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How to Qualify as an Architect | RIBA Part 3 Masterclass.

A course by the founders of Studio RBA & Maria of Part 3 with Me.
This course guides you through the RIBA Part 3 exam, the final step to qualify as an architect in the UK. It covers the application process, practical experience requirements, and preparation strategies. You’ll learn to craft case studies, prepare for exams, and navigate interviews. The course also covers final submission and post-qualification steps, including registration and continuous professional development. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for aspiring architects worldwide.

Skill level

Intermediate

Duration

Approx. 4 hrs

Certificate

On completion

Closed Captions

English

About this course

This detailed course is designed to guide you through the RIBA Part 3 exam, the final step in becoming a registered architect in the UK. We begin by discussing when to apply for Part 3, including the necessary qualifications, timing, and practical experience required. You’ll learn about the flexibility in choosing where to complete Part 3 based on your preferred course structure.

Next, we delve into the application process, covering associated costs, available courses, and their locations. We discuss important considerations to ensure you select the best course for your needs. Preparation is crucial, so we provide strategies for effective revision, essential reading, and topics to focus on. Guidance is offered on how to utilise available resources, including mentors, to maximise your learning experience.

We then explore Professional Experience Development Records (PEDRs), explaining the number needed, what they should cover, and how they can enhance your other submission materials.

Creating a strong CV and conducting a thorough self-evaluation are also covered, highlighting what your CV should demonstrate and the key milestones to include in your self-evaluation. The importance of this process and its impact on your submission materials is emphasised.

The course includes detailed guidance on structuring your case study, whether you can use older projects, and handling project delays. We stress the importance of critical analysis and what examiners seek in your case study, such as lessons learned and reflections on past experiences.

Preparation for the exam and coursework is also covered, including recommended preparation timelines, typical topics, and essential pre-exam preparations. We provide tips for interpreting questions and maximising exam time.

Finally, we discuss the submission process, including permissible changes to exam answers, the components of the submission document, and what to do if you fail any elements. The interview preparation is detailed, including recommended items to bring, handling difficult questions, and the possibility of failing the interview.

The course concludes with what to do once you’ve passed the Part 3 exam, including registration with the ARB and RIBA, the registration timeline, and the importance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Additionally, while the course focuses on the UK, the skills and knowledge gained are beneficial for aspiring architects worldwide, offering valuable insights into professional standards and practices. By completing this course, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the RIBA Part 3 exam and advance your architectural career both in the UK and globally.

Find out more about the Part 3 here.

Skills you'll gain

Why ArchAdemia?

Syllabus

Lesson 1 – When should you apply for your Part 3, what to expect and what are the requirements? (19:44). Before applying for your RIBA Part 3, ensure you have completed Parts 1 and 2. Apply well in advance, considering that course start dates can vary between September and January. You need to meet specific practical experience criteria, but you can complete Part 3 even if you’re not currently employed [provided you have a studio mentor agreement]. Assess all factors, including personal readiness and course structure preferences, before committing to the program. This thorough preparation will set you on the right path to becoming a registered architect. 

Lesson 2 – How to apply for your Part 3, costs, finding which course best suits you and where you can do it (17:50). In this lesson, we cover important aspects such as the application process, associated costs, and the variety of courses available across different locations. Additionally, we discuss key considerations to keep in mind before selecting the course and location that best suit your needs. This information will help you make an informed decision and prepare effectively for your RIBA Part 3 journey. 

Lesson 3 – Preparing for the Course (34:24). In this lesson, we explore how to effectively prepare for the RIBA Part 3 course. We discuss key areas of focus for revision, essential reading, and relevant topics. Additionally, we outline the guidance provided for the course and how to maximize the resources available to you, including support from assigned mentors. This preparation will help you approach the course with confidence and clarity. 

Lesson 4 – Professional Experience Development Records (28:06). In this lesson, we delve into the requirements and importance of Professional Experience Development Records (PEDRs) for the Part 3 course. We discuss how many PEDRs are needed, the necessity of submitting PEDRs if you have extensive practice experience, and what each PEDR should cover. Additionally, we explore how PEDRs can be utilized to enhance your other submission materials, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive application.

Lesson 5 – CV & Self-Evaluation (25:34). In this lesson, we focus on crafting an effective CV and conducting a thorough self-evaluation. We discuss what your CV should demonstrate, the appropriate level of detail to include, and the key milestones to cover in your self-evaluation. Additionally, we explore the importance of self-evaluation and how it can enhance your other submission materials, providing a well-rounded presentation of your professional development.

Lesson 6 – The Case Study (26:45). In this lesson, we cover how to effectively structure your case study, highlighting key topics to include. We discuss whether the project must be current or if older projects are acceptable, and what to do if your project is put on hold during the course. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of critical analysis, discussing how honest and critical you should be. Finally, we explore what examiners are looking for, such as lessons learned and reflections on how you would handle situations differently.

Lesson 7 – The Exam and/or Coursework (43:08). In this lesson, we discuss how to effectively prepare for the RIBA Part 3 exam and coursework. We cover the recommended preparation timeline, typical topics found in exam papers and coursework, and what you should have ready in advance to reduce stress on the day of the exam. Additionally, we provide guidance on interpreting questions, including an example for clarity, and offer key tips to maximize your time during the exam.

Lesson 8 – The Submission (14:40). In this lesson, we clarify what changes, if any, can be made to exam answers in the final submission document and outline what is permissible. We detail the components of the submission document and identify which elements can be failed. Additionally, we provide guidance on what steps to take if any part of your submission is unsuccessful, ensuring you are well-prepared for this final stage of the RIBA Part 3 process.

Lesson 9 – The Interview (28:56). In this lesson, we cover how to effectively prepare for the RIBA Part 3 interview, including recommended items to bring on the day. We discuss strategies for handling situations where you may not remember something or cannot answer an examiner’s question. Additionally, we address the possibility of failing the interview and provide tips on how to ensure a successful performance.

Lesson 10 – What it means to get your Part 3, Registering & What’s Next (24:00). In this lesson, we discuss the steps to take once you’ve been informed that you’ve passed your RIBA Part 3. We cover the necessity of registering with both the ARB and the RIBA, the timeframe for ARB registration, and the importance of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in your career as a newly qualified architect. This information will guide you through the final stages of your qualification and help you understand the next steps in your professional journey.

The importance of qualifying as an Architect.

Qualifying as an architect is a significant achievement, marking the culmination of extensive training and dedication. Being part of both the RIBA and ARB highlights your adherence to the highest professional and ethical standards. Membership with RIBA offers access to invaluable resources, continuous professional development, networking opportunities, and enhanced career prospects, while ARB registration is a legal requirement for practicing architects in the UK. This final step in your qualifications not only validates your expertise but also connects you to a prestigious professional community, ensuring continued growth and recognition in the architectural field. For more details, visit the RIBA Individual Chartered Membership page.

Meet your tutors - All 3 Directors of Studio RBA.

This course is different from others, as there's usually just the one tutor narrating or talking to the camera. Whereas, here, all 3 directors of our architecture firm Studio RBA have down with a member of ArchAdemia and go through 10 key topics to start and maintain your own design studio. We've ran our own practice for 6 years now, maintaining a consistent 20% profit year on year, employing 20+ people along the way. We've delivered over £100m worth of projects and seen all aspects of running your own design business, the ups and the downs! [Tap the tutors image to checkout RBA's website]

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We’re the only architectural educator that teaches all aspects of what an architect goes through each day, through architecture courses, one-off lessons, podcasts and mentoring. We have to know and deal with a lot; concept design, technical design, graphics, construction, dealing with clients & consultants etc. Our platform gives insight into all of these areas and more through a range of mediums such as; online classes, one-to-one coaching, podcasts and downloadable resources.

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