On 8 November 2023, the Architects’ Journal reported that the Architects Registration Board (ARB) will charge each of the UK's 60 architecture schools £9,200 per year to accredit their courses.
Today, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the news of the new fee.
RIBA Chair of Board Jack Pringle said:
"As an advocate for architectural education and schools of architecture, this compulsory new blanket fee has proved both an unwelcome shock and unexpected financial burden - especially to smaller learning providers and those already struggling financially.
Any fee must be proportionate, and we fail to see how the reported £550,000 revenue to ARB will help to directly support and improve architectural education, and the student experience.
We will continue to petition ARB on matters relating to educational reform, and to work with schools of architecture and our members to deliver an education system that is diverse, inclusive, and provides the best possible learning."
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
- RIBA is a provider of architectural education through the RIBA Part 3 and RIBA Studio programme.
