Architectural Practice, PGDip (ARB/RIBA Part 3 Exemption)
Our part-time postgraduate diploma (PGDip) in Architectural Practice will bring you to the final stage of your training, preparing you for the realities of architectural practice.
The architectural practice course is rooted in the description, explanation and analysis of current professional practice, pushing you to examine and debate your own methods of working. You'll cover areas including the architect and society, architectural management, and a Janus paper where you review your experience and consider your future development. Applicants are usually engaged in full-time architectural practice in the UK.
This part-time course is taught over one evening per week in our new state-of-the-art Stockwell Street Building, which is designed by renowned architects Heneghan Peng. Successful completion will give you exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 3 examinations, eligibility to join the ARB register, and the opportunity to join the UK's register of architects. These allow you to continue into professional practice.
School
Location
Duration
1-5 years
Start month
September; January
Home/international fees
* January 2024 starters pay the 2023/24 fees.
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (the ARB/RIBA Part 3 course) is taught by a small, highly experienced team. It is led by an architect and a barrister with many decades of professional practice experience and supplemented by visiting lecturers.
The course leader is Tony Clelford, an Architect who has been a professional or external examiner on various Part 3 courses across the UK, as well as an examiner and specialist advisor to the ARB and RIBA. Ivan Clarke is a practicing Barrister. Both have decades of experience teaching Part 3.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
You should have qualifications recognised by Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 1 and Part 2 levels.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Further information about entry
There are TWO entry points into the course (September and January). Applications are welcomed throughout the year but please ensure that you apply by end of July for September entry and by end of November for January entry. If the applicant’s circumstances demand it, offer of places can be held over to the next entry point.
On application ensure that you upload all identification and qualification documents that are requested to avoid delays.
Applicants are asked to complete a 1-page questionnaire concerning their employment and professional development to date.
Applicants may be invited to an interview, although this can usually be conducted in person or online.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Teaching is largely conducted through informal seminars where you are expected to share and reflect on your own professional experience.
You will meet the academic one evening per week (autumn and spring terms), with one or two full days for specialist input - such as the Contracts Workshops or Viva Preparation session. Tutorial slots are also available in the preparation of your case study.
Class sizes
You will study in a small, informal student cohort, with an emphasis on comparisons across, and drawing lessons from, current architectural practice.
We use seminar-based teaching in a small groups, rarely larger than 30 students. You will address, understand and assess trends in architectural practice, preparing you for registration as architects in the UK.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to self-study. This may involve further reading, research and preparing coursework and presentations. Our facilities are designed to support you in these activities.
You can use Stockwell Street library and online resources to support further reading and research.
In addition, during the week you can also:
- Attend additional support classes in some modules
- Attend guest lectures from industry experts
- Take part in employability and enterprise workshops
- Join student societies.
Overall workload
If you are studying part-time you should expect the workload to be in proportion with the number of modules you are studying at the time.
Assessment
Assessment is via essays during the course rather than written exams. The course concludes with the submission of your case study and supporting material to external professional examiners before your professional interview and viva voce examination.
On satisfactory completion of this course you will be eligible to register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as an Architect.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
Academic year: September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2023/24 fees *
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
* January 2024 starters pay the 2023/24 fees.
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. We have dedicated accommodation for postgraduate students (Devonport House) available from just £160 per person per week, with bills included. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost. Students based at the Medway Campus can also reside in student halls in Chatham or rent privately in the local area.
There is a range of financial support available to support your studies. This includes postgraduate loans, international scholarships, and options for current students and alumni to continue studying at the university. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Our one-time fee covers everything - no further fees are payable if you extend the duration of the course beyond one year. There are no examination fees. The fee also includes a PSA signature on 4 PEDR sheets.
The only possible additional fees are PSA signatures on additional PEDR sheets and resit fees that may be charged by the university for individual modules that you do not pass.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
The course prepares students for future careers as national and international architects.
Do you provide employability services?
The School of Design has an Employability Officer for postgraduate students to speak to about career opportunities. They work closely with professionals in industry to ensure you are well-prepared for the workplace and have already begun to build your professional network by the time you graduate.
The central Employability and Careers Service also provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
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Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate taught prospectus or check our related courses below.
Architecture degrees at the University of Greenwich
Study architecture in a building with 14 landscape roofs. The building also won a RIBA London Award and was shortlisted for the 2015 RIBA Stirling Prize. Take inspiration too from the stunning historic architecture of Greenwich Campus.
Visit our architecture degrees page.
Mode of study
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Need more help?
020 8331 9000• Live chat• courseinfo@gre.ac.uk• More information