Course Overview

Consistently ranked as one of the UK’s top schools of architecture and located in a key city for architects and practices in the North, MSA is the perfect place to complete your formal architectural education. Led by practising architects - many of whom have experience as RIBA Part 3 examiners - MSA offers a tailored support framework that complements individual study with one-to-one tutorials, flexible blended learning options and access to a range of digital and physical education materials.

Features

  • Benefit from a tailored support plan including PEDR monitoring and one-to-one tutorials.
  • The course runs for one day a week over eight weeks. Including exams, the course will require a maximum of ten days to be completed.
  • Cover key topics in contemporary practice, including regulation and legislation, planning, procurement and more.

Duration

9 months part-time (September start)
12 months part-time (January start)

Teaching and Learning

Candidates enrolled on the Architecture and Contemporary Practice programme will also receive the following benefits:

  • Support from Peer Study Group and online learning platforms
  • Access to physical and digital library and campus facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University
  • 6 individual tutorials with an assigned Professional Studies Advisor
  • PEDR monitoring and certification from an assigned PSA for the duration of the programme
  • Office briefing
  • Directed study modules (including 2 office-based, written exams, and final oral exam)

To find out more about the features of the course and how it is delivered, download our programme overview (PDF).

To make an informal enquiry, or to request an office briefing please contact Rachel Newton at r.newton@mmu.ac.uk

Contemporary Practice

Contemporary Practice

Following induction, you will be supported by Professional Studies Advisors (PSAs) in the review and drafting of your experience records to date at key points in the timetable. This guided reflection enables you to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of the Professional Criteria. This will be done in parallel to the lectures and workshops that consolidate and synthesise the knowledge you have gained in practice in readiness for your Part 3 examination. 

Professional Perspectives

Professional Perspectives

The Professional Perspectives unit comprises self-directed reflection with support from Professional Studies Advisors. Building on the process that was started in the Contemporary Practice unit, you will develop and complete documentary submissions before attending an interview (oral examination). Candidates who successfully complete the examination at the end of this unit are eligible for registration under the Architects Registration Act 1997 and for Chartered Membership of the RIBA if they also have ARB Part 1 and Part 2 recognition. This examination in Professional Practice is required by the Architects Registration Board.

Career prospects

Completion of the RIBA Part 3 - following completion of Part 1 and Part 2 - will allow candidates to register with the Architects Registration Board and for Chartered Membership of RIBA, opening up a wide range of career possibilities across both public and private sectors:

  • Architecture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Design
  • Urban planning 
  • Project Management

Staff Team

Rachel Newton
Rachel Newton PgCert Architecture and Contemporary Practice RIBA P3 Programme Leader View profile
Stephen McCusker
Stephen McCusker Senior Lecturer, School Professional Skills Lead View profile
John Hickey
John Hickey Lecturer in Architecture: Professional Studies View profile

Part 3 News & Events

Scholarship
RIBA Part 3 Wienerberger Scholarship
Wienerberger are offering five scholarships worth £1000 to candidates wishing to complete their RIBA Part 3 with Manchester School of Architecture.