Accreditation Process for New Qualifications

The accreditation process outlined in this section of the Handbook relates to new qualifications for which accreditation is being sought for the first time.

Page updated 19 December 2024

ARB’s Accreditation Committee is responsible for making decisions about accreditation applications; and all decisions made by the Committee under its delegated authority (as set out in the Accreditation Rules) will be final.

The Committee is supported and advised by, among others, the ARB Executive (staff) and a pool of Visitors (appointed to provide expert advice on matters relating to accreditation). Each application will typically be scrutinised by a team of two members of the ARB Executive and one or more Visitor(s).

All communication with and from ARB will be via the ARB Executive.

Throughout the process, providers will be asked to notify ARB of any conflicts of interest – actual or perceived – with any Committee members or Visitors to ensure these can be appropriately managed.

Expression of interest

ARB reserves the right not to accept applications from providers.

Any provider considering accreditation should contact ARB to discuss the qualification, application procedure and ARB’s requirements before beginning the formal accreditation process.

Expressions of interest should be emailed to Qualifications@arb.org.uk.

Application timeline

There are three Stages to the application process.

The process and associated timeframes and deadlines have been designed to allow sufficient time – under normal circumstances – for an accreditation application to be considered in full and for the Accreditation Committee to reach a final decision before the intended start date of the qualification. However, some providers may need to start the application process earlier than indicated to accommodate their internal procedures.

To aid providers’ planning, please note the following:

Providers must begin the formal accreditation process (Stage 1) no less than two years before the intended start date of the qualification
Stage 2 must be completed before the provider has internally validated the proposed qualification
The qualification must have had full internal approval before the provider makes the Stage 3 submission – i.e. the main validation event must have taken place and the qualification had final approval following confirmation of compliance with any internal validation conditions resulting from the validation event
The Stage 3 submission must be received by ARB no less than one year before the intended start date
The Stage 3 visit will typically take place 16-20 weeks after the Stage 3 submission

When ARB requires a response from the provider and unless stated otherwise, the provider will typically be given two weeks to submit its reply. Depending on the circumstances, the time given may vary (shorter or longer).

All documentation and evidence relating to an application must be submitted electronically to Qualifications@arb.org.uk.

Each individual document must be under 20MB in size and clearly labelled, and can be submitted in its original format (documents do not typically need to be converted into a particular format, such as PDFs).

Eligibility

Accreditation cannot be sought for qualifications that are already running; and accreditation must be in place prior to the first cohort of students commencing. If students start the qualification before the accreditation process has concluded, the application will be rejected.

In exceptional circumstances, ARB may agree to allow students to start a qualification before a final decision. An example of this may be where the provider had met all deadlines throughout the application process and the Accreditation Committee had reached a minded to accredit position.

Examples of where an exception would not be considered include (but are not limited to) where the provider had failed to meet some or all of the deadlines during the application process; where the provider made changes to the qualification and/or documentation after the Stage 3 submission; and where the provider elects to delay consultation following a minded to accredit position.

Further information about eligibility for accreditation is given in the Standards for Learning Providers section of the Handbook.

Publication of applications and decisions

The status of any application or qualification and the Accreditation Committee’s decisions will typically be published on ARB’s website.

When providers advertise a qualification, the information must be clear and must not mislead prospective students as to the application/accreditation status of that qualification. Providers may wish to signpost to ARB’s website so prospective students can easily check this.

Please note that accreditation is not guaranteed; and, where an application is successful, maintaining accreditation will be subject to ongoing review and compliance with ARB’s requirements and Standards for Learning Providers (the Standards).

Accreditation fees

There will be an application fee for each new qualification. Providers of accredited qualifications will also be required to pay an annual fee.

See the Fees for Accreditation page for information.

Stage 1: Notification

1.0	The Stage 1 notification will formally commence the application process and will take place before the qualification has been fully developed. This will provide ARB with core information about the provider, qualification and anticipated timings.

1.1

The provider must submit its Stage 1 notification to ARB as soon as the necessary information/documentation (see 1.2 below) is ready. This must be no less than two years before the intended start date of the proposed qualification; though some providers may need to commence Stage 1 longer than two years before the intended start date, depending on their internal processes.

1.2

The notification must be sent electronically and will include:

A completed Stage 1 form
A copy of the written confirmation that the provider has internal support for and permission to develop the qualification
The provider’s expected timetable for development of the course and documentation, Stage 2 submission, internal validation/approval, and Stage 3 submission
The provider’s assessment of the risks associated with setting up and delivering the qualification – particularly regarding recruitment (staff and students) and resources – and mitigations
A completed Stage 1 Standards Overview form – summarising how compliance with the Standards will be demonstrated, and any gaps identified to date

1.3	ARB will acknowledge receipt of the notification. Once reviewed, dates and details of the Stage 2 submission and planning meeting will be confirmed.

Stage 2: Formal Planning

2.0	Stage 2 will build on the information already submitted. ARB will set out in more detail the accreditation process and requirements, and will be able to identify any potential issues.

2.1

The timing of Stage 2 may vary. However, it must be completed before the internal validation event takes place. This is so the provider will have an opportunity to make changes – if it chooses to do so – to address any matters identified at Stage 2 before the provider internally validates the proposed qualification.

2.2

On or before the date agreed at Stage 1, the provider will submit the Stage 2 documentation:

Business case/plan for the qualification
Draft programme specification
Draft module descriptors
Draft mapping to ARB’s Outcomes
Updates and any changes to the information submitted at Stage 1
Date by which the Stage 3 submission will be supplied
Staff recruitment plan for the period to the intended start date

2.3	The Stage 2 submission must be received electronically at least three weeks before the date of the planning meeting.

2.4	Planning meetings will typically be virtual. If ARB considers that there would be benefit to a planning meeting being in-person, this will be discussed with the provider.

2.5

The planning meeting will be chaired by ARB. Those attending on behalf of the provider will include the primary contact for the application, the individual(s) responsible for developing the qualification, and a quality assurance representative. Some of these could be the same individual(s), but there must be more than one person in attendance.

2.6

Matters that will be discussed during the meeting will include:

The draft qualification documentation and mapping
Queries or points of concern arising from any of the material submitted so far
Progress against internal validation procedures
The accreditation process, the Standards and documentation required for Stage 3, and the date by which the full application will be submitted

The provider will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

2.7	Within two weeks, ARB will confirm in writing to the provider any action points resulting from the planning meeting and the Stage 3 submission date.

2.8

If appropriate, ARB may make a recommendation to the Accreditation Committee to reject an application at this Stage. In such circumstances, ARB will notify the provider of the recommendation and reason(s). The provider will have the opportunity to submit comments or make representations that will be considered by the Committee alongside ARB’s recommendation.

2.9

In the event the Accreditation Committee decides to reject the application, the provider will be notified in writing with reason(s). Advice will not be given to the provider on any remedial or other action that could or should be taken. This decision will be final and there will be no appeal. See the information below (5.0-5.3) regarding withdrawal or rejection of an application.

2.10	If the Accreditation Committee decides to allow the application to proceed to Stage 3, please note that this does not guarantee that the Committee will ultimately decide to accredit the qualification.

Stage 3: Documentary Submission, Visit and Accreditation Committee

3.0	At Stage 3, the final qualification documentation and evidence demonstrating compliance with the Standards will be reviewed in detail. A visit will take place, and the Accreditation Committee will consider and make a decision about the application.

3.1 Documentary submission

3.1.1

On or before the date that was agreed at Stage 2 and no less than one year before the intended start date of the proposed qualification, the provider will send its Stage 3 submission.

This will consist of a completed Stage 3 form and associated material to demonstrate compliance with the Standards – see the Standards section of the Handbook for details of the evidence required and expected.

3.1.2

The qualification must have had full internal approval before the provider makes the Stage 3 submission – i.e. the main validation event must have taken place and the qualification had final approval following confirmation of compliance with any internal validation conditions resulting from the validation event. The validation report(s) and final approval must be included with the Stage 3 submission.

3.1.3

The application must be submitted electronically with all documents sent together in one consignment. Once received, the provider cannot amend or add to the application unless permitted by ARB, or further explanations and/or material are requested by ARB.

3.1.4

ARB will check and acknowledge receipt of the submission and start to make arrangements for the visit (see 3.2 below) with the provider.

3.1.5

The application will be scrutinised against the Standards by ARB’s Visit Panel, which will consist of two members of the Executive, and one or more Visitor(s). The Visit Panel will meet to discuss the application and identify any areas of risk and/or requiring explanation.

3.1.6

New qualifications will also be considered within the context of any existing accredited qualifications the provider delivers.

3.2 Visit

3.2.1

The purpose of the visit will be to discuss any matters requiring clarification and/or points of concern arising from the application.

3.2.2

The visit will typically take place three to four months after the Stage 3 submission (the timing may vary), and most will last no more than one day.

3.2.3

Visits may be in-person (on the provider’s premises) or virtual (online). ARB will decide the most appropriate format on a case-by-case basis and will confirm this with the provider once the decision has been made.

At the same time, ARB will advise the broad areas to be explored and any additional documents or materials that the provider must make available for the visit (if relevant).

The provider will be required to supply details (names, positions/roles, email addresses and phone numbers) of its representatives for the visit – there must be more than one representative, and those in attendance must be able to answer questions about the matters to be discussed and the application overall.

Once attendees and arrangements have been confirmed, should any of the provider’s representatives be unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, the provider must notify ARB at the earliest opportunity.

3.2.4

Two weeks before the visit, ARB will send the provider the visit Terms of Reference. This will be accompanied by an outline of topics to be explored (other matters not listed may also be raised, e.g. if prompted by discussions during the visit) and the deadline for the electronic submission of any additional documents or materials that the provider must make available for the visit (if relevant).

3.2.5

Regardless of the format/location, the visit will be chaired by ARB’s Visit Panel.

3.2.6

For virtual visits, ARB will circulate a meeting link to the attendees.

3.2.7

For in-person visits, the provider will be required to reserve a meeting room large enough to accommodate the Visit Panel plus the provider’s representatives. The meeting room must be available to the Visit Panel for the hour before and the hour after the scheduled visit times. The room must be equipped with power sockets and access details for the provider’s wifi network.

The provider will be expected to arrange tea, coffee and water for the visit, but will not be required to provide food/lunch for the Visit Panel.

3.2.8

Within a week of the visit taking place, ARB will request any follow-up material from the provider and specify the date by which it must be submitted.

3.2.9

Once the Visit Panel has reached its conclusions, ARB will prepare a report summarising the overall assessment of the application against the Standards and setting out the recommendations for the Accreditation Committee.

The provider will receive a copy of the report and have the opportunity to submit written representations in respect of the contents before these are presented to the Committee.

The provider will also be able to request that ARB does not proceed to consultation before seeking further representations from the provider should the Committee be minded to attach additional conditions not included in the original recommendation. However, doing so would delay the process (see 3.3.5 below).

3.3 Accreditation Committee – minded to position

3.3.1

The application report and recommendations, along with any comments/representations from the provider will be submitted to the Accreditation Committee for consideration. The Committee will have access to all of the application documentation as well.

3.3.2

The Accreditation Committee will determine the decision it is minded to make, which will be subject to consultation.

The Committee may be minded to:

Accredit the qualification in line with ARB’s recommendations
Accredit the qualification differently to ARB’s recommendations, or
Reject the application and not accredit the qualification

3.3.3

If the Committee is minded to accredit the qualification in line with ARB’s recommendations, the provider will be notified and ARB will proceed to consultation.

3.3.4

If the Committee is minded to accredit the qualification differently to ARB’s recommendations and the provider has not requested otherwise, the provider will be notified and ARB will proceed to consultation.

3.3.5

Should the Committee be minded to accredit the qualification differently by attaching additional conditions not included in the original recommendation and it was requested (see 3.2.9 above), the provider will be notified.

The provider will be given a short period (typically a week) to accept the Committee’s minded to position and proceed to consultation; to withdraw the application altogether (see 5.0-5.3 below); or to request that the Committee reconsiders the application and provider’s representations at a subsequent meeting before proceeding to consultation.

Choosing the third option will extend the process (likely resulting in the provider needing to delay the start date of the qualification), and the outcome may not be to the provider’s benefit.

If no written response is received by the deadline given, ARB will proceed to consultation.

3.3.6.

Should the Committee be minded to reject the application, the provider will be notified of the reason(s) and will have the opportunity to submit written representations before the Committee makes its final decision (see 3.5 below). ARB will not consult where the Committee is minded to reject the application.

3.4 Consultation

3.4.1

Before accrediting a new qualification, ARB is required – under Section 4(3) of the Architects Act 1997 – to consult bodies representative of architects that are incorporated by royal charter and such other professional and educational bodies as it thinks appropriate.

ARB will typically consult with the Association of Consultant Architects (ACA); the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS); the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW); the Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA); and the relevant RIBA region (if different to the above).

Please note that ARB will not consult with individuals.

3.4.2

Consultees will be provided with the Accreditation Committee’s minded to position and the programme specification, and will be asked to notify ARB of any concerns in respect of the minded to position and/or the proposed qualification.

Consultees will typically be given six weeks to submit their comments.

3.4.3

Any consultation response(s) will be shared with the provider.

The provider will have the opportunity to submit final comments or representations to the Committee in respect of any consultation response(s) and ARB’s recommendations before the Committee reaches its final decision.

3.5 Accreditation Committee – final decision

3.5.1

The Committee will make its final decision, taking into consideration consultation responses (where applicable) and any comments or representations from the provider in respect of the consultation and/or minded to position.

3.5.2

Where the Committee decides to accredit the qualification, the provider will be notified in writing of the conditions of accreditation applicable (see 4.0-4.1 below).

3.5.3

In the event the Accreditation Committee decides to reject the application, the provider will be notified in writing with reason(s). Advice will not be given to the provider on any remedial or other action that could or should be taken. See also the information below (5.0-5.3) regarding withdrawal or rejection of an application.

3.5.4

The Accreditation Committee’s decision to accredit a qualification (including the conditions of accreditation) or to reject an application will be final. There will be no appeal.

3.5.5

In exceptional circumstances and/or the Committee becomes aware of information that was not available when it made a decision, the Committee is entitled to reconsider any decision to accredit a qualification (including any conditions) or to reject an application.

In such circumstances, ARB will determine the procedure to be adopted for the Committee to consider the new material and its previous decision. Unless and until a decision is reconsidered, the Committee’s previous decision will be unaffected and remain binding.

Conditions of Accreditation

4.0

The Accreditation Committee will determine the conditions that will be applicable to a qualification it decides to accredit.

Accreditation of a qualification will be subject to the Standard Conditions.

Where it deems appropriate, the Committee may vary any of the Standard Conditions and make accreditation of a qualification subject to additional conditions.

4.1

The Standard Conditions are as follows:

Accreditation will commence on the date decided by the Accreditation Committee and continue until accreditation is withdrawn by ARB or at the request of the provider.

Accreditation of a qualification will be by reference to the submitted programme specification (or equivalent) and award certificate. No change may be made to the title of any qualification or to the content (allowing for normal course development) without the permission of ARB. Approval must be sought via the accreditation change procedures determined by ARB.

Accreditation will be dependent on continued compliance with ARB’s requirements and Standards for Learning Providers and ARB’s review processes.

Annually and by a date approved by ARB, the provider will be required to submit information specified by ARB to enable the Accreditation Committee to see that:
i. ARB’s Competency Outcomes have been met by all graduates
ii. ARB’s requirements and Standards for Learning Providers continue to be met
iii. All conditions of accreditation continue to be met

Following each and every set of examinations, the provider will be required to submit to ARB its pass lists of graduates who have received the accredited qualification and a copy of the certificate awarded.

Where it deems appropriate, the Accreditation Committee may vary any of the Standard Conditions, make accreditation of a qualification subject to other conditions, and/or require additional information to that submitted for ARB’s review processes.

Where it considers that any condition may not or has not been met, ARB may take any action it deems necessary up to and including revocation of accreditation.

4.2 Pass lists

4.2.1

Pass lists must be submitted electronically as CSV files via the Pass List Portal – uploaded by the institution’s pass lists administrator, and checked and approved by the head of school.

Please see the User Guide for Schools for instructions and a link to the Pass List Portal. Queries regarding pass lists and the Portal should be sent to info@arb.org.uk.

Withdrawal or Rejection of an Application

5.0

The information below relates to withdrawal or rejection of an application for accreditation of a new qualification.

Details about withdrawal of accreditation – by the provider or by ARB – from a qualification that is already prescribed/accredited can be found in the Withdrawal of Accreditation section of the Handbook.

5.1	If the provider elects to withdraw its application for accreditation at any Stage of the process, it must do so in writing (sent to Qualifications@arb.org.uk). Application fees already paid will be non-refundable.

5.2

Where the Accreditation Committee decides to reject the application at Stage 2 or at Stage 3, the provider will be notified in writing and given the reason(s). The Committee’s decision is final and there will be no appeal. Advice will not be given to the provider on any remedial or other action that should or could be taken. Application fees already paid will be non-refundable.

5.3

Should the provider decide to reapply – whether following withdrawal or rejection – the subsequent application will be treated as a new application and the provider must commence the process from the beginning. The standard timeframes will be applicable, and the provider must pay all relevant application fees.

As stated above (see Eligibility), please note that accreditation cannot be sought for qualifications that are already running and ARB reserves the right not to accept applications from providers.

Additional Titles

6.0

Where a provider wishes to seek accreditation of a new qualification that will be a variant of one already accredited but that will result in a different award title, they may be able to do so through the additional title application route.

A new qualification may only have minor differences to the ‘parent’ (original) qualification to be eligible for consideration through this route, for example an additional year for a work placement or study abroad, or the introduction of a different module to allow for a specialism. The majority of the structure, content, learning outcomes and mapping to ARB’s Outcomes of the new qualification must be as that of the parent qualification.

6.1

An additional title – however similar to one that is already accredited – constitutes a new qualification and so such applications incur the standard application fee for accreditation of a new qualification, payable on submission. Should ARB decide to approve the application, this will be counted as a separate qualification for the purposes of the annual accreditation fee, annual monitoring, and pass lists.

6.2	ARB reserves the right not to accept applications from providers and, as for any new qualification, ARB accreditation must be in place before the additional title commences. Applications will not be accepted for additional titles that are already running and have students on them.

6.3

The provider should contact ARB’s Accreditation Team at an early stage with an outline of the proposed new title, duration and mode(s), how it will differ to the accredited parent qualification, and the intended start date. This expression of interest should be emailed to Qualifications@arb.org.uk.

If the application will be accepted, ARB will then determine whether the new qualification could be considered as an additional title or require a full new qualification application. The provider will be notified accordingly and, in the case of an additional title application, asked to confirm when the application (documentary submission) will be sent (which should be as soon as possible after internal approval and well before the intended start date).

Under normal circumstances, it is anticipated that it will take a minimum of approximately six months (from the time of the documentary submission) for an additional title application to be considered and for the Accreditation Committee to reach a decision. However, some may take longer.

On receipt of an additional title application, if the material contained indicates that the changes are more substantial than those originally suggested ARB reserves the right to reject it as an additional title. In such cases, the provider would have to submit a full new qualification application instead (and in accordance with the associated timeframes).

6.4

All additional title applications must include the following:

Proposed new qualification title, duration and mode(s), and type.
A copy of the certificate that will be awarded to successful graduates.
Intended start date and earliest award date for the new qualification.
The rationale for the additional title.
A description of the scope and nature of the changes to the parent qualification for the proposed new qualification. Where there will be changes to the structure, module titles and/or module credits, a side-by-side comparison of the existing and new programmes is also expected.
Copies of the internal validation report and confirmation of the final internal approval.
A copy of the programme specification for the additional title.
A copy of any module descriptors that differ to those previously submitted in respect of the parent qualification.
Revised mapping document for any modules that differ to the parent qualification (where relevant).
Impact on student numbers – projected student numbers for the additional title for the first five years of delivery, and confirmation of whether these will be drawn from or in addition to existing numbers.
Confirmation of the plan for external examiners and arrangements.
Impact on staffing, including any additional risks and/or changes to contingency plans.
Impact on teaching and learning resources.

The provider must also confirm if the other information previously supplied in relation to the parent qualification also applies to additional title with no changes. If anything differs to the documents already shared with ARB, the provider must submit the revised versions and outline what has changed.

Depending on the nature of the proposed changes and/or the time since receipt of materials regarding the parent qualification, ARB may require the provider to submit evidence in relation to particular Standards as well as the above.

6.5	The application must be submitted electronically with all documents sent together in one consignment. Once received, the provider cannot amend or add to the application unless permitted by ARB, or further explanations and/or material are requested by ARB.

6.6	ARB will check and acknowledge receipt of the submission.

6.7	The application will be scrutinised against the Standards and requirements for accreditation, and within the context of the accredited qualification(s) the provider delivers. ARB will decide on a case-by-case basis whether to seek the advice of one or more Visitor(s).

6.8

Where any matters require clarification, the Executive will contact the provider to request written explanations and/or arrange a visit (virtual or in-person).

Should written explanations be required, the provider will typically be given two weeks to respond (though the deadline may vary).

Where a visit is necessary, this will be arranged and conducted as set out at 3.2-3.2.8 above.

6.9

Once the Executive (or Visit Panel, where relevant) has reached its conclusions, a report will be prepared that summarises the overall assessment of the application against the Standards and requirements and setting out the recommendations for the Accreditation Committee.

The provider will receive a copy of the report and have the opportunity to submit written representations in respect of the contents before these are presented to the Committee.

6.10	The process will then continue as for any other new qualification and as set out from 3.3 above.

6.11

Should the Committee decide to accredit the additional title, please refer to the information from 4.0 above regarding conditions and pass lists. Separate pass lists (and associated certificates) must be submitted for each accredited qualification.

Accreditation of an additional title is not guaranteed. The information from 5.0 above similarly applies in the event of the withdrawal or rejection of an additional title application.