Overview
Course summary
This course will help you get the most out of your post RIBA Part I Year Out by combining practical work experience with the knowledge and guidance of a professional studies advisor (PSA).
Registering as an architect
To register as an architect in the UK, the Architects' Registration Board (ARB) requires at least 24 months' professional experience, 12 months of which must be completed before students begin their RIBA Part II course.
This experience is overseen by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) through their Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR). Your PEDR is used as evidence of this experience, which must be validated by two supervisors every three months. These supervisors should be an employer, preferably an architect, and a professional studies advisor, provided through this course.
Who is this course for?
To enrol on this course you should have successfully completed your Architecture BA or RIBA Part I equivalent.
If you have already completed your RIBA Part II course and are looking for a PSA to supervise your work experience, please take a look at our Preparing for Practice: Professional Studies for Postgraduate Architectural Students short course.
You will be able to enrol for the course up until December.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the Professional Experience in Architecture Year Out, you will:
have developed an understanding of the process and procedures of architectural practice
- be familiar with the requirements of the ARB and the RIBA
- have been introduced to basic statutory regulations
- have enhanced your personal and professional skills to expand career opportunities
- have developed your reflective learning
Further information
More information about PEDR, including the role of a professional services advisor (PSA) 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.
Discounts and offers
We offer a 20% discount to our undergraduate and postgraduate students and alumni. To receive your discount code, please contact us before booking your course.
Course structure
This course consists of four online evening sessions that will start in December and scheduled through to March. You will also receive continued PEDR support from a PSA for the full academic year. Your PSA will be an academic member of staff in the Department of Architecture at the University of Westminster.
You must undertake at least three months of work experience at an architectural practice over the year out. If you have not secured a placement before the course start, you will receive additional CV and portfolio guidance.
Our tutors
Your professional studies advisor and tutor will be Scott Batty. Scott is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture at University of Westminster and has extensive professional experience, both as an architect and as an academic.
Monday 13 January 2025
- Recording Your Year Out
- Looking Back and Ahead: RIBA Parts1, 2 and 3
- ARB
Monday 17 February 2025
- The Architect as Principle Designer: Fire, Life Safety and CDM
Monday 17 March 2025
- Draw To Build: Technical Drawing, Technical Thinking
Monday 14 April 2025
- Design Practise and Career Agency
Booking
How we're delivering courses
This course is delivered in an online, virtual classroom, where you'll benefit from live, face-to-face engagement with experienced tutors.
Wherever you are in the world, you'll become part of the University of Westminster's global community. You can be assured of a warm welcome here, where your wellbeing, the quality of our teaching and your learning experience are our priorities.
Discover our virtual learning environment with a tour of Blackboard.
Take a look around our virtual classrooms.
