The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has denounced a reform from the Architects Registration Board (ARB) on qualification awarding powers
The ARB closed their consultation on Accreditation Rule 4.2: Degree awarding powers today, proposing a reform in wording from qualification awarding powers to degree awarding powers.
RIBA has responded with disapproval to the proposal, saying that it “risks haemorrhaging talent.”
The change would make for easier ARB disqualification
The ARB reform would mean that any learning provider that is applying for accreditation of a master’s level qualification or equivalent would need degree awarding powers, i.e. a formal agreement with a body that holds degree awarding powers.
This means that learning providers without degree awarding powers or do not have a formal agreement would immediately be disqualified from ARB qualifications.
As it currently stands, RIBA qualifications are recognised for ARB qualifications.
Fewer routes to becoming a registered architect with ARB reform
Chair of RIBA board of trustees, Jack Pringle, said: “ARB’s proposal will seriously hamper the development of new pathways into architecture – at a time when the need for more flexible routes to qualification have never been greater. The change risks haemorrhaging talent and threatens the future diversity of our profession.
“We support ARB moving to an outcomes-based approach to education, just as RIBA has always done, to widen access to the profession in a robust and well-regulated way.
“However, this elitist and ill-judged proposal is a barrier to learning providers that supply innovative and diverse routes to the required professional qualifications. Indeed, such alternative routes are welcomed and nurtured in the accountancy and legal professions.
“RIBA Studio is a lifeline for those working in practice with financial, family or other commitments that prevent them from returning to full-time or even part-time university study to become an architect. It has the flexibility to suspend studies when needed, demonstrating the value of different routes to registration.
“We continue to advocate for our members, students and schools of architecture, holding ARB to account on educational reform – and working together to deliver a robust education system for all.”
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