Typical offer

ARB/RIBA

You must have ARB/RIBA Part 1 and 2 exemption.

Work

You must also be in full-time work in a practice with an ARB registered architect.

You will automatically be enrolled on the PEDR course. You are required to have at least eight PEDR sheets completed by the time you take the professional interview in November, four of which must be post-part 2.

The qualification leads to access in the UK register with title and access to market. Please note that the qualification may have no bearing on registration in a legal jurisdiction other than the UK.

Don’t forget to include your personal statement, CV, a reference from your current employer / practice and your PEDR sheets as part of your application to DMU.

Key facts

Study mode:

Part-time

Start dates:

November (12 months)

Fees:

2026/27 tuition fees for UK students: £2,450

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice prepares you for registration and chartership.

You will reflect on the evolution of the professional architect, relevant legislation and alternative approaches to practice and management. The course will develop your professional acumen in business organisation, management and commerce, advocacy, ethics and marketing, contracts and interpersonal skills.

The course offers a flexible learning programme comprising three study units, each lasting three days, typically running from November to November. Study units cover the following topics:

Marketing, Management and Practice, covering the skills and knowledge needed to understand the set-up, professional and economic management, and marketing of a professional architectural practice in various forms.

Building Contracts, covering the range of common building contracts, their application and the contractual relationships between contracted parties.

Architect and the Law, covering legislation affecting contract law, planning and development, and the wider regulations related to architecture and the building industry.

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Key features

  • Successful candidates gain eligibility to join the register at the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB) and chartered membership with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
  • As one of the oldest providers of architectural education in the UK, our approach draws on years of experience to challenge conventions and redefine the future of architectural practice.
  • Learn the key aspects of the role of the architect such as setting up, marketing and managing a practice, and gain an understanding of legislation and contracts related to the building industry.
  • Learn from established practitioners, academics and consultants, who will  ensure you are responding to contemporary, real-world issues grounded in theory and practice.
  • Our award-winning  Vijay Patel building  has been designed to provide the space and facilities where  all of  our art and design students can develop their ideas and flourish.

What you will study

Modules

Practice, Management and Law

This module covers some of the key aspects of the role of the architect such as setting up, marketing and managing a practice, as well as Building Contract and the Architect and the Law. There are three assignments, each in the form of a long evaluative report on specific aspects of practice, management and law.

Case Study

This module leads to a substantive and evaluative written submission that demonstrates an ability to investigate several areas of architectural practice, normally by examining a project and formulating a report on its background and progress through RIBA Work Stages, or a comparative study of different projects in order to cover all the Stages. 

Evaluation of Practical Experience (& PEDR)

This module leads to a critical appraisal by the candidate covering the entire period of their professional experience.

Practice Paper Exam and Professional Interview

This includes an Office-based exam which is intended to test professional competence in realistic conditions; and the summative assessment in the Professional Interview where the candidates are expected to demonstrate overall competency, and the ability to discharge the role of an architect in an ethical and professional manner according to the ARB/RIBA 2011 professional criteria.

Teaching and assessment

You will receive lectures from practising architects, academics, and consultants in seminars, and in consultation on an individual basis relating to case studies. Work assignments are based on your practical experience. Assessment is through work assignments relating to the study units, a written examination taken in your place of employment, documentary submission comprising practical training record (log book/ PEDR), case study, evaluation of practical experience, and an employer’s report. This culminates in the professional interview.

The written examination is taken over two days and assesses the candidates understanding and application, based on scenarios that replicate legal, management and contractual problems that arise in professional practice. The case study and evaluation of professional experience are components assessed by professional examiners.

Teaching contact hours

The PG Dip is a 12 month programme, commencing in October. During this time you will undertake 3 study units, each one being delivered in blocks of 3 days. In addition, you will be expected to undertake an average of 4 hours of independent study each week throughout the 12 months

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Why choose DMU?

Your future career

On successful completion of the Part 3 exam, you will normally qualify for registration as an architect through the ARB, and for chartered status with RIBA. You would then be able to use the title ‘Architect’ and have access to markets that ARB registration affords. Graduates have found careers in major practices such as Foster Associates, or as sole practitioners such as dm3 architecture. 

DMU students are encouraged to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. Our Enterprise Team can help you explore your business idea, business growth, and the option of freelancing or being self-employed. There are lots of events, workshops, one-to-one consultation opportunities and enterprise competitions that you can get involved in to progress in your chosen career path.

Even if you don’t intend to start your own business, many of the Enterprise Team activities will be relevant to you if you simply want to develop your business acumen. Skills such as risk-taking, project management and budgeting can be invaluable in employment.

Careers and employability

An award-winning Careers Team, the #1 UK university for careers support (TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards, 2024), we provide you with all the support you need.

Our careers commitment doesn’t end at graduation. With DMU for Life, you’ll have access to lifelong career support throughout your entire career.

How we support you

Unlimited one-to-one careers coaching

Get tailored advice and guidance from our expert careers advisors whenever you need it.

Professional development programme

Boost your employability with workshops, bootcamps, training sessions, and employer-led events.

Inside Edge Mentoring

Connect with professionals from dynamic industries to expand your career insight, network and knowledge of the world of work.

24/7 access to digital employability tools

Access LinkedIn Learning, personalised CV feedback, mock interviews and more – anytime, anywhere.

Entrepreneurship support

Bring your business ideas to life with events, networking opportunities, expert speakers, workshops and links to funding opportunities.

Job search assistance

Get support finding part-time work, placements, internships and graduate jobs.

Employability projects and placements

Gain real-world experience through academic business consultancy projects or work placements (course-dependent).

Industry-informed teaching

Learn from real-world experience and academics, guest lecturers and business leaders who share their industry expertise.

Discover postgraduate careers

Fees and funding

UK and Channel Island students

2026/27 tuition fees for UK students: £2,450

EU and international students

This course is available for international students

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in DMU Global trips. These trips are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy vary by location.

Entry requirements

ARB/RIBA

You must have ARB/RIBA Part 1 and 2 exemption.

Work

You must also be in full-time work in a practice with an ARB registered architect.

You will automatically be enrolled on the PEDR course. You are required to have at least eight PEDR sheets completed by the time you take the professional interview in November, four of which must be post-part 2.

The qualification leads to access in the UK register with title and access to market. Please note that the qualification may have no bearing on registration in a legal jurisdiction other than the UK.

Don’t forget to include your personal statement, CV, a reference from your current employer / practice and your PEDR sheets as part of your application to DMU.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Key facts

Course title

Architectural Practice (Part 3)

Award

PG Dip

Programme code

K10073

Study mode

Part-time

Study level

Postgraduate

Start dates

November

Duration

12 months

How to apply

Home/UK students

Save these details for your application
Programme title:
Architectural Practice (Part 3) PG Dip
Programme code:
K10073

You can apply using the DMU Application Portal. This method allows you to save, revisit and review your application before submitting it at any time of the day.

The following should be submitted with the application form:

  • Where required, one current reference on official headed paper or from a professional email address. This can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated
  • Copies of your academic transcripts
  • Copies of your degree or diploma certificates
  • Your personal statement
DMU Application Portal