Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
This third and final adjunct of architectural education is designed to take place during the second period of mandatory practical training after the completion of the Part 2 course.
This course can be completed in 12 to 24 months, according to your employment circumstances. Graduates of the course receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Professional Practice and can apply for registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), and for chartered membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). On this course, you'll take modules totalling 120 credits.
The diploma is the final part of an architectural student’s professional training and the culmination of a minimum of seven years’ education and professional development. The content of the course and each module builds on the professional experience and knowledge that you'll have gained over this period.
Lecture sessions are delivered online allowing you to attend from your workplace or home. Supplementary workshops are held on-campus enabling you to meet others on the course as well as the academic team. All lectures are recorded enabling you to catch up in your own time or watch them again.
You'll receive tutorial support for your case study and professional development and experience work by tutors from architectural practice. The submission of the coursework for the case study and professional development modules can be self-deferred by 6 or 12 months for work-based reasons, giving you flexibility where your workplace or employment circumstances change.
Recent graduates have joined the course as Professional Champions to act as mentors for current students, with the aim of developing a network to support young practitioners.
Top reasons to study with us
- Professional support – You’ll be supported by a tutor from architectural practice for your case study and professional development and experience work
- Responsive to changing workplace circumstances – Given the nature of practice where you find that you cannot complete your case study or professional experience, self-deferral will give you the flexibility to delay your submissions
- Mentoring support – You’ll have the opportunity to be mentored by our Professional Champions who are recent graduates and can give you the benefit of their experience both on this course and in the early stages of practice
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of what you study on this course.
Core modules
This module aims to develop your understanding of the role and value of the architect in the commissioning, procurement and management of architectural projects. It builds on the legal and practice models studied in the law module and places them in a wider managerial context. It also introduces and applies generic management principles and relevant procedures to the key elements of the design and construction cycle, and places current practice in the context of wider developments in construction and the built environment. Topics covered include organisational and financial management in architectural practice, marketing and briefing, the Plan of Work, and the role of the professional in the construction team. It is delivered as an intensive three-day short course during January.
The module investigates the principles of English Law in the context of design and construction, relevant statutory regulations, forms of construction contract and methods of dispute resolution.
This work-based module allows you to choose an architectural project to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding through analysis and evaluation of a project and the professional, legal, organisational events relevant to architectural practice. You will develop your analytical and evaluative skills, and your ability to present clearly complex data and events. The module builds on the theoretical models and practical examples studied in the taught modules, and develops your understanding of the key areas of professional practice, design and construction and provides an opportunity to make professional judgements and recommendations for future practice.
This work-based module consists of the Professional Experience and Development Record, a professional Curriculum Vitae, a Critical Self-Appraisal and an Oral Examination (the Viva Voce). The module enables you to assess the experience you require for practice, to evaluate your achievements and experiential learning in the professional workplace, and to demonstrate your professional judgement based on that experience.
Professional accreditation
The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), providing exemption from the RIBA Part 3 examination.
Course climate action statement
This course aims to empower future architects to tackle the climate and environmental crisis. It will equip you with the analytical, critical thinking and advocacy skills to promote social and environmental justice. Issues of sustainability, climate action and climate impact are embedded in its teaching. You will be challenged to explore these issues in their professional development and engagement with practice and wider society.
Architecture Tour and Facilities
Watch the video below to find out more about our facilities at the University's Marylebone Campus.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Open evenings
Join us at an open evening online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
The Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture is a professional qualification leading to registration as an architect with the ARB and professional membership of the RIBA. Students who have successfully completed the course have obtained senior positions or taken greater responsibility in architectural practice, developed their own architectural practice, and have also gone on to work overseas. Former students have also developed specialism in construction law. The Diploma may also form a platform for continuing study in academia and research and may lead to study for an MPhil/PhD degree.
Mentoring support
You’ll have the opportunity to be mentored by recent graduates who can give you the benefit of their experience both on this course and in the early stages of practice.
Professional tutors
You’ll be supported by a tutor from architectural practice for your case study and professional development work.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
The course has strong links with architectural practice with students coming from over 200 architectural practices. Our 40 professional tutors and pool of over 140 oral examiners are also from practice.
You'll hear from guest speakers, with previous speakers including:
- Indu Ramaswamy, Legal Director at Allies and Morrison
- Matt Cousins, author of the Architects Legal Pocket Book
- Nigel Ostime, Partner at Hawkins Brown
- Stacy Sinclair, Partner at Fenwick Elliott
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leaders
Our graduates tell us that they value the connection with the professional tutors and the connections it gives them to practice.
Alastair Blyth
Assistant Head of School
Alastair is an architect with a specific interest in professional practice and ethics. He is Assistant Head in the School of Architecture and Cities and leads on Professional Studies and Ethics, and is also Employability Director.
He is currently writing a book “Integrative Briefing for Better Design”, a reappraisal of the book “Managing the Brief for Better Design” (2nd ed 2010 (Routledge)), acknowledging the significantly different context that the practice of design and architecture finds itself. He is also a researcher into learning environments.
Before joining the University of Westminster in 2016, Alastair was an analyst at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), where he focused on policy advice for governments on the design, procurement and evaluation of learning environments. He was also the education directorate lead on the OECD's cross-directorate project – the OECD Green Growth Strategy. With a particular interest in higher education policy, he was chair of Education Outlook on Higher Education in Australia: 2009.
More about meSee full profile of Alastair Blyth
Wilfred Achille
Co-Course Leader in Architecture (Part 3)
Wilfred is a co-course leader at the University of Westminster and director of an architectural/ development company (2PM London Ltd). He has taught as a professional studies advisor module leader in professional development for the last 18 years at the University of Westminster, University of Nottingham and Oxford Brookes University.
He has been an external examiner at Bath University, RIBA Northwest, University of Portsmouth, and an international examiner in the Carribbean. He was also a professional advisor at Leeds Becket University and has over 30 years’ experience as a RIBA architect.
Wilfred was a founder of the award-winning Mode 1 Architects, a firm specialising in inner-city urban regeneration working with local councils, governments, and communities across London and internationally.
His big thing is about ensuring that the professional playing field is level for all who enter the field of play.
More about meSee full profile of Wilfred Achille
By respecting and valuing the quality of our students and channeling back into the school we will ensure a truly sustainable and evolutionary approach to architectural education.
Why study this course?
Outstanding facilities
We have vibrant design studios and a cutting-edge Fabrication Laboratory.
Responsive to changing workplace circumstances
Self-deferral will give you the flexibility to delay your coursework submissions if your workplace or employment circumstances change.
Learn from experts
You’ll attend lectures, seminars, and workshops led by expert academics and practitioners.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have RIBA Parts 1 and 2 from a recognised school of architecture or have normally successfully passed the ARB assessment for RIBA Parts 1 and 2.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all components.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
Applicants are required to have RIBA Parts 1 and 2 from a recognised school of architecture or have normally successfully passed the ARB assessment for RIBA Parts 1 and 2.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all components.
Please note, you will not be able to obtain a CAS to apply for a Student Visa for this course, as we do not currently sponsor part-time Student Visas. You will also not be able to study this course whilst on a Graduate Route visa.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
We offer a number of different volunteering opportunities for you to learn new skills, create connections, and make a difference in the community.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your start-up projects.
Get extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
MORE 2023 Degree Show
MORE is an annual exhibition of our postgraduate students' thesis projects. It showcases students’ talent, creativity, and strategic work. You can see the latest online collection at MORE 2023.
Image: student work by Shada Elmagri
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £600 (Price per 20-credit module)
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £600 (Price per 20-credit module)
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
Find out more about facilities at the School of Architecture and Cities.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Fabrication Laboratory
The Fabrication Laboratory allows students to explore the exciting field of digital fabrication.
Fabrication Laboratory
Equipment includes ABS and plaster 3D printing, CNC knife cutting, large-scale CNC routing, CNC metal milling and robot fabrication.
Fabrication Laboratory
Work created in the Fabrication Laboratory.
Marylebone Library
Marylebone Library has a range of books and other resources on Architecture and Interiors.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into three broad categories:
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about the following research group related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
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