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Part 3: Postgraduate Certificate Architecture and Professional Practice
* 20% discount for London School of Architecture alumni and those who commit to the integrated Part 2/3 pathway.
Overview
Part 3 Postgraduate Certificate Architecture and Professional Practice is a new programme designed to prepare future architects for professional practice in the UK.
The introduction of the PG Cert Architecture and Professional Practice is a natural evolution of our educational offer. Our practice-based model has always sought to connect architectural education with the realities of professional practice, combining academic study with workplace learning and industry engagement.
By offering the professional qualification, we can support you through a greater portion of your professional journey, providing a coherent pathway from design education to professional practice. The programme builds on our established strengths, extensive Practice Network and commitment to developing skilled, reflective, and professionally capable architects.
The programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand the challenges and opportunities of contemporary architectural practice. This will enable you to critically evaluate existing models of practice and provide leadership in developing new ones.
The programme can be completed as a standalone course or as a combined pathway alongside our Part 2 MArch Architecture programme. You can learn more about the routes available on our Routes to qualifying as an architect page.
The Part 3 Postgraduate Certificate Architecture and Professional Practice is validated by University of the Built Environment. We are currently seeking ARB accreditation for the new PG Cert Architecture and Professional Practice and combined pathway. Accreditation is required before students can enrol. An accreditation decision is anticipated between April and July 2027.
About this programme
The programme critically and ambitiously engages with five key areas of professional competence required for architectural practice in the UK:
Professionalism and ethics
At the LSA, professionalism is rooted in ethical practice, social responsibility and inclusion. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on your responsibilities to clients, communities and the profession, developing the judgement, collaborative skills and commitment to lifelong learning needed to contribute positively to practice and society.
Health, life safety and climate literacy
We believe health, safety and environmental responsibility are fundamental to architectural practice. You’ll develop the knowledge needed to manage risk, support wellbeing and respond to climate challenges, recognising these as core aspects of professional responsibility and design quality.
Practice and management
Drawing on our close relationship with practice, you’ll explore how projects are procured, managed and delivered within real-world professional environments. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, communication and informed decision-making to achieve positive outcomes for clients, communities and the built environment.
Leadership and communication
We seek to develop architects who can lead with integrity and purpose. You’ll examine how practice structures, management approaches and workplace cultures affect professional effectiveness and wellbeing, building the skills needed to advocate for ethical, sustainable and inclusive forms of practice.
Innovation, research and evaluation
At the LSA, innovation is driven by critical thinking, collaboration and evidence-based practice. You’ll learn to work with clients and stakeholders to define project ambitions, apply digital tools and regulatory frameworks effectively, and evaluate outcomes in ways that support continuous improvement and professional growth.
Modules
Elective modules:
Professional Portfolio: Case Study Pathway
Demonstrate competence in management practice, professionalism, ethics, health and life safety, and climate literacy through a practice-based case study.
Professional Portfolio: Scenario Pathway
Demonstrate competence in management practice, professionalism, ethics, health, and life safety, and climate literacy through scenario-based assessments.
Core module:
Professional Dialogue
Demonstrate professional competence through dialogue and reflection on legislation, management practice, design, ethics and professional experience.
Read more about the Part 3 modules.
Delivery structure
Independent pathway: 12-month Part 3 programme
If you’ve already completed a Part 2 qualification, you can complete the Part 3 through a dedicated 12-month part-time route:
- Year 1, semester 1: Professional Portfolio: CASE STUDY PATHWAY or Professional Portfolio: SCENARIO PATHWAY (elective modules)
- Year 1, semester 2: Professional Dialogue (core module)
Combined pathway: 2-year Part 2/3 programme
If you’re studying the integrated Part 2/3 pathway, you’ll complete one module during Year 1 of the MArch programme, followed by the remaining core module in Year 2.
- Year 1: Professional Portfolio: CASE STUDY PATHWAY or Professional Portfolio: SCENARIO PATHWAY (elective modules)
- Year 2: Professional Dialogue (core module)
Read the programme specification.
Time commitment and study breakdown
The Part 3 PG Cert Architecture and Professional Practice is a 60-credit Level 7 qualification designed to be studied alongside professional practice.
You can complete the programme through a 12-month part-time route or as part of the integrated Part 2/3 pathway over a longer period aligned with MArch study.
The programme comprises two 30-credit modules:
- Professional Portfolio (Case Study or Scenario pathway)
- Professional Dialogue
Support
- Student advice team: As your first point of contact as a student, they will support you in your studies and queries, ensuring you are put in touch with the right teams and services within the University.
- Academic support: Our academic staff are experts in their fields and are here to support your academic journey, offering vital guidance along the way.
- Operational team: The LSA core team are on site as friendly faces to support your everyday life as a student.
- Disability and welfare team: This knowledgeable team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.
Careers
Successful completion of the Part 3 qualification provides you with a pathway to professional registration as an architect in the UK*, subject to meeting the requirements of the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Registration can open up wider career opportunities and enable you to take on greater professional responsibility for the design and delivery of projects.
* We are currently seeking ARB accreditation for the new PG Cert Architecture and Professional Practice and combined pathway. Accreditation is required before students can enrol. An accreditation decision is anticipated between April and July 2027.
Qualified architects may pursue careers across private practice, public-sector organisations, consultancies, property and development companies, construction firms, and specialist design disciplines. Career progression may include roles involving project leadership, practice management, strategic decision-making, and consultancy services. In the longer term, graduates may progress to senior leadership positions, including Associate, Director, Partner, or equivalent roles within organisations operating across the built environment sector.
The knowledge and competencies developed through Part 3 study, particularly in relation to professional judgment, regulatory compliance, contractual processes, risk management, ethics, and business practice, also support a range of careers that intersect with architecture, including development management, construction management, urban design, sustainability, heritage and conservation, and policy-related roles.
Ready to apply?
Express interest in applying for September 2027 entry
Contact us
Have questions about the programme or need help with your application? Get in touch with our friendly admissions team using the following details:
UK (Free): 0800 019 9697 (Press 1)
International: +44 (0)118 921 4696 (Press 1)
Email: enquiries@ube.ac.uk