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
Graduate
Entry is open to applicants who have successfully completed the Queen's University Belfast BSc in Architecture or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University from an approved RIBA/ARB Part 1 course in a recognised UK institution. Applicants must also have successfully completed (i) the Queen's University Belfast BArch or MArch or (ii) any other approved RIBA Part 2 course in a recognised UK institution.
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.
Those with Part 2 or equivalent awards delayed through industrial action by a recognised trade union (eg UCU) can commence and complete this programme, and it will have part 3 status upon the relevant university confirming the student receiving the recognised part 2 award.
For the successful completion of this programme to have the status of UK Part 3, international applicants must demonstrate through the ARB assessment process that they possess the equivalent qualifications for RIBA/ARB Parts 1 and 2. Only then will a graduate of this programme be able to apply for registration with ARB (UK) and membership of the RIBA.
UK and Irish applicants who have completed this programme can also apply to other bodies for registration e.g. to the RIAI through their ‘route B’ process here: https://www.riai.ie/join-the-riai/registering-as-an-architect
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.
Application Details
The deadline for applications is normally 31st October 2025. 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: 2025/26
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.