Heriot-Watt University's Architecture Degree accredited by Royal Institute of British Architects

• It is the first and only architecture programme in Dubai to receive this accreditation

Dubai, UAE – Heriot-Watt University’s BA (Hons) Architecture degree has earned the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 accreditation, which  provides students with the opportunity to develop core architectural skills and understanding, prepares for post Part 1 practical experience, further study or to undertake full time work. It is the first four-year programme in the UAE to receive a RIBA Part 1 honour and the only one in Dubai to receive this validation.

Speaking on receiving the accreditation, Matt Smith Associate Head of School, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS), at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said, “It is a privilege for our BA (Hons) Architecture degree to be accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects. As we continue to equip students with the necessary architectural knowledge, be it theoretical or practical, it definitely is a proud moment. Furthermore, the accreditation will serve as a benchmark for the courses that architecture students need to complete to have a successful career in the field. Our courses are delivered by best-in-class faculty, and the accreditation is a testament to our teaching excellence.” 

“As the second programme to receive this accolade in the UAE, it gives me immense pleasure in congratulating the faculty and staff of Heriot-Watt University Dubai for making this happen.  As a global body, RIBA maintains the highest standards of professional conduct for architects from across the world. We hope to continue to prepare our students to be part of the growing workforce through this validation,” he added. 

Dr. Harpreet Seth, Head of Architecture at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said, “We are delighted to receive the much-awaited validation by RIBA, the first in Dubai. The Architecture programme at Heriot-Watt University, one of the UK’s and UAE’S leading institutions for multidisciplinary teaching and research, is designed to operate as a nexus between the global and local contexts. RIBA accreditation reinforces the programme’s aim to educate critical thinkers, that is fundamental to addressing critically important contemporary challenges facing humanity. UAE as a fast-developing nation inspires a new generation of creative professionals, from across the world, making UAE their long-term atelier. It is the new Constantinople of the world at a crossroad between the East and the West, offering opportunities for our fresh graduates to create architecture for change and positive impact. We look forward to continuing our collaborations with RIBA Gulf and RIBA International.”

Students at Heriot-Watt work across technical and humanities disciplines, testing the knowledge and skills from the architectural course through a series of core design projects taught in a studio environment. The course also provides students with key analytical and practical skills and knowledge required in line with the RIBA Part 1 level, the first step towards formal chartership as an architect. The combination of lectures and studio delivery encourages excellent self-motivation and the development of transferable skills that are valuable across the built environment industry.

After graduating with the Architecture degree, Heriot-Watt students are equipped to work for consultants, contractors, or government at the architectural assistant level.  They can also apply for a RIBA Part 2 postgraduate course at international universities, which provides enhanced architectural knowledge and project complexity. As the only other accredited university in the UAE and the first one in Dubai, Heriot-Watt is now in the ranks of only seven accredited universities in the Middle East.  The accreditation is unconditionally validated and subject to ratification by the RIBA Education Committee.

As a peer-reviewed process that monitors compliance with internationally recognised minimum standards in architectural education, RIBA encourages excellence and diversity in student education. In addition, RIBA serves members and society to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities, and a sustainable environment. As an inclusive, ethical, environmentally aware, and collaborative global organisation, RIBA creates architectural societies that are standardised and serve the communities better.

According to an IBISWorld report, the total revenue of the architecture industry was estimated to be USD292 billion in 2019 globally.  In fact, according to Statista, closer home in the UAE the industry revenue was USD 3.1 billion. The growing sector continues to be one of the most sort after educational paths for young minds. Heriot-Watt University Dubai remains committed to building the next generation of architects that will contribute to the structural landscape and do so in a sustainable manner.

© Press Release 2021