Heriot-Watt University's architecture degree accredited by RIBA

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 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, added: "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. The 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.