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Professional experience and development mentoring

The School of Architecture supports Part 1 Architecture graduates from the University of Reading undertaking their Stage 1 practical training/year out through the Professional Studies Advisor (PSA) Service. 

The Professional Studies Advisor is responsible for professional studies within the School and monitoring graduates undertaking experience in practice.

While working in practice, you are required to record your professional experience in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Professional Experience and Development Record, a mandatory component of the RIBA Examination in Professional Practice and Management (Part 3), the final examination of your architectural training.

Professional Studies Advisor (PSA) and Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR)

If you sign up to the PSA service the Professional Studies Advisor will be responsible for reviewing your PEDR sheets every quarter and commenting on the breadth, scope and adequacy of the professional experience you have gained. 

You will also be supported by an Employment Mentor within your practice who directly supervises and has detailed professional knowledge of your work.  

For more information please visit RIBA's website

Chatting with Part 1 and Part 2 Architectural Assistants and finding out about how they work, and their roles in a project, on a day-to-day basis was very beneficial.

Tara-Carol Khouri, third-year BSc Architecture student

Events

Once registered with the PSA Service, you will automatically be added to the Part 1 mailing list inviting you to all open events at the University of Reading, informing you of a variety of events from lecture series to end of year shows. 

This will help you develop your knowledge and networks, forming part of the architectural community. 

There will be two call back days per year. This will give you the opportunity to meet with your PSA to discuss any issues they feel are arising in the placement, and also talk to your peers about your placement experience.

How to apply and fees

The Professional Studies Advisor service is available to Part 1 graduates from the University of Reading. 

Once employment has been secured, you can register and pay the fee of £200 via our online shop.

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