RIBA Studio

RIBA Studio welcomes professionals from all walks of life, the career-changers, the parents - or those seeking an alternative to conventional university routes.  Our Part 1 and 2 courses offer a flexible route, blending real-world experience with self-directed academic learning. If you’re keen to build a future without putting your salary or ambitions on hold, why not join RIBA Studio to gain your RIBA Part 1 or Part 2 qualification? 

Read Programme Director Dr Maria Faraone's reflections on the courses

In 2021, we introduced our new and exciting RIBA Foundation programme, aimed at those with an interest in architecture wanting to develop a portfolio, and gain experience before joining a Part 1 course. The foundation forms part of our wider range of ongoing initiatives to create a more inclusive profession.

RIBA Studio, in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, offers Part 1 and Part 2 qualifications currently prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by RIBA. The ARB is the statutory regulator for architects in the UK, they set requirements for anyone wishing to practise and use the title ‘architect’ in the UK.

Due to new accreditation processes being introduced by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the prescription of all Part 1 Architecture Courses in the UK will end on 31 December 2027. An ARB-prescribed Part 1 qualification will no longer be required for registration as an Architect in the UK. Students starting the RIBA Certificate in Architecture in the next intake in March 2026 will finish the course after this date, meaning their qualification will not be ARB-prescribed. This will not affect a student's ability to qualify as a UK architect, as the ARB will continue accrediting Master's level and equivalent qualifications as part of the route to registration. 

Most students entering Level 7 programmes across the UK are likely to have completed an undergraduate architecture degree or a RIBA Part 1 validated qualification. The RIBA Part 1 Certificate in Architecture will continue to serve as the preparation course that enables students to thrive on the RIBA Part 2 Diploma. As ARB’s requirements evolve, RIBA Studio will continue to adapt its courses for those in everyday professional practice, with applicants kept informed of any major changes.

RIBA will continue to validate qualifications at Parts 1, 2, and 3, which form the pathway to RIBA Chartered Membership, the badge of global recognition for professionals. 

Details of ARB are in the ‘about’ section of the ARB website.

RIBA Part 3

RIBA Studio graduates at Part 2 often continue to our RIBA Part 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture course. This is validated and prescribed by RIBA and ARB respectively. Those who are successful in completion of the Part 3 examination, are eligible for registration under the Architects Act 1997, and for RIBA Chartered Membership, completing their full circle journey to qualification with RIBA. 

While both courses are available, the RIBA Studio Certificate and Diploma courses are designed as a continuous practice-based pathway:

• Part 1 Certificate: allows students to develop 3D thinking, problem solving and an understanding of design processes in relation to building performance
• Part 2 Diploma: builds on the Certificate, with a strong emphasis on research through a dissertation, enhancing cultural, technological, and professional architectural knowledge.

Why Study with RIBA Studio?

• Practice-based learning: study and remain employed in architectural practice, while supported by an office mentor and an academic personal tutor.
• Flexible and Affordable: no need to attend Oxford Brookes University physically; all learning and assessments are conducted online and flexible deadlines.
• Tailored academic work: Students curate their own design briefs aligned with their professional work. Choose a personal tutor who aligns with your practice.
• No traditional lectures: Learning is self-directed through assignments, reading lists, and one-on-one tutor meetings. A student-led conference takes place annually.
• Unique entry assessment: Applicants are placed at the appropriate level based on their prior academic and professional experience.
• Peer support: engage with like-minded peers virtually, connecting for informal support and drop-ins, and opportunities to become Student Reps 

“Undertaking this course has shown my employers my desire to progress in my career and ultimately to become an architect.” -Former Part 2 student

Tuition fees are due annually for each year of the course. The annual course fee for the 2026 to 2027 academic year is £3,650.

You will also need to appoint and pay an hourly tuition rate to a personal tutor, and there may also be additional material costs.

Do you have talented staff and want to help upskill them? Why not support them to gain their Part 1 or 2 qualifications whilst continuing to work in the practice. Contact the Oxford Brookes team to find out how RIBA Studio could support you and your employees to build their professional careers.

The next available admission point for the Part 1 Certificate and Part 2 Diploma is March 2026, with applications open from April to August 2025.

You must work at least 24 hours per week under the supervision of a registered architect in the UK, EU, EEA, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.

For information on eligibility, requirements, key dates, assessment criteria, and more, visit the Oxford Brookes University website.

This series shares pedagogic design experiences for students on RIBA Studio, and for anyone interested in tutoring techniques, including architecture students, academics, and those in practice.

To catch up on our recent tutor symposium series, visit our RIBA Studio YouTube channel.

ARB's registration requirements are changing as detailed above, please keep updated on this page or on ARB’s website.

To register in EU member states, please note that requirements for registration varies. We recommend making sure your proposed combination of qualifications will entitle you to seek registration, or establishment as an architect, in the member state(s) where you want to practice. Please directly contact your competent authority to check.

Read our graduate profiles:

• Amy Walker, RIBA Part 2 graduate
• RIBA Studio Part 1 and 2, RIBA Part 3 graduate Chris Rogers
• RIBA Foundation in Architecture graduates Bradley Agyei and Omer Ajaj - Scott Brownrigg interview
• RIBA Foundation in Architecture graduates Kamden, Lucy and Wande. Read their stories.

Our talented students have achieved commendations in the RIBA President’s Medals, worked on RIBA Stirling Prize winning projects, and have featured on the television show Grand Designs. 

One of the five recipients of the 2022 RIBA Wren Insurance Association Scholarships included RIBA Studio Part 2 student Rebecca Smith, commended for showing potential to make a significant contribution in the field of architecture.

Recipients receive £6,000 and mentoring by an architect member of the Wren Insurance Association. You can also find recipients from RIBA Studio who received the RIBA Part 1 or Part 2 bursaries in previous years.

Check out our latest graduates work in the Oxford School of Architecture digital exhibition.

Follow RIBA Studio on Twitter and YouTube.

For keeping up to date on our RIBA Education channels, follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and regional RIBA channels for news, events and opportunities in your local area.

Banner image at top of the page from Function Follows Form by Tristan Kelly (2020).