RIBA agrees ‘significant progress’ towards education reform

RIBAThe Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has agreed a set of proposals that will see the biggest change to architectural education in 50 years.

Responding to the 2013 European Union legislative changes to the Professional Qualifications Directive statute, the RIBA Council this week voted to modernise the education of future generations of architecture students, widen the path towards inclusivity and work to remove the obstacles faced by aspiring architects.

The recommendations are the result of the RIBA Education Review, a two year programme developing the agenda for changes in the structure, content and delivery of UK architecture education. The review has engaged the RIBA Education Committee, SCHOSA and the UK schools of architecture, progressive practitioners of architecture, and the statutory bodies responsible for architecture in the UK and Europe.

The recommendations agreed are:



  • A requirement for a minimum of two years of assessed professional practical experience (PPE) within, typically, a minimum seven year period of study
  • An award that combines academic study and PPE leading to a level 7 masters degree
  • Academic credits available for one year of work based learning, with the option for students to study within a framework of four years F/T study + three years PPE


  • A 300 ECTS credit programme compliant with the requirements of Bologna agreement
  • Access to the register of architects and title of the architect on successful completion of the integrated course
  • The next steps will be to discuss the implementation of proposals in consultation with all UK schools of architecture.



    Stephen Hodder, President of the RIBA, said: “This has been the most rigorous and collaborative review of architectural education in fifty years via an extensive consultation with architects, students, academics and clients. I’m delighted that we have some clear recommendations for changes to architectural education ensuring that the RIBA validated architecture course represents an assured academic benchmark. These changes will ensure that future generations are inspired to become leading architects in the UK and globally.”


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