Course Overview

Consistently ranked as one of the UK’s top schools of architecture and located in a key city for architects and practices in the North, Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is the perfect place to complete your formal architectural education. Led by practising architects - many of whom have experience as RIBA Part 3 examiners - MSA offers a tailored support framework that complements individual study with one-to-one tutorials, flexible blended learning options and access to a range of digital and physical education materials.

Not sure if you are ready for Part 3? Read this guidance note to support you making your decision.

Features

  • Benefit from a tailored mentoring plan including PPE (Professional Practical Experience) reviews for the duration of the programme
  • Online/in-person tutorials to suit individual requirements
  • Maximum 10 days attendance (including exams)
  • Course delivery is spread out for the duration of the programme, with the Contemporary Practice lecture series occurring one day per week, in February and March
  • Covers key topics in contemporary practice, including regulation and legislation, planning, procurement and more

Duration

9 months part-time (September start)
12 months part-time (January start)

Teaching and Learning

Candidates enrolled on the Architecture and Contemporary Practice programme will also receive the following benefits:

  • Support from Peer Study Group and online learning platforms
  • Access to physical and digital library and campus facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Minimum of 6 individual tutorials with an assigned Professional Studies Tutor
  • PPE certification (PEDR or equivalent) for the duration of the programme
  • Office briefing
  • Directed study modules (assessed via 2x office based, open-book exams, PPE document submission and final Professional Interview)

To find out more about the features of the course and how it is delivered, download our programme overview (PDF).

To make an informal enquiry, or to request an office briefing please contact Rachel Newton at r.newton@mmu.ac.uk

Contemporary Practice

Contemporary Practice

Following induction, you will be supported by Professional Studies Advisors (PSAs) in the review and drafting of your experience records to date at key points in the timetable. This guided reflection enables you to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of the Professional Criteria. This will be done in parallel to the lectures and workshops that consolidate and synthesise the knowledge you have gained in practice in readiness for your Part 3 examination. 

Professional Perspectives

Professional Perspectives

The Professional Perspectives module comprises self-directed reflection with support from Professional Studies Advisors. Building on the process that was started in the Contemporary Practice module, you will develop and complete documentary submissions before attending an interview (oral examination). Candidates who successfully complete the examination at the end of this module are eligible for registration under the Architects Registration Act 1997 and for Chartered Membership of the RIBA if they also have ARB Part 1 and Part 2 recognition. This examination in Professional Practice is required by the Architects Registration Board.

Career prospects

Completion of the RIBA Part 3 - following completion of Part 1 and Part 2 - will allow candidates to register with the Architects Registration Board and for Chartered Membership of RIBA, opening up a wide range of career possibilities across both public and private sectors:

  • Architecture
  • Landscape architecture
  • Interior design
  • Urban planning 
  • Project management

Staff Team

Rachel Newton
Rachel Newton PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice RIBA P3 Programme Leader View profile
Stephen McCusker
Stephen McCusker Senior Lecturer, School Professional Skills Lead View profile
John Hickey
John Hickey Lecturer in Architecture: Professional Studies View profile
Alastair Shelley
Alastair Shelley Lecturer in Architecture View profile
Alison Taylor Stokes
Alison Taylor Stokes Lecturer View profile

Part 3 News & Events

Bursaries
RIBA Part 3 Wienerberger Bursaries
Wienerberger are offering six bursaries worth £1000 to candidates wishing to complete their RIBA Part 3 with Manchester School of Architecture in 2024/25.