RIBA has formally set out its opposition to education-reform proposals for the profession launched by the Architects Registration Board earlier this year, cautioning that they could result in the closure of some UK architecture schools.

The Arb’s blueprint for change involves abolishing the three-stage qualification process for architects – known as Parts I, II and III – and replacing it with a new two-part system. One of the aims of the biggest shake-up of architectural education in half a century is to widen access to the profession by reducing the time and cost required to become a qualified architect.

Professional regulator the Arb spent two years working up its Tomorrow’s Architects proposals, which immediately attracted scepticism from RIBA when they were launched in February. In its just-published 13-page response the institute suggests the international standing of UK architectural education will be under threat if the changes are adopted.

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