The RIBA validates programmes of architecture at over 40 UK schools on a four-year cycle.

RIBA Validation is a peer review process that monitors compliance with internationally recognised minimum standards in architectural education and encourages excellence and diversity in student achievement.
 
The RIBA has had a long-standing involvement in promoting high quality and innovative architectural education throughout the world. Through validation, the RIBA identifies courses and examinations which achieve the standards necessary to prepare students for the professional practice of architecture.
 
Visiting Boards visit schools of architecture to assess the output standard of courses for exemption from the RIBA's examinations in architecture. The boards are composed of practising architects, academics, architecture students, and construction team co-professionals. From September 2003 the RIBA assumed sole responsibility for Visiting Boards in the United Kingdom. 

Validation procedures

The procedures used by the RIBA to validate courses can be viewed in the PDF below.

Criteria for validation

The current criteria for validation are held jointly by the RIBA and the Architects' Registration Board, can be found here|.

These criteria are currently under joint review by the RIBA and the ARB.

Validated courses of architecture

Courses in architecture across the world which are currently validated by the RIBA are listed in the PDF below.

Validating New Programmes of Architecture

The procedures for seeking validation for an existing or projected programme of architecture are described in full in the 'RIBA Procedures for the Validation of UK Courses and Programmes in Architecture.' Section 5 (New Course Proposals) and Appendix 4 (New Course/Course Change notification) deal specifically with new course proposals but it is strongly recommended that the Procedures are read in their entirety.

The costs associated with this process are as follows:

UK validation charging

• UK candidate course exploratory visit     £1500 one off fee

NB: the fee is paid in advance, and non refundable in the case of cancellation

• UK candidate course initial validation visit £2000 one off fee

NB: the fee is paid in advance, and non refundable in the case of cancellation

• UK educational consultancy (per person)   £500 per person, per diem
• full cost recovery of members' (and consultants') expenses at cost 

  The charges will apply to all UK institutions who have contacted the RIBA for discussion of possible candidate course status after 6 April 2009; VAT will be applied where appropriate at the prevailing rate. If an institution has contacted the RIBA before 6 April 2009, and no visits have been carried out, these rates will still apply and the institution advised of the uplift in charges. If an institution has contacted the RIBA before 6 April 2009, and visits carried out, those rates prevailing between 28 November 2007 and 6 April 2009 will apply.

• In all cases, schools will be encouraged to make the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements for the visiting board in advance of the visit.

If you wish to discuss the process with us, please contact Stephanie Beasley-Suffolk|.

International validation

The RIBA also validates courses outside the UK. Find out more about our International Validation service|.