Preparing for Practice: Professional Studies for Postgraduate Architectural Students

Course summary

Most students who have just finished their Part 2 Diploma or MArch take a year to orientate themselves in practice before starting their Part 3 course.

This short evening course to be held in the autumn is designed to prepare you for this period in practice and to make the most of this professional experience.

The course will be led by two of our RIBA Part 3 team who have extensive experience of guiding students through their practical experience.

Features include:

• a PSA to sign your PEDR’s and give you advice during the year
• seminars on what to look for in practice to prepare for Part 3
• guidance on showing the value you have to offer
• face to face sessions

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will:

• understand the process and procedures of architectural practice
• be familiar with the requirements of the ARB and the RIBA
• understand how to prepare for the RIBA Part III course
• have enhanced your personal and professional skills you need to expand career opportunities
• have developed your reflective learning

Further information

Find out more about the role of a professional studies advisor (PSA).

All the information you need on PEDR and becoming an architect is available on the PEDR website.

RIBA student membership

Student membership is free to all RIBA Part I and Part II students.

Course structure

Introduction Session

Wilfred Achille

PECHA KUCHA: TEAMWORK / 20x20

Each student will share their experience of working as a team and technical issues in practice. Each student must prepare a 20 slide PowerPoint presentation and a 20 second short talk.               

Each slide should focus on the following:

1. Working with consultants e.g. structural/mechanical/electrical engineers to resolve a technical issues
2. Highs and lows of working with others within the practice e.g. IT specialist to resolve BIM issues or assisting project architects with specific tasks

Session 1

How to make the most of your practical work experience and the tools required to succeed part 3 (Wilfred Achille, Mode 1 Architects and now 2PM London Ltd)

Session 2

Professionalism demystified (Tai Lau, 2PM London)

Session 3

Negotiation Skills (Tai Lau, 2PM London)

Session 4

Exposure and Experience (Tai Lau, 2PM London)

Session 5

Developing critical thinking and self-awareness (Tai Lau, 2PM London)

Session 6

Running the office (Wilfred Achille, 2PM London)

Session 7

Understanding planning, conservation and building control (Edward Ihejirika, DCUK)

Session 8

Types of building procurement routes explained (Alan Brown, IID Architects)

Session 9

Your question and answers (Wilfred Achille)