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Overview
If you've studied architecture, surveying or civil engineering, and have completed RIBA parts 1 and 2, this Final Examination in Professional Practice (part 3) Architecture course is your final step to become a professional architect. When you graduate, you'll be able to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3) ARB/RIBA and practise as a qualified architect.
On this course you'll learn about current practice issues, legal and building legislation, and contractual issues in the industry, as well as improving your knowledge of the environment and sustainability, and the social and economic side of the construction industry.
You'll join a smaller cohort of students than many postgraduate degrees and have plenty of opportunities to get to know your peers and lectures. You’ll learn in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and enhance your teamwork, communication and project management skills throughout the course.
You’ll apply your learning in workshops including our Contract Workshop, where you'll practise your contract administration skills by following a series of scenarios and role play with a JCT Standard Building Contract.
To apply for this course you need to hold RIBA Part 1 and Part 2, and have at least two years' experience in architectural practice. 12 months of this experience should be in a UK/EU practice.
Eligibility
This course accepts only UK students.
If you’re an EU or international student interested in this course, consider our International Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture instead.
Course highlights
- Study Practice Management, Law and Contract, as set out in the ARB/RIBA syllabus
- Complete a case study of a live project, relevant to your current professional role
- Use our design studios, featuring advanced architectural computer facilities, CNC milling machine, laser cutting machines, the virtual reality suite and professional printers
Benefit from our nurturing teaching environment and a mix of lectures and workshops - Be supported by staff with extensive academic and architectural practice experience, and construction industry experts.
- Hear from industry experts working in UK construction, including barristers (Crown Office Chambers) , lawyers (Fenwick Elliott), solicitors, architects (National practices such as AHMM and local practices), and planning consultants (Savills)
- Be eligible to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3) ARB/RIBA and practise as a qualified architect when you graduate
Accreditation
Once you’ve completed this course, you can apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3), which is recognised by the ARB and RIBA.
You must already have RIBA Parts 1 and 2, as well as the minimum required practical training, documented in your Professional Experience and Development Record.
With your Final Certificate in Architecture, you'll be eligible to join the register of architects held by the ARB.
Number 2 in the UK for teaching, and number 3 for student satisfaction
We're ranked second in the UK for teaching architecture, and third for architecture student satisfaction, in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts only UK students.
If you’re an EU or international student interested in this course, consider our International Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture instead.
September 2025 start
- Professional status in Surveying, Architecture or Civil Engineering from a UK institution.
- RIBA part 1 and 2 are essential for entry.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
- All applicants will be invited to attend an interview.
- Full time employment in a UK/EU architectural practice is essential for entry, along with a case study project, assessed by course leader for suitability.
- Minimum 15 months of recorded experience (PEDRs) is required prior to starting the course. Refer to ARB for practical training requirements.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
This course is for UK applicants only. Fees below apply to UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Part-time: £3,000
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Find out more how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students and our international student scholarships.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
What you’ll study
Core modules
All modules in the year are core.
You’ll learn both the theory and how to apply it, getting to grips with laws, managing projects, handling risks, and understanding finances. We’ll help you see how social responsibility and ethics fit into architecture. You’ll become skilled at inspecting how you work with clients and how to manage projects from start to finish. You’ll also get coaching on how to communicate like a pro, so you can competently present your ideas.
When you finish, you’ll be prepared to take on the real-world problems you’ll face as a smart architectural manager and leader. Broaden your abilities beyond just design, which is crucial for successful practice.
You’ll show how your skills align with architect roles and ethical conduct standards by analysing your work placement. We’ll guide you to thoughtfully assess how projects are carried out, teams work together, and companies operate. Reflecting on your own growth, you’ll pinpoint ways to keep improving through professional development opportunities. Learn how to showcase your unique skills and understanding in a CV, a case study, and self-evaluation, proving you’re ready for a professional role.
By the end, you’ll have the tools to adeptly handle the challenges of the architectural field. Make a smooth move from your studies to a meaningful career.
You’ll gain a deep understanding of your subject with help from tutors. We’ll teach you how to carefully choose and analyse sources, and how to make convincing arguments backed up by solid proof. You’ll also work with others, learning to share tasks and work as a team while also improving your public speaking skills. This module will help you ask the right questions, write well-organised papers, and present your ideas persuasively.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the important research abilities that are key in the fields of architecture and scholarly study.
Become a proactive and adaptable researcher who can contribute significantly to your field.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Facilities
Architecture Studios
Our open-plan learning spaces encourage a studio culture of collaboration, creativity and dialogue – preparing you for the ways of working you'll experience in your career.
Architecture Project Office
Get practical architecture experience and enhance your CV with real clients on intensive, fast-paced design workshops or consultancy projects.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This course takes:
- 1 year (part-time)
You can expect:
- to attend campus throughout the academic year
- to attend 10 days of taught lectures or workshops, including 1 induction day, three 3-day seminars and 2 assessment days
- to complete study roughly 20 hours of independent study per week
- to access learning materials online in your own time
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- essays and written assignments (25%)
- written case study and career evaluation (50%)
- written examinations (25%)
- oral examination (Pass/Fail)
- Professional Experience and Development Records (24 months worth - Pass/Fail)
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Miss Clare Ridout
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project/dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
To practice as an architect or use the title of Architect in the UK you must hold RIBA 1, 2 and 3.
You'll graduate from this course with the skills and knowledge you need to work as an architect in the UK or abroad and have opportunities in both the public and private sectors. You may choose to start your own architectural practice.
When you apply for this course you'll already be working in an architectural practice. In addition to support from your employer you'll be supported by your supervisor, lecturers and fellow students. These networking opportunities mean you'll build your professional network during the course, which will benefit you whether you stay with your current employer or seek alternative employment once you graduate.
Qualifying as an architect
When you graduate you'll be eligible to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3), recognised by ARB and RIBA, and practise as a qualified architect. Once you have your Final Certificate you'll be able to join the register of architects held by the ARB.
To apply for your Final Certificate you need to hold RIBA Parts 1 and 2 (or equivalent), and have the minimum amount of required practical training documented in your Professional Experience and Development Record.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2025
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.