Professional experience
An overview of the professional experience required to qualify as an architect in the UK, including details of the Year in Practice which students undertake between RIBA Part 1 and RIBA Part 2 courses.
In addition to completing Part 1 and Part 2 academic courses, students looking to qualify as an architect in the UK are also required to undertake a minimum of 24 months of professional experience, supervised by a registered architect or other qualified professional working in the construction industry.
This experience is recorded using a Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR).
Professional experience may include Stage 1 experience (for Part 1 students and graduates on their Year in Practice) but must also include a minimum of 12 months of Stage 2 experience (for Part 2 students and graduates), of which a minimum of 12 months must be undertaken in the 24 months immediately prior to taking the final Part 3 examination.
At least 12 of the minimum 24 months should also be spent working in the EEA (including the UK), the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
It is recommended that a minimum of 12 months is undertaken in the UK. This is because the Part 3 qualification tests UK practice and law, and it is likely that candidates with insufficient UK experience will find it difficult to meet the levels of skill and knowledge set out in the Part 3 criteria.
PEDR support
We support students and graduates to complete their Professional Experience and Development Records during periods of professional experience.
Year in Practice
The Year in Practice (YIP) comprises one or more years of employment within architecture (or a related construction industry profession) following the completion of a Part 1 accredited undergraduate degree.
RIBA Part 3 examination
In order to undertake the final RIBA Part 3 examination, graduates need to have completed the Part 1 and Part 2 courses and enrol on a validated Part 3 course.
While the School of Architecture and Landscape doesn't run a Part 3 course, there are a number of Part 3 courses available around the UK.