Representatives from the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) visited the Ipswich-based university in early December to assess its BA (hons) architecture course.
The two-day assessment saw them look at student work, transcripts, portfolios and staff qualifications.
20348751 (Image: University of Suffolk)
They also examined facilities and held meetings with management, stuff, 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.”