University of Portsmouth Open Experience Day
21 Mar 2026, 08:30
Portsmouth
Overview
If you’re an international student or architect without UK qualifications and want to enter the UK Register of Architects, our International Professional Practice (part 3) Architecture course is the last step in becoming a professional architect registered with the ARB.
You need to be in full-time employment to be eligible for this course, preferably in a UK architectural practice.
Ideally, you’ll have studied architecture, surveying or civil engineering in the past, and have completed RIBA parts 1 and 2 or their international equivalents. You should have a minimum of two years in architectural practice, with 12 months of that experience in a UK or EU practice.
You'll learn about current practice issues, legal and building legislation, and contractual issues in the industry as you improve your knowledge of the environment and sustainability, the social and economic side of the construction industry, and develop your practice and project management skills.
Supported by staff with extensive academic and architectural practice experience, you’ll use a combination of lectures and workshops with real case studies to inform your learning. You'll practice specific skills including contract administration skills in workshops which use a JCT Standard Building Contract, and work towards being a fully qualified architect when you graduate.
Uniquely to Portsmouth, our studio-based course offers a range of design studios which you can choose to join. Each has its own design ethos, theoretical positions, design briefs, and investigation methodologies. Use your professional judgement and problem-solving skills to develop your professional experience and practice, and benefit from top-class facilities, hardware, software, and 3D modelling.
As you study, you’ll gain knowledge and experience to help you to enhance your future career, whether you want to continue with your current employer or find alternative employment.
Eligibility
This course accepts international students only.
If you are a UK or EU student, please see our UK version of this course: Final Examination in Professional Practice (Part 3) Architecture.
Course highlights
Be eligible to apply for the Final Certificate in Architecture (Part 3) ARB/RIBA and practice as a qualified architect when you graduate
Complete a case study of a live project, relevant to your current professional role
Study Practice Management, Law and Contract, as set out in the ARB/RIBA syllabus
Use our design studios, featuring advanced architectural computer facilities, CNC milling machine, laser cutting machines, a virtual reality suite and professional printers
Access our Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR), the UK’s first integrated facility to support innovation in the creative and digital technologies of virtual, augmented and extended realities
Benefit from our nurturing teaching environment and a mix of lectures and workshops, 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 Elliot), solicitors, architects (National practices such as AHMM and local practices), and planning consultants (Savills)
All modules are core.
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)
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
Professional status in Surveying, Architecture or Civil Engineering. International equivalent to RIBA Part 1 and 2 is essential for entry. All applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Full time employment in a UK/EU architectural practice is essential, along with a case study project, assessed by course leader for suitability. Min. 15 months of recorded experience (PEDRs) is required prior to starting the course. Refer to ARB for practical training requirements.
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. |
| PTE Academic | 65 | An overall score of 65 with a minimum of 62 in each skill. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 91 | 91 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (taken after January 2015). An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. | |
| Trinity ISE | Trinity College Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III with a Pass in all 4 components. |
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £3100 | Year 1 |
| International | £3100 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
For further fee information please see the corresponding University of Portsmouth course page or visit https://www.port.ac.uk/study/masters-and-postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding
University of Portsmouth
Mercantile House
Hampshire Terrace
Portsmouth
PO1 2EG
Visit our website Visit our course page
Email:admissions@port.ac.uk
Phone:023 9284 5566
At University of Portsmouth