Architecture Education in UK

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is responsible for architecture education in the United Kingdom. To attain a title of an architect in UK an individual must clear all 3 parts proposed by RIBA to become eligible for registration (RIBA, 2014). Part 1 of the RIBA constitutes a three year full time program which would award a student an honour’s in BA. Part 2 constitutes of a 2 year full time program and a student on successful completion would be awarded an M.ARCH2 degree. Following the first two parts of successful completion an individual is suppose to work for a period of two years to gain practical experience and attend an examination which is Part 3 of RIBA.

On successful completion of all 3 parts an individual can register along with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and on successful registration can use the title of a charter architect. The ARB is responsible for registering architects and set the guidelines for the code of conduct of an architect practicing in UK (ARB, 2014).

Over the past year the proposal for changes in the structure by RIBA has undergone a lot of criticism (Hopkirk, 2013). RIBA has been following the same structure for more than five decades, but what makes the field of architecture so successful is the work carried out by RIBA for institutes as well as professionals once they have graduated. Since the role of an architect is of high calibre RIBA makes sure that only capable professionals are awarded with the title. It takes a minimum of seven years for an individual to be awarded with the title. Two years of training and five years of education makes an individual capable of handling responsibility. Even during the five years of learning i.e. part 1 and part 2 the students undergo practical modules that make them aware of the way the things are carried out in the real world. Regular lecture series are conducted by RIBA to encourage discussion and diversity of opinion.

The RIBA is responsible for the guidelines set for architecture education. The universities in the UK follow these guidelines in order to be able to carry out the course. To excel the professionals in the field of architecture, RIBA holds various workshops for their continuous professional development (RIBA, 2014). Individuals can continuously develop the skills they desire through RIBA’s CPD program along with their work. These workshops not only keep professionals competitive in the industry but also help them in enhancing their skills along with an exposure to new streams that they may be unaware.

Apart from all these activities RIBA is also responsible for registration of firms that provide architectural services. They set the guidelines for the fees and terms of contracts of an architect and hence a profession carrying out a business of providing architectural services must follow the guidelines set by RIBA. RIBA is the sole organization responsible for promoting architecture in the construction industry as well as institutions (RIBA, 2014). They promote various events in collaboration with the practicing firms for students and other professionals. They are also responsible for quality education and monitor all institutes providing any services in the field related to architecture.

RIBA is aware that the role of an architect is of great importance and hence the emphasis on clearing part 3 of the RIBA scope is a necessity. Even today when there is a need for more professionals in the construction industry it continues to follow the five decade old model as it has been proved successful. This process of RIBA (2014) ensures that only thorough professionals are awarded with the credential architect and a fresh graduate with no experience is not capable of handling a position at the apex of the hierarchy. They do believe that practical experience is as important as the theory/design drills that students undergo.