20/09/23
The Architects Registration Board’s (ARB) architecture education reforms took a step closer to implementation, with the announcement that ARB will cease to accredit undergraduate degrees and the creation of a new Commission to consider the requirements for practical experience as part of the education process.
ARB consulted on proposals for a new regulatory approach to how architects are trained and educated, which closed in May 2023. RSUA responded to this consultation, to find out more about RSUA’s response click here.
As a result of the feedback received from this consultation, ARB has released a report on the outcomes and next steps.
A summary of ARB’s decisions include:
Competency Outcomes
- ARB will introduce the new Academic and Practice outcomes with some drafting amendments based on suggestions raised by respondents. Meaning ARB will accredit qualifications at Master’s level (Level 7, or Scottish Level 11) that meet the new Academic Outcomes and accredit practice qualifications which will assess the new Practice Outcomes.
Accrediting Qualifications
- ARB will publish the final version of the standards in autumn 2023 and will establish a stakeholder group to give agile feedback as the transition progresses.
- ARB will provide a handbook to providers containing guidance of how the standards can be met and publish a roadmap setting out a transition timeline for students.
New Regulatory Framework
- ARB is making some important modifications to the initial regulatory framework before introducing it.
- ARB will cease accreditation of undergraduate degrees (at Level 6, or 9 in Scotland) in accordance with the principle of better regulation on proportionality.
- ARB will issue guidance clarifying that, to access an accredited qualification, students will need to demonstrate to Master’s providers that they have appropriate undergraduate qualifications or relevant work experience.
- ARB will commission research to consider how best to evaluate the impact of its reforms to determine whether the changes, once implemented, improve the gender, ethnic and socio-economic diversity of those accessing education and training, and ultimately joining the profession.
Professional Practical Experience
- ARB has decided to appoint a year-long independent Commission to develop new recommendations. The Commission, led by an independent Chair, will provide options and advice to ARB on the key challenges of professional practice experience identified through the consultation. It will be tasked with making recommendations to ARB on how to improve fair and consistent access to quality practical experience, and the recommended new minimum requirements for relevant experience. The Commission will be appointed in 2023 and report to ARB by the end of 2024. It will run alongside ARB’s overall timetable and won’t delay it.
- In the meantime, ARB will retain the existing two year minimum duration while continuing to consider short-term modifications like additional flexibility about the types of experience which are deemed relevant.
To view the full report on the results of ARB’s consultation click here.
