A brand new BA Hons Archecture degree course, in suffolk, has moved a step closer

A new architecture degree course at the University of Suffolk has moved a step closer.

The proposal for the course - a first in Suffolk - has been backed by the validation panel at the university.

The next stage is to build the full course statement, ethos and structure and take it to the industry body, the Architects Registration Board (ARB), for its approval.

If it gets approved - or prescription as it is known - then it would be ready to accept the first group of undergraduates in September 2019.

The proposal is being driven by Dr Liana Psarologaki, of the University of Suffolk, who is a trained architect, visual artist and academic.

She is also course leader for BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design.

She said: “This is a very exciting time. We have put a lot of effort into it. Thanks to my fab team, and the validation panel and the incredible support of the RIBA Suffolk the course is becoming a reality.

“Suffolk is one of the few counties without an architectural centre. We have had tremendous support from the RIBA and hopefully their members will be involved as part of the development of the course. It will be an opportunity for them to stay in Suffolk, though the applications we have already had are from outside the county.”

The university is also planning to build and develop links with architecture schools and universities abroad.

The course will also require the approval of the RIBA, Royal Institute of British Architects.

Bryan Wybrow, chairman of the Suffolk branch of the RIBA, said: “It really is exciting and a great benefit to the industry in the area.

“It is a great course with a great scope of study. Hopefully many of our local architects’ practices will get involved with it.

“We need a school of architecture in the county, which we have never had. It is about time.

“We need to have an exciting and dynamic course. Hopefully, when we have first crop of students in a few years’ time, we are going to employ people from the university to get some experience in industry.”