ARC-ex’ Part 3 Course for aspiring architects is now reaching all four corners of the globe direct from Belfast
ARC-ex, an esteemed School of Architecture based in Northern Ireland, has announced the opening of registrations for its highly acclaimed Part 3 course 2023, which will help students from all over the world obtain the much sought-after official architect qualification from the Architects Registration Board (ARB), remotely.
Led by the award-winning architect Neil Mathews — a Belfast-based architect, with over 26 years of private practice and academic experience, ARC-ex provides a unique opportunity for architecture students to gain the prestigious ARB accreditation, setting them on a path towards professional excellence.
The ARB accreditation, globally recognised, signifies expertise in the field of architecture, and it is only upon successful attainment of this qualification that one can rightfully be referred to as an architect.
This year ARC-ex (which stands for Architectural Exam) aims to attract a diverse range of candidates by highlighting its exceptional offerings and international reach thanks to successfully transitioning to a fully online format following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.
What this presents now is an opportunity for aspiring architects worldwide to acquire this esteemed UK qualification, while showcasing the exceptional standard of education and architectural expertise originating from Northern Ireland.
Neil Mathews, architect and director of Neil Mathews Architects, is a critically acclaimed industry professional. His firm specialises in architecture and planning for commercial, residential and industrial projects.
Among its services are planning, detailed design and contract administration.
While balancing a successful business, Mr Mathews has dedicated over a decade to developing and refining the ARC-ex course.
With his extensive industry experience and passion for architecture, he built a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge required for success in the field.
This curriculum, until ARC-ex’s creation, was only available at physical institutions and universities.
Mr Mathews said: “I am thrilled to invite architecture students and professionals from around the world to join our ARC-ex course.
“We offer a tailored learning experience, combining expert lectures, interactive discussions, and practical workshops to ensure our candidates receive the highest quality education in preparation for the Part 3 examination.
“ARC-ex stands apart as the only privately funded Part 3 course in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. The course provides flexibility for candidates, allowing them to complete the program within one year and sit the exam at a later date, unlike traditional academic institutions.”
Featuring an impressive 85% pass rate, ARC-ex has nurtured the careers of over 75 Part 3 graduates in the past 11 years, many of whom have garnered accolades and recognition for their outstanding work.
The intimate class sizes foster a supportive learning environment, enabling in-depth discussions and personalised feedback from industry experts.
Paschal Law, a recent ARC-ex graduate and architect based in Hong Kong said:
“The ARC-ex Part 3 course delivers comprehensive and informative lectures so we can learn how an architect’s professional practice works in the UK. The seminars are well organised to cover all topics that we need to know about the UK system within a short timeframe. I also really enjoyed the study group part of the course – it was great for someone like me who is from Hong Kong as it was an opportunity to meet up with new friends and professionals in UK. I was extremely impressed by ARC-ex and I applaud their work in making the course a grand success for training new architects.”
Holly Moag, a Northern Ireland based ARC-ex graduate added: “The ARC-ex course was the perfect, flexible option to finish my formal architectural education. I still use the information from the lectures every day. It was both relevant and interesting.”
Registration is now open for the 2023 ARC-ex Part 3 course. Prospective candidates include current and future architecture students seeking to complete their Part 3 studies, professionals in architectural practice aiming for full accreditation, and international students looking to benefit from the course’s 100% online delivery.
For more information and to register for the ARC-ex Part 3 course, please visit https://www.arcex.co.uk/. Limited spaces are available, so early enrolment is encouraged.