The Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge has announced proposals to restructure its undergraduate and postgraduate architecture programmes, in response to accreditation reforms introduced by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in 2023.

Currently, students aiming to become fully qualified architects under ARB rules must complete a three-year BA in Architecture, followed by a year in professional practice, a two-year Master of Architecture (MArch), and then another period of professional experience before sitting the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), known as Part 3. This process typically spans seven years, combining both study and work-based training.

Under the new proposals, students would be able to acquire an integrated BA and MArch in only four years without undertaking extra years in practice or the completion of separate Part 3 PGCert exams.

However, in order to apply for full registration from the ARB, students would still need to complete two years in practice as well as the Part 3 qualification, which would be integrated into all MArch programmes rather than act as a standalone qualification.

The new integrated course would be more in line with ARB’s updated framework, which requires institutions to embed all three parts of architectural education into a unified structure by 2027 to make registration more accessible and less costly.

The proposed changes were outlined in a lecture last Monday (26/05) by former Head of Department Professor James Campbell. Lecture slides show a revised four-year tripos featuring a final-year (fourth year) dissertation and the third-year dissertation replaced with an extra optional paper. and design research project.

A spokesperson for the Department said: “The new integrated course is in response to Architects Registration Board changes. It is under review and student consultation is the first part of that process.”

First years will still take a minimum of 6 years to qualify as architects (4 years for the MArch + 2 years professional practice) while second years are getting the same length of course as they originally expected when they enrolled (7 years), which is just 1 year more (BA + 2 years MArch + 2 years practical experience).

However, second-years will no longer need to take the Part 3 qualification as a standalone PGCert exam, as its teaching will be incorporated into the MArch, which the Department has indicated may shorten their route to qualification.

One second-year Architecture student told Varsity: “It’s disappointing to know that we will have to complete at least another four years [excluding years in practice] before becoming qualified, while the first years can do so in two to three [more] years. It really discourages me from completing a full architectural education and becoming an architect.”

“I wish we had had more information sooner. If I’d known, I would have waited and applied for an integrated master’s instead of spending money on a degree that now feels outdated.”

In April, the University of Leeds became the first UK university to have its proposed changes to the MArch approved by the ARB in line with the new standards, two of which take an innovative integrated format.

Two months earlier, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the professional membership body for architects, criticised ARB’s accreditation rule change, warning it may limit opportunities for students facing financial or personal barriers and reduce flexibility in architectural education.