Leeds sets UK first with ARB-approved Architecture Masters degrees
Leeds has become the first institution in the UK to receive accreditation for its Architecture Masters degrees under the Architects Registration Board’s (ARB) new framework.
The ARB’s Accreditation Committee approved three Masters-level qualifications from the university, including two that follow a pioneering integrated format which combines undergraduate and postgraduate study. These are:
- MArch MEng in Architecture (five years, full-time)
- MArch MEng in Architecture (Industrial) (five years, full-time, with one year placement); and
- MArch in Architecture (two years, full-time).
This landmark decision represents a significant milestone in ARB’s ongoing reforms to architectural education and training in the UK.
These Leeds-based qualifications are the first of their kind to align fully with ARB’s new Competency Outcomes, which were introduced to modernise the path to becoming an architect, in turn ensuring it better reflects the realities of contemporary practice. The reformed framework aims to broaden access to the profession and prepare graduates with the interdisciplinary skills needed to meet future challenges.
Justin Lunn, Architecture Lead at Leeds, said: “The University of Leeds’ new integrated programmes, which will provide accredited Masters level qualifications in architecture as well as structural and building services engineering, are the realisation of a long-held vision to create a unified approach to education with a goal to produce graduates who have expertise across disciplines, allowing them to be more effective and collaborative professionals from the beginning of their career.
“We’d been at an advanced stage of planning for Part 2 as an addition to our Part 1 course when ARB’s education reforms were announced and we realised that they were an opportunity to implement an improved offer.”
Alan Kershaw, Chair of the ARB, added: “We’re thrilled to see the first new-style degrees reach this stage of the accreditation process, including two integrated qualifications that will take students from their undergraduate degree through to a Masters that meets our Academic Outcomes.
“This represents real progress in our work to modernise architectural education and training, and shows how innovative learning providers can make the most of the flexibility opened up by ARB’s education reforms.”
Leeds' new programmes will offer integrated architectural qualifications, as well as structural and building services engineering, reflecting a unified and cross-disciplinary approach.
