Ensuring high standards in architectural education

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has confirmed that two universities have become providers of ARB-accredited master’s qualifications under its new education framework.

Heriot-Watt University and Southampton Solent University have had their new master’s level architecture degrees approved by ARB’s accreditation committee, following a statutory consultation with relevant professional bodies.

The addition of these qualifications marks a significant milestone in ARB’s transition from the outgoing education framework to the new one, as they are the first qualifications from newly participating providers to achieve ARB accreditation under the revised framework.

Expanding the range of institutions offering ARB-accredited qualifications helps ensure consistent high standards in architectural education across the UK and supports ARB’s aim to broaden access to the register.

The ARB is an independent professional regulator, established by Parliament as a statutory body, through the Architects Act, in 1997.

It aims to ensure that only those who are suitably competent are allowed to practise as architects.

This is achieved via an approval process for the architecture qualifications required to join the Register of Architects.

The organisation also maintains a publicly available register of architects so anyone using the services can be confident that they are suitably qualified and are fit to practise.

It also sets the standards of conduct and practice that the profession must meet and take action when any architect falls below the required standards of conduct or competence.

The newly accredited qualifications are:

*Master of Architecture in Architecture (ARB), Heriot-Watt University

*Master of Architecture, Southampton Solent University

The courses are set to commence in September 2026, and applications are open now.

Introduced to provide greater flexibility and innovation in how future architects are educated and come to the Architects Register, the new education framework focuses on outcomes-based standards and is designed to support a broader range of academic routes into the profession, while maintaining high standards of competence and public protection.

Alan Kershaw, chair of the ARB, said: “We are pleased to see Heriot-Watt University and Southampton Solent University now become providers of ARB-accredited master’s qualifications.

“One of ARB’s core objectives is to strengthen the education and training of future professionals, including ensuring that high-quality architectural education is accessible through a broader range of routes and providers.

“This is a small step but a significant one, and we look forward to seeing more new providers across the UK develop routes that support a diverse future profession and equip architects with the skills and competence needed for contemporary practice.”

Dr Monkiz Khasreen, course leader of Architecture and Technology, Southampton Solent University, added: “We are delighted that the Master of Architecture at Southampton Solent University has received accreditation from the Architects Registration Board.

“This is a significant milestone for both the university and the city, marking the first ARB-accredited architecture course in Southampton.

“It reflects the strength of our teaching, the ambition of our students, and our commitment to preparing graduates for professional practice.

“We are proud to be contributing to the development of future architects who will help shape the built environment with creativity, responsibility, and technical excellence.”