So it’s that time! Part 3! For those that do nor know what the heck I am on about, This post is for anyone who is interested in registering with RIBA and ARB as a chartered Architect:
The Part 3: The Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture
The RIBA Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3) is validated and prescribed by the RIBA and ARB respectively.
Those who have ARB Part 1 and Part 2 recognition who are successful in the Part 3 examination are eligible for registration under the Architects Registration Act 1997 and for Chartered Membership of the RIBA.
The RIBA Part 3 course is delivered in the following locations: UK (Chester), UK (London), China, Hong Kong and UAE. So this one is for you guys:
Being from the UK, this is something I have been working on since finishing masters and I hope you guys can learn from my mistakes and tips! For some reference most of my experience is part 2 based and even if you do not have experience betweeen part 1 & 2 you should not worry! The experience that mostly counts should be closer to you part 3 as this likely to be what you would be questioned on in your part 3 interview.
Now there are many ways you can do part 3 nowadays, you can do a year long course at selected univeristies or you can do the RIBA North West, that offer the opportunity to do a crash course, you can find the selected schools here and look into how they are taught:
Essentially the part 3 consists of completing the following:
24 months of practical experience recorded on the PEDR platform
Professional CV and career evaluation
Case study
Written examination
Final oral examination
These are things that can be achieved, they just come with a little graft and as I am currently going through this, starting recently, I thought maybe this can help someone out there!
Some tips I wish I knew earlier in regards to PEDR, being on top of things to ease the part 3 process:
1. DO IT STRAIGHT AWAY: Don't you dare leave it to pile up! If you have the chance to write it, right after the experience then please do! It will be a lot easier when you start part 3. If you have not done any, it’s not ideal however it is okay. You can backlog up to 5 PEDR at most institutions in order to sign it, though you’ll need to find someone to counter lsign it
2. WRITE IT ALL DOWN: We’ve all got a phone, with got pens and pads. Whether you’re up to date with PEDR’s or not, writing it all down will save a lot of time, the meetings, the holidays, the encounters, they are all useful and and all you have to do is reflect on it when writing it up officially. It makes for good habit too.
5. FIND YOURSELF A CASE STUDY: Though you may not think this far ahead, it is extremely useful to do so! You do not need to wait to you start the course, if you can start writing then do so! If youve not got one yet, ask around the office as soon as you can, you do not have to be on the project directly but shadow and get plenty of information as you can.
3. SAVE DRAFTS & COPIES: Depending on where you are in recording, with the system changing too, it’s best to have copies as this is your life story! It’s your responsibility to keep hold of your PEDR records. Same goes fpr case studies, do not leave everything in one place. If they are lost it wil be hard to get them back.
4. ASK FOR NEW EXPERIENCES: If you don’t ask you could get stuck doing the same thing over and over. You will need to have covered a varied range of projects before your part 3. This is ideal in having knowledge in the RIBA Stages so do not be afraid to ask!
5. REFER TO THE PART 3 CRITERIA: This is the basis of what you are doing and what you are working towards, before the part 3 interview and becoming qualified, you need to demonstate your knowledge and understanding of all the stages, so make sure you mention this in your PEDR Records.
What are PEDR’s?
The Professional Experience and Development Record has been written by the Royal Institute of British Architects to help architectural students record their professional experience and development in the workplace as part of their minimum seven years’ education and training leading to qualification as an architect.
This is your story, what you’ve done up to this point and what you’re getting up to whilst working in practice and before you become an architect. of what you are getting up to whilst you are out working in practice where you can record relevant experiences both in and out of work.
When and for how long do you need to do these?
Once you finish your part 1 Degree in Architecture most people will go out and work in Architectural practices or relevant other jobs (i.e still involved with the construction industry). This is when you can begin your PEDR records and at this stage will need a minimum of 12, however you will need two years (24 Months) of PEDR records before you are able to take your Part 3.months recorded. HOWEVER there are options here:
You may decide to go straight into your Part 2 MArch Architecture without taking anytime to work in practice. that’s fine! Although I would personally advise against this route, this is not a problem when it comes to PEDR records. You will be able to complete the records missed after completing you Part 2.
Depending on the jobs available you may, especially now with the pandemic you only be able to get a few months in practice, or decided to take some to take on training, work experience or travel, record this anyways.
If you decide you want to continue your Part 2 part time and are lucky enough to find a firm to employ you, you will still have to sign up to get your PEDR’s signed however will be able to get the required experience whilst studying and go straight into your Part 3 when you graduate from Part 2.
If you decide to take additional time out working, You will need to record up to 12 months of working ideally closer to part 3, however after this it is up to you whether you want to continue writing records. You are not required to continue recording if you do not wish too. Things worth considering are:
You will have to pay for an additional years worth of fees. If your only staying for a couple of extra months this may not be worth it.
If you decide not to carry on, you could miss recording some important experience. By 12 months you have more experience and (hopefully) the practice are trusting you with more in advanced work. This could look
excellent on your records and may be worth paying the extra fees.
Work Mentors Find One!
Who your work mentor is will depend on your practice. Depending on the size of the company it is often the director of the team you work in, or the partner of the firm in smaller practices. Sometimes if people are busy you may have to ask a qualified architect in the firm who is willing to take the time to help you. It is best to try and get an architect you work directly with if possible. I would recommend asking your boss who they would like your to use as your mentor first as your firm may have a protocol.
Get A Professional Advisor!
When you enrol at a university or with the RIBA you will be assigned a professional studies advisor who will sign off you sheets. This is where you fill in their information. If you don’t have this yet you can always come back to this page later.
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Of course, there is so much more to it, however I would say the best way to get through it, is to stay on top of it! I hope to take my own advise and get on it, in order to get qualified and finally become an architect! Whether you’re just getting into the architect journey or like me on the last leg, the journey is long however this is the journey we chose to take and it’s the last stretch! These are not fun to do however they are so vital to having for Part 3 and in becoming an architect. So let’s get to it!
Your Writer,
Nat x
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