Architecture Part 2 RIBA/ARB

Years 5 & 6

Your learning is characterised by extended research-led projects which address scenarios of considerable scale, scope, and complexity. You will engage with complex issues relating to the design of buildings and our environment, working individually and in groups. 

There will be many opportunities to pursue specialist routes, define your own interests and make decisions independently and purposefully.

Learning Methods

The learning environment we offer provides the guidance and support necessary for you to develop skills in creative enquiry, challenge, and exploration. You will work in a dedicated studio work space, which will act as a place to individually draw and model ideas within the overall social setting of the design studio.

Teaching is mainly project-based with a blend of directed learning, tutorials and live situations where you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in practice.

You will benefit from hearing and connecting with visiting professionals from a range of disciplines and will have the opportunity to travel, whether on study trips to look at the very best of international design or on student exchanges.

Activity Summary

Years 5 & 6

• Lectures - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Seminars - 6-12 students per group, 1.5 hours per week
• Tutorial - 6-12 students per group, 0.5 hours per week
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - 1-40 students per group, 30 hours per week
• Independent Study - 30 hours per week
• Field Work - 50 students per group, 0.5 hours per week
• External Visits - 50 students per group, 2 hours per course

How long is the Master of Architecture Part 2 RIBA/ARB course?

The Master of Architecture course can be successfully completed in 2 years.

Independent Study

You are required to operate more independently by this stage of study, with the tutor role more akin to a consultant than an instructor. You are expected to have the confidence to apply your knowledge to more complex contexts and work on your initiative, taking greater charge of the direction of your studies and areas of interest.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 5

• 1 written exam, typically for 3 hours
• 2 reports
• 1 dissertation
• 2 portfolios

Year 6

• 1 written exam, typically for 3 hours
• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 report
• 2 portfolios
• 1 set exercise

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Staff Delivering on this Course

We operate an open-door policy and enjoy strong relations between our students and staff. The course is taught by a team of full-time academic staff and practicing architects, including a number of highly distinguished designers and thinkers. Many are award-winning and have had their work published at an international level, and the course enables you to benefit directly from their guidance and expertise.

Individual designers also teach on the course and bring their own perspective and focus which serves to create a rich educational experience.

Study Abroad

You will have the opportunity to follow an exchange programme of study with a partner institution (for one term in Year 5). Exchange opportunities for Architecture include universities in Spain, Germany, Italy, France and Australia. Previous students have studied in La Coruna (Spain) and Grenoble (France).

Job Prospects

This course will provide you with the professional and creative skills required for a successful career in architecture and allied professions. It also enables you to progress to the final professional examination (RIBA Part 3) following a period in practical training. Successful completion of this allows you to become a Registered Architect.

Exciting career opportunities exist in architectural practices across the world, in both the private and public sectors. Previous graduates have established their own architectural practices, while others hold senior positions in distinguished design firms and multidisciplinary organisations.

Watch A short film by RIBA about what an education and career in architecture will involve.

What is needed to study Master of Architecture Part 2 RIBA/ARB?

Applicants normally have the following:

• A 2.2 undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in Architecture with an overall performance in the final year of 50 % or above in the final year of study.
• Have an exemption from the Architects Registration Board (ARB) & Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1, but this is not compulsory*
• Submission of a satisfactory portfolio of design work

Having studied in an Architecture Course already you are required to submit a digital portfolio of the architectural design work undertaken in your previous course with your application. This can include a selection of edited design projects but must include one complete final stage project that shows the project entirely. This must include scaled plans, sections and elevations and technical consideration in term of constructional, environmental and constructional detail.

*Students without a RIBA / ARB recognised award at Part 1, will not be able to progress to UK registration as an Architect. Candidates in this position will either have to undertake Year 3 of the BSc Architecture / Master of Architecture, or apply to the ARB for Part 1 exemption through the external candidate route.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

The Royal Institute of British Architects offer scholarships and bursaries including a support fund which students in need can apply to for help during their studies.