Architecture in the UK: a study in professional entry-routes and entry-gates
Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning
ISSN: 2042-3896
Article publication date: 30 April 2021
Issue publication date: 28 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines architecture as an example of the evolving context of qualifying routes in UK professions.
Design/methodology/approach
The background and current state of architectural education, qualifying routes and regulatory frameworks in the UK is presented as a case-study, and compared with practices in professional education and qualifying more generally including the use of Degree Apprenticeships.
Findings
Architecture has since the 1960s maintained an entry-route that is premised on periods of full-time academic study plus full-time practice. While a minority part-time version of this route has always existed (and is now being expanded through Degree Apprenticeships), variations seen in other professions such as experienced practitioner entry and accelerated routes from cognate fields have so far been lacking. Pressures for reform are emerging both from external changes affecting the profession and from the high cost of qualifying in relation to median incomes in the sector.
Practical implications
There is a need for more flexible and less expensive routes to qualifying as an architect, with substantial scope to use practices from other professions and areas of higher education to recognise existing levels of competence and improve crossover with other design and construction fields.
Originality/value
This is the first review of architectural qualifying requirements that has been made in the context of professional entry more generally.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author has worked since 2017 with ARB as a consultant on professional standards and criteria. The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views or policy of ARB. The author is grateful to Elena Marco (University of the West of England), Emma Matthews (ARB) and David Gloster (RIBA) for their comments on various aspects of this paper.
Citation
Lester, S. (2022), "Architecture in the UK: a study in professional entry-routes and entry-gates", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-02-2021-0034
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited