Part 3 eligibility and entry requirements

The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) Architecture and Professional Practice is designed for graduates seeking to progress towards professional registration as an architect within the framework of the Architects Registration Board (ARB)’s reformed approach to architectural education and professional practice. The programme recognises that professional readiness is demonstrated through the achievement of competencies and professional behaviours, rather than through the completion of a prescribed period of employment. The programme therefore adopts a competency-based approach to admissions and professional development.  

Academic Qualifications 

Applicants must: 

• Be registered on our ARB-accredited Master of Architecture programme (Combined Pathway) 

or 

• Hold an ARB-accredited Master’s-level Academic Qualification (Part 2) in architecture from another institution (Independent Pathway) 

English language requirements 

All University of the Built Environment programmes are taught and assessed in English. The applicant will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a course:  

• GCSE Grade 4 (or c) or above in English Language or English Literature, or an equivalent qualification. For further information on equivalent qualifications please contact: admissions@ube.ac.uk   

• Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council.  

• 88 or above in the Internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option, of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test.  

• Grade 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level.  

• HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5 or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).  

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in the English medium can be considered for entry in the absence of the qualifications detailed above if applying for a non-apprenticeship programme.  

Professional Context Requirement 

Applicants must demonstrate that they are engaged in a professional environment that provides opportunities to develop, apply and evidence the professional competencies required for architectural registration, under the mentorship of an ARB registered architect. 

This may include employment within: 

• An architectural practice; 

• A multidisciplinary design practice; 

• A public-sector organisation; 

• A client, developer or contractor organisation; 

• Another suitable built environment setting approved by the School. 

The School recognises that applicants may enter the programme with varying levels of professional experience. No minimum period of employment or professional experience is required. Instead, applicants must demonstrate that their current or proposed role provides sufficient access to professional activities through which the required competencies can be developed and evidenced through a Record of Professional Practice Experience and completion of the programme modules. 

Ongoing Professional Engagement 

Students are required to maintain engagement in an appropriate professional context throughout the duration of the programme, evidencing their development against the programme’s competency framework through the completion the Record of Professional Practice Experience and the programme modules. 

Progress reviews will be undertaken periodically with the LSA Professional Studies Advisor and the Professional Practice Experience Supervisor to monitor achievement, identify any gaps in experience and ensure students are appropriately supported in achieving the professional outcomes required for successful completion of the qualification.  

International students 

The LSA does not currently admit EU and International students as it does not hold a Home Office Sponsor License for the Student Route (previously Tier 4). 

There may be circumstances where EU and International applicants are already in possession of alternative visas, which do allow for study and work within the UK. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check eligibility with local UK immigration authorities prior to enrolment. 

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