Lincoln's Postgraduate Diploma incorporates the architectural professional practice employed in the management of the design process and construction of projects. Students are required to be in full-time employment, typically within an appropriate UK-based design practice (or similar) under the direction of a UK Registered Architect, who acts as an Employment Mentor.
The programme, which is taught online, has been designed to enable students to develop their knowledge, understanding, ability, and skills of the professional practice and management of architecture. Students are able to develop a comprehensive understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as a professional to clients, the profession, and society at large.
This qualification is developed in accordance with the Professional Criteria requirements of the Architects Registration Board and the Royal Institute of British Architects for the Part 3 Professional Practice and Management examination in Architecture.
Successful completion of this programme of study will enable students to apply to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for inclusion on the Register of Architects and henceforth use the title Registered Architect; and in addition apply to the RIBA for Chartered Membership and be able to use the title Chartered Architect.
Prescribed by the Architects Registration Board
Validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects
Opportunities to develop professional practice skills
Course designed to meet the needs of those currently in full-time employment
Delivered online via Microsoft Teams
The programme is taught online via Microsoft Teams. This programme relies on a combination of taught and professional experience-related modules which aim to develop students' knowledge, understanding, ability, and skills in the Professional Practice and Management of Architecture.
The Postgraduate Certificate Stage taught modules are delivered once a month in the form of workshops, lectures, and seminars which are designed to develop and reinforce theory by placing it in a professional and practical context.
Students are expected to undertake their own independent study and research in order to expand their knowledge and understanding of the subject, and are encouraged to discuss problems they encounter in the workplace.
Postgraduate Diploma Stage modules are undertaken in the workplace simultaneously with the Postgraduate Certificate Stage taught modules. Students are required to be in full-time employment typically within an appropriate UK based design practice (or similar) under the direction of a UK Registered Architect, or other approved professional, who acts as an Employment Mentor. The mentor should be able to assist the student in gaining appropriate professional experience through involvement in real-world business activities and project management throughout all stages of the project life cycle.
The Postgraduate Certificate stage taught modules require attendance over eight weekends (i.e. Friday and Saturday) throughout the academic year. They take the form of workshops, formal lectures, and seminars which reinforce theory and place it in a professional and practical context. Teaching is supported by appropriate practitioner guest lecturers.
Students are expected to undertake their own independent study and research in order to expand their knowledge and understanding of the subject and are encouraged to discuss challenges they have previously encountered in the workplace. Seeking the knowledge and professional experience of others will assist in the student's professional development.
The Postgraduate Diploma stage work-based modules are undertaken in the workplace simultaneously with the Postgraduate Certificate taught modules, during which time candidates can gain valuable appropriate real-world architecture-related professional experience.
For more detailed information, please contact the Programme Leader.
This professional programme is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
Assessment on this programme is through a combination of individual assignments, a case study report, a minimum of 24 months appropriate professional experience (which must be recorded using the RIBA Professional Experience and Development Record), a Personal Development Plan, and a professional CV. The final Examination is the Professional Interview Examination (Viva Voce).
Modules are assessed in three parts:
- Paper A: a pre-prepared briefing paper.
- Paper B: practice scenario presentation with written and illustrative
justifications.
- Paper C: discursive theory essay.
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
How to Apply
Part 3 Entrants must hold appropriate prescribed academic qualifications which provide exemption from the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 and Part 2 "Examination in Architecture".
Any Part 3 Entrant who does not hold the appropriate qualifications outlined above, will be required to the sit the ARB's "Prescribed Examination in Architecture", prior to enrolment on the programme.
Students are required to be in full-time employment, typically within an appropriate UK-based design practice (or similar) under the direction of a UK Registered Architect, or other professional, who acts as an employment mentor. The mentor should be able to assist the student in gaining appropriate professional experience through involvement in real-world business activities and project management throughout all stages of the project life-cycle.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
Formal interviews are not conducted when a prospective Part 3 Candidate has previously completed their Part 1 and 2 with the School, as we are aware of their suitability for the programme. However, a more informal interview with new prospective Part 3 Candidates applicants is conducted by telephone.
Where an interview may be required, these can be conducted online, or other suitable means.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
In addition to the programme fees, Part 3 Candidates will be required to register with the RIBA in order to document their professional experience and development using the online PEDR Logsheets.
With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list. The University’s extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts, however, some students may prefer to purchase their own and will be responsible for covering this cost.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Explore Funding Options
Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Successful completion of this programme will enable students to apply to the Architects Registration Board for inclusion on the Register of Architects.
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
Upcoming Postgraduate Events
