RIBA recognition for UCLan’s international architecture course

12 December 2017

Industry body validates University delivered course in Hong Kong

An architecture degree course delivered by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Hong Kong has achieved recognition by a leading industry body.

The University’s Architecture Studies BSc (Hons) course has been awarded full validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Run at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Tsing Yi), it is delivered as a collaboration between the Vocational Training Council (VTC) School for Higher and Professional Education and UCLan in Hong Kong.

The accreditation is the culmination of a review process which monitors compliance with internationally recognised standards in architectural education, while encouraging excellence and diversity.

The course is only the third ever to be recognised by RIBA in Hong Kong, and provides a comprehensive overview of design, theory, history and building technology, in addition to conservation, sustainability and environmental issues.

"The course enables students to work in architectural practice and associated professional careers alongside their studies, while drawing upon the specialisms and professional experience of tutors from both the UK and Hong Kong."

VTC is the largest training provider in Hong Kong and has worked in partnership with the University for 10 years, offering a wide range of courses in the Chinese capital including Quantity Surveying (BSc Hons) and Building Surveying (BSc Hons).

Maria Murray, Head of the School of Art, Design and Fashion at UCLan, said: “As the first collaborative course of its kind to be validated by RIBA in the region, this is a fantastic achievement and one which provides a new academic pathway into the profession for students in Hong Kong who may have limited opportunities to fulfil their aspirations in the industry. 

“The course enables students to work in architectural practice and associated professional careers alongside their studies, while drawing upon the specialisms and professional experience of tutors from both the UK and Hong Kong.”