Course Summary
This Postgraduate Certificate focuses on contemporary practice of architects, and 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.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
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.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 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.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Application Details
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.
Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27
Fees
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via the Postgraduate Applications Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.
New applicants will need to register via the Portal to create an application account. If you are already a Queen’s student with an active Qsis account, you can log in using your student number and Qsis password. Guidance on how to complete an application is provided within the Portal and it is possible to save application data and return to complete it at a later date, if you wish. After core details about yourself and your academic background have been provided, you can submit an application, or multiple applications, if required.
If you applied in a previous cycle through the Portal and are re-applying, you should use your previous log in details. Please review and update your personal and contact details, academic and professional qualifications before submitting a new application.
Important – please ensure that the email address you provide is correct and active, as this will be used by us to communicate the progress of your application to you.
Please Note:
Applications for this course received after 31st October 2023 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Career Progression
Introduction
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.
