RIBA switches on relaunched Academy learning platform ahead of CPD deadline

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched its enhanced Academy online learning platform, which the institute said on 3 November 2026 is now live for members and built environment professionals worldwide.

RIBA said the relaunch offered a simpler, more flexible online experience and marked a milestone in its House of Architecture programme, describing it as an investment in digital transformation.

According to the institute, the Academy has supported more than 47,000 users since it launched in 2020. Its catalogue runs to more than 250 modules, videos, webinars and online expos, alongside RIBA-approved professional development opportunities.

Chris Williamson, RIBA President, said: "The step marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of our Academy and reflects our belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit."

He added: "By making professional learning more accessible, relevant and connected, the Academy will help architects stay informed, adaptable and future-focused throughout their careers."

What has changed

RIBA said the new platform provided a more intuitive learning journey, improved accessibility, a responsive experience across different devices and integration with riba.org.

It brings together the institute's professional learning offer in one place, covering CPD, specialist training, conferences, assessments, Part 3 learning and corporate learning solutions. RIBA's CPD page says the Academy hosts the RIBA Core CPD online modules among other content.

The Academy landing page says RIBA Members receive a 20% discount across all CPD content on the platform.

Migration terms

RIBA's frequently asked questions page on the move sets out the practical terms for existing users. Existing email addresses and passwords continue to work on the new platform, but course learning history is not transferred and past live webinars and events have not been migrated.

Certificates from the old Academy platform are also not carried over. RIBA advised users who wanted to keep copies to download them before the transition.

The FAQ page also said there would be a three-day pause during the switchover in which no new courses could be purchased. The same page had said the new platform would switch on in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a fixed date to be confirmed, before the 3 November announcement said it was live.

House of Architecture

RIBA describes House of Architecture as its programme for its bicentenary and beyond, and says it must raise £30m of philanthropic support to deliver it. The programme's digital strand includes enhanced platforms to support professional growth regardless of location.

Its physical strand centres on 66 Portland Place, RIBA's London home, which the institute says will reopen as a fully accessible cultural destination. RIBA announced on 17 June 2025 that it had received planning and listed building consents from Westminster City Council for the refurbishment, and in that announcement thanked Benedetti Architects, Newmark and the other consultants for their work in reaching that point.

At that time RIBA said Stage 4 design was under way, with enabling works intended to start in autumn 2025 and main contract works in early 2026.

Williamson began his two-year term as RIBA President on 1 September 2025, succeeding Muyiwa Oki.

CPD obligations

The platform's relevance to practising architects rests partly on RIBA's CPD rules. Chartered Members must carry out at least 35 hours of relevant learning each year, and at least 20 of those hours must cover the ten mandatory RIBA Core Curriculum topics, at two hours per topic.

Beyond the Academy, RIBA's CPD Providers Network offers more than 1,000 free RIBA-approved CPD resources from more than 500 providers.

The deadline for members to record their 2026 CPD is 31 December 2026.