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Students have the choice of online or in-person contact as they progress through the course, and LSBU provides an integrated PEDR review service as part of the course fee.
Established and informed Professional Practice course and examination, commended by the RIBA.
Located in the heart of London, London South Bank University has a rich history of delivering quality education for professional qualifications, including over 100 years of architectural education.
Overview
Develop competence and integrity
As the final stage of architectural education, the Professional Practice Part 3 course at LSBU prepares you for registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), allowing them to legally practice as an Architect. Successful completion also provides eligibility for membership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Run in tandem with the Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeship, the Professional Practice Part 3 course offers pioneering, progressive, and comprehensive content that evolves to meet the changing demands of the profession. Well-respected across architectural practice and among its alumni, the course provides a structured framework for students to develop their skills, knowledge, and professionalism, ensuring they meet the ARB and RIBA criteria for final assessment.
This part-time course begins with a 14-week online lecture series during the autumn term, followed by an open-book exam completed off-campus over a seven-day period. At this stage, you also submit your Professional Experience Development Records (PEDR). In the spring term, you undertake a focused case study and career appraisal in preparation for a professional interview with experienced examiners.
The course begins in early August and we encourage prospective students to apply at a first opportunity to secure a place on the course.
LSBU provides a separate PEDR service for all students of architecture, whether alumni of LSBU or otherwise. If you would like to engage with our PEDR service separately, while you are in practice, please follow this link: https://shortcourses.lsbu.ac.uk/facilitiesandservices/architecture-and-construction-services
If you have any questions, please contact Jon Bush, the Course Leader. E: bushj5@lsbu.ac.uk
You can view previous LSBU Architecture catalogues here:
Teaching and Assessment
How will I learn?
Please refer to the Course Content tab above for specific information regarding the course teaching and assessment structure.
Students are supported throughout their studies by a range of approaches to teaching and learning. Small group tutorials provide a high degree of contact with students to assist the development of their case studies, and reviews of their experience. Further support is provided through large group seminars, tutorials and role-playing workshops at which role-play.
Students are strongly encouraged to set up informal study groups with others planning to take the Part 3 examination. The Course Director will provide contacts at the start of the course, but individual candidates should take the initiative in setting up such groups, which are known to be helpful in sharing experience and understanding of practice issues, providing mutual support in examination revision and focussing effort on priorities.
Alongside the support offered by academics and technicians in the school, the University offers a range of services to help with learning support needs.
The Skills for Learning Team (S4L) is a division of the Centre for Research Informed Teaching (CRIT). The team provides a flexible service to all students enrolled at LSBU and supports you to develop your academic literacy and enhance your academic and professional performance to achieve your full potential. Our academic practices, English language development and maths and stats provisions are taught by experienced teachers.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
The final qualification in the study of architecture is the Part 3, in which 5 years’ academic education and a minimum of 2 years’ professional experience is crystallised and evaluated against the minimum standards set by the profession for the competence and conduct of an architect.
The RIBA Professional Practice Part 3 course is prescribed by the ARB and validated by the RIBA, and validation cycles ensure that course content and outputs remain completely relevant and retain close appropriateness to professional practice. The course was commended by the RIBA in its re-validation in 2018.
Whilst the university has no means to ensure the economic situation nationally and globally will guarantee employment, the work graduates will have completed at the end of this course is intended to make them competitive in employment.
Professional accreditation
Successful completion of the course and passing all parts of the RIBA Professional Practice Part 3 enables candidates to register as an architect with the Architecture Registration Board (ARB) , and join the RIBA as a chartered member.
- The professional membership organisation the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) champions better buildings, communities, and the environment through architecture. The RIBA provides guidance on professional standards, training, support, and recognition that puts members around the world at the peak of their profession.
- The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the UK's statutory body, and operates a register of architects, ensuring that graduates from our courses are competent to practice.
LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:
- AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
- Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
- Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.
We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.
Entry Level Requirements
The course and examination are open to students who have obtained their ARB/RIBA Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications, or their equivalents as recognised by the Architects Registration Board.
At the time of entry into the examination, candidates should have recently completed a minimum of 24 months' suitably recorded appropriate professional experience under the direct supervision of a professional working in the construction industry which should include at least 12 months working in the EEA, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, under the direct supervision of an architect.
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- United States of America
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Apply
Course delivery modes and application methods
| Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 10 months | August | 6247 | Direct to LSBU |
Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,520 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
How to apply
Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.
International students
International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.
Accommodation
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!
Enrolment
Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.
Fees
United Kingdom
£3100
Tuition fees for home students
International
£3100
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
part-time
Part-time Year 1 - All Available Courses
RIBA Professional Practice Part 3 (PT) - Year 1 PT EO Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £3100 | International fee: £3100 |
| AOS/LSBU code: 1089 | Session code: 1PS01 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £3100 |
| International: £3100 |
Professional Practice Part 3 (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT
| UK fee: £ | International fee: £ |
| AOS/LSBU code: 6017 | Session code: 1PS00 |
|
Total course fee for this location/stream: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees. |
| UK: £N/A |
| International: £N/A |
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by checking at the the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) find your fee status page.
Visit our Policies and procedures page for details on fees policies.
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
