architecture
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