Milestone moment for Architecture course as RIBA validation awarded

The University of Suffolk’s undergraduate Architecture course has secured full validation from a key industry body in recognition of the course’s quality.

The Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) is the global professional membership body for architects, with representatives visiting the University in early December to assess the BA (Hons) Architecture course.

The two-day assessment included looking at student work, transcripts, portfolios, as well as evaluating staff qualifications, facilities and meetings with management, staff, students and external examiners, together with viewing a full exhibition of student work covering all three years of study.

RIBA validation was granted following the visit, recognising the course’s place in preparing students for professional practice beyond their studies.

The process began in 2021 when the course secured RIBA candidate status, which meant it was on track to meet RIBA standards and began the process of monitoring the course with a view to achieving full validation.

The new validation from RIBA also means the University’s course will be recognised for entry into RIBA Part 2 postgraduate architecture courses globally.

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) – the industry regulator in the UK which sets the requirements for registration – has already granted the course Part 1 prescription, which is for undergraduate level courses, meaning Suffolk’s course now has accreditation from both key industry bodies in the UK.

Aishani Jayasinghe, Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in Architecture at the University of Suffolk, said: “Securing RIBA validation for the first time is a very significant milestone for our course and demonstrates the high standard of teaching our students enjoy.

“RIBA recognition is incredibly important for architecture courses across the country, and having this will mean our future applicants and their families can be sure that they will have an exceptional experience in our fantastic facilities and with support from dedicated teachers with years of industry experience.”

As part of their studies, students have applied their skills to come up with design concepts for real sites in Suffolk, including Orford Ness, the former Sanyo factory in Lowestoft, Cliff House in Felixstowe and numerous locations in Ipswich, such as Fore Street and the old Crown Court.

They have also been able to learn from innovative designs in field trips to architecturally renowned cities in Europe, including Rome, Rotterdam and Copenhagen, as well as prominent sites around East Anglia.

The students were able to share these designs at a recent free exhibition open to the public, entitled Architecture – Volume Zero, and held in the University’s Waterfront Building.

There’s still time to apply for the course for September 2026. Head to the course page on the website here to find out more.