Browse RIBA Core Curriculum

RIBA Chartered Members must undertake and record at least 35 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) every year. 20 of the 35 hours need to come from the ten mandatory RIBA Core Curriculum CPD topics. These topics have been defined in response to the skills that our members need to practice architecture – now and in the future.

Underpinning each of the ten is a set of suggested learning topics, offering dozens of ideas and suggestions. The CPD that you choose should be tailored to your own needs, or that of your practice or business, and reflect the statutory and regulatory rules wherever in the world you practice. All CPD on RIBACPD.com is assigned at least one core curriculum topic, making it easy for you to find CPD relating to these ten topics.

01 Architecture for social purpose

The topic ‘Architecture for social purpose’ helps you to understand the social value – and economic and social benefits – that architecture brings for individuals. The topic covers changes that improve lives, social identity, cohesion and well-being. It also addresses the importance of having the knowledge and skills to make informed, fair and ethical choices, and to influence the project team and supply chain.

02 Health, safety and wellbeing

The topic ‘Health, safety and wellbeing’ helps you to understand your legal, professional and ethical duties in relation to construction site and workplace safety and well-being. The topic also covers the development and management of appropriate strategies, processes, tools and systems as designers, principal designers, architects, businesses and employers.

03 Business, clients and services

The topic ‘Business, clients and services’ covers the principles of good business practice and service provision, and the relevant legal frameworks. The topic also covers the importance of having the knowledge and skills to make sure that the business you own or work for is managed competently, ethically, effectively and efficiently, with sound financial and quality management, and appropriate systems, processes and procedures in place.

04 Legal, regulatory and statutory compliance

The topic ‘Legal, regulatory and statutory compliance’ covers the importance of understanding and keeping up to date with the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks underpinning business, architecture and construction. The topic also covers the importance of having the knowledge and skills to apply these across the relevant aspects of the other CPD Core Curriculum topics.

05 Procurement and contracts

The topic ‘Procurement and contracts’ covers the importance of understanding the legal and regulatory basis of the procurement system. The topic also covers the importance of having the knowledge and skills to negotiate consultant procurement and win work, and to ensure that you have the right building or professional services contract or agreement in place for a project.

06 Sustainable architecture

The topic ‘Sustainable architecture’ covers the legal and regulatory basis (including primary and secondary legislation) and principles of climate change mitigation and adaptation. It also covers low-carbon and low-energy design, over the life cycle of a building, with effective client briefing and management.

07 Inclusive environments

The topic ‘Inclusive environments’ covers the legislation and principles that apply to creating inclusive environments which meet the diverse needs of the people who want to use them. It also covers the importance of having the knowledge and skills to develop and implement inclusive design strategies and methods at all spatial scales.

08 Places, planning and communities

The topic ‘Places, planning and communities’ covers the legal, regulatory and policy frameworks for creating successful urban and rural places, and the relevant planning processes and procedures. The topic also covers the importance of having the knowledge and skills to create successful buildings, within the context of neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

09 Building conservation and heritage

The topic ‘Building conservation and heritage’ covers the importance of understanding the legislative framework and principles of conservation practice. It also includes the importance of having the right knowledge, skills and techniques – or access to the right specialists – to work on conservation (repair and maintenance) projects, and historic or listed buildings and places.

10 Design, construction and technology

The topic ‘Design, construction and technology’ covers the importance of understanding (and keeping up to date with) the technical, design, engineering, services and technological issues, trends and changes. It also covers the importance of having the knowledge and skills to deliver a successful building process, using the latest technology in a rapidly changing industry and profession.