What is a PSA? |
Your PEDR Sheets will need to be signed off by your workplace mentor and a PSA, but what is a PSA?
A PSA is a 'Professional Studies Advisor', and each school of Architecture in the UK will have someone fulfilling this role. It is the responsibility of the PSA to monitor students undertaking professional experience. A PSA is expected to offer advice on all aspects of professional experience, including salary levels and student capabilities. The RIBA PEDR website has a dedicated section which really goes into depth about what is expected of a PSA. |
Why do I need a PSA? |
Your PSA is responsible for reviewing your PEDR sheets every quarter and commenting on the breadth, scope and adequacy of the professional experience gained. If you submit your sheet within 2 months of the end of the period covered, your PSA will write feedback on their section of the form. You can use their feedback to adapt your future sheets to ensure you are heading in the right direction.
In some cases it will be necessary for your PSA to advise that the experience being gained is unlikely to prove adequate for the RIBA Examination in Professional Practice. If you have any difficulties or concerns during your practical experience you can use your PSA as a first point of contact. The RIBA Education Department are also very friendly and will be able to answer most of your questions. |
Who is my PSA? |
Most universities will tell your who your PSA is during your third year, as well as explaining what a PEDR is and how it relates to the route to full qualification as an Architect in the UK. If your university does not have an in-house PSA, or you have not followed the traditional route to qualification, you may wish to make use of the RIBA PEDR Monitoring Service via RIBA North West. It will cost £240 to have a PSA sign off your PEDR sheets for one year, regardless of which signing method you use.
When you start your Part 3 course, you can have your Stage Two practical experience PEDR sheets signed by the PSA at your new university. There is not usually a cost associated with this, and most universities will offer PEDR catch-up sessions throughout the year so you can have any old sheets signed by your new PSA. As your PEDR sheets will be submitted as part of your final Part 3 application, your PSA will work with you to ensure they will be sufficient. |