This programme has been running at QUB since the 1970s. It is for graduates of architecture wishing to continue their trajectory into the registered and chartered architects’ profession.
The programme is regularly updated and has evolved to address how all aspects of contemporary practise follow design processes; of determining desired performance and outcomes, identifying solutions, appraising risks and opportunities, determining the optimum solution and monitoring its delivery.
From one’s personal career trajectory, to configuration of businesses, teams, contracts and methods of manifesting projects into reality, this programme helps each candidate become the independent, competent professional expected in the design, property and construction industries, to address the legacy of Grenfell and challenges of climate emergency and societal well-being.
This Postgraduate Certificate provides exemption from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Final Examination Part III and is recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for the UK for the purposes of registration under the Architects Act 1997.
Candidates can take additional optional 1-2 day workshops which are available within this award and subject to an additional fee.
One such additional workshop focuses on Contracts and Regulatory and Professional Frameworks within southern Ireland, and if taken, could support, along with this postgraduate certificate, an application for membership of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) via their “Route B”.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications for this course received after 30th November may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Applications for this course received after 30th November may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Professional Practice in Architecture highlights
Professional Accreditations
This long-established programme is validated every four years by the Royal Institute of British Architects and prescribed every four years by the Architects Registration Board, ensuring compliance with the professional standards of the ARB and, the RIBA.
Student Experience
Architecture at Queen’s University is well placed in UK league tables and world rankings:
Complete University Guide 2026
QUB Architecture:
1st in the UK for Student Satisfaction
4th in the UK for Graduate Prospects
12th Overall in the UK
Guardian League Tables 2026
QUB Architecture:
2nd in the UK for Value Added (joint)
4th in the UK for Satisfied with Feedback
7th in the UK for Satisfied with Teaching (joint)
9th Overall in the UK
The 2025 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide:
QUB Architecture:
3rd in the UK for graduate prospects
10th Overall in the UK
QA World Rankings 2026: Architecture
QUB Architecture:
Top 200 in World
UK National Student Survey 2024
QUB Architecture:
2nd in the UK for teaching on my course
4th in the UK for learning opportunities
3rd in the UK for assessment and feedback
7th in the UK for academic support
3rd in the UK for organisation and management
2nd in the UK for student voice
Low cost
The programme has been retained at PgCert level to keep course fees low.
Low stress delivery and assessment
A combination of lectures and associated events spread out over the programme, open book office-based submissions examinations and a pre-assessment briefing session minimise candidates being stressed and overwhelmed. The attendance of the core course including examinations is 11 days.
Well-resourced & supported experience
Candidates have a very relevant, well-resourced and supported learning and study experience – with the registered architects staff experienced in leading practice and education and Part 3 examining, expert guest speakers, the postgraduate study centre, our extensive library with free access to books, journals and online resources (including free access to ebooks and the extensive Construction Information Service database of reports, standards, books, journals and key texts, many of which are downloadable.
Established university QA and support systems
The QUB Quality Assurance processes, including review and development, external examiner and appeals processes, are applied to this Part 3 programme. All QUB student support and advice services can be accessed by those on our programme. Pastoral care and advice to assist progression to completion.
Fees and funding guidance, and potential QUB Scholarships are available to candidates.
Networking Opportunities
A study group structure, close connections to professional bodies and shared events, provide candidates with opportunities to benefit their networks and career trajectory.
End of Year Show
The free to access digital walk-through of the 2025 and 2024 end of year exhibition is accessible through these links:
https://tinyurl.com/QUBarch2024
https://tinyurl.com/QUBarch2025
This is a single 60 credit module representing 600 hours of input by the candidate – attending lectures / workshops / events / study group activities and preparing and submitting assessment and attending a final oral examination. The attendance of the core course including examinations is 11 days.
Course Details
The content is in accordance with the RIBA/ARB criteria for validation and prescription at Part III level. The module schedule of events has evolved over time to be effective make best use of students’ time - including an introduction day, full day lectures/workshops/coursework briefings etc. For further details of the programme content, please contact the School : archplan.snbe@qub.ac.uk
Teaching Times
Morning / Afternoon / Evening
Learning and Teaching
A variety of recognised postgraduate learning and teaching methods are used in the delivery of this PG Cert. Because of Queen’s University’s reputation and standing within the industry we are able to ensure sector leading architects and specialists deliver learning and teaching and support candidates in their progress through this PG Certificate.
Optional extra
Realising that not every practice pays the Part 3 fees for their employees, the fees are kept low by offering the ‘Contracts Game’ is an optional extra, with an additional fee involved (approximately £200). Feedback from this optional extra is very positive, with participation of approximately 75% of the cohort.
Optional extra (2)
Again keeping the core Part 3 fees low, but realising a number of practices and applicants are or will be undertaking work in the jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland we also offer an optional extra covering ‘Irish building legislation, standards, statutory obligations and contract administration” (requirement of RIAI application Route B) with an additional fee involved (approximately £100). This is a new offer for 23/24 onwards, reflecting conversations with practices, candidates and professional bodies.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Submission of validated tri-monthly PEDR (Professional Experience and Development Record) sheets for the 24-month, office-based experience in the UK or Ireland.
Office-based case study
Two office-based ‘open book’ Examinations.
Curriculum Vitae
Personal evaluation of experience
Oral examination
To qualify for the Certificate, all candidates must pass all of the elements at a minimum threshold level to the satisfaction of the examiners.
By the final examination at the end of this programme all students must have a minimum total of 24 months formally recorded (PEDR or equivalent system) practical experience of which a minimum of 12 months must be in a UK or Ireland based architectural practice since graduating at Part II level.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
A series of advanced professional studies, lectures, seminars and workshops.
Note: This is the final professional examination to qualify as a UK Registered Architect, to become registered (ARB) and chartered (RIBA).
Learning Outcomes
Advanced knowledge, awareness and understanding of essential principles involved in the professional practice of architecture in the UK as outlined in the ARB criteria.
Skills
Advanced cognitive and transferrable skills relative to the role of the professional architect in practice in the UK as outlined in the ARB criteria.
Entry is open to applicants who have successfully completed the Queen's University Belfast BSc in Architecture or equivalent qualification prescribed by the UK Architects Registration Board and confirmed as so by them in writing, or listed on the ARB website.
Applicants must also have successfully completed (i) the Queen's University Belfast BArch or MArch or equivalent qualification prescribed by the UK Architects Registration Board and confirmed by them in writing or listed on the ARB website.
Applicants from other institutions must normally be able to demonstrate that they have taken and successfully completed Professional Studies type elements within their RIBA/ARB Part 1 and Part 2 courses to the satisfaction of the University.
Professional experience at Part 3 level is normally required within UK or Ireland jurisdiction.
For the successful completion of this programme to have the status of Part 3, international applicants must demonstrate, as outlined above, through ARB confirmation in writing or the via ARB’s “The Examination” assessment process that the applicant possesses the equivalent qualifications for ARB Parts 1 and 2. Only then will a graduate of this programme be able to apply for registration with ARB and consequent chartered membership of the RIBA and /or registration with the Royal Institute of Irish Architects through their Route B process. Applicants considering a “Route B” application to the RIAI are advised to familiarise themselves with the current RIAI process and requirements before embarking on this programme.
International applicants who do not demonstrate that they possess the equivalent qualifications for RIBA/ARB Parts 1 and 2 may be permitted to undertake the programme for personal professional development purposes only.
As part of the application process you are required to complete the relevant questionnaire and upload with a current CV.
The deadline for applications is normally 31st October 2026. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 31st October deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
*Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Part III is the final examination in an architect's education and the foundation for lifelong learning and development as a member of the architectural profession. Graduates who have successfully completed this programme are eligible for entry on to the register of architects with the ARB, registration with the RIAI and chartered membership of RIBA.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Prizes and Awards
In addition to this postgraduate certificate acknowledging the attainment of a pass, commendation, or distinction, there is also a monetary prize for the highest-achieving candidate.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
