Tomorrow’s Architects: ARB consultation on education and training reforms
ARB has launched a consultation seeking feedback on new education and training reforms. This consultation is about a fundamental overhaul of the regulatory framework for the education and training of architects.
In 2021 ARB proposed to move away from the traditional, three-part qualifications structure. Moving to a new framework which ARBs regulatory focus is on what an individual must know, what they must be able to do, and how they must behave, rather how and what they are taught.
Read ARBs vision for education here, and the results of ARBs survey here.
Under ARBs proposals:
- The regulatory framework for educating and training architects will change from the current approach (Parts 1, 2 and 3) to require only two accredited qualifications. This flexible framework will introduce new entry points for future architects. See here for a summary of the new framework, which is based on Academic Outcomes (equivalent to a Masters or Level 7 qualification) and Practice Outcomes (demonstrated by a qualification gained through professional practical experience).
- Qualifications accredited by ARB will need to be designed based on new learning outcomes, so that they are based on what architects can do, not what they are taught. The outcomes will replace the current Criteria. They are based on five core competency domains (such as Design, and Professionalism and Ethics) which cover important elements of architectural practice, such as environmental sustainability, fire and life safety, and equality and diversity. Click here to read about the competency outcomes that architects will have to achieve through ARB-accredited qualifications.
- Clearer and stronger standards will be placed on universities and all learning providers delivering ARB-accredited qualifications. Click here to read about the standards that universities and all other providers offering ARB-accredited qualifications will have to meet.
- ARB will introduce a new proportionate and risk-based quality assurance of qualifications, overseen by a new Accreditation Committee. Click here to read about the Rules that will govern this new committee, to replace the Prescription Committee.
To view the consultation survey questions, click here.
If ARBs proposals are approved, anyone setting out to become an architect from September 2027 onwards will have to be trained and educated through the new, improved framework and assessed using the new learning outcomes.
This consultations deadline is 10th May 2023 though RSUA is hoping to get started on a response sooner rather than later. If you would be willing to help formulate RSUA’s response, please email Lucy Mulgrew at lucy@rsua.org.uk by Friday 17th February 2023.
