Description
Course overview
This course offers a structured introduction to ethical practice and ethical decision-making across the built environment. Drawing on professional guidance, lived experience and collaborative discussion, you’ll engage with:
- Core ethical duties and how they intersect, overlap and conflict in practice
- Foundational behaviours that support ethical judgement across different roles and responsibilities
- Tools, frameworks and resources to support ethical decision-making in day-to-day professional settings
- A series of real-world, multi-level scenarios exploring ethical tensions relating to people, planet, clients, colleagues, the profession and yourself
- A final in-person, immersive, design-based ethical dilemma that challenges decision-making, behaviours and professional awareness
Throughout the course, there’s a strong emphasis on discussion, collaboration and peer learning. This reflects the collective role that dialogue plays in shaping ethical standards and professional culture across the sector.
Who should study this course?
This course is suitable for:
- Professionals working across the built environment who want to strengthen ethical judgement within design, delivery, management or advisory roles
- Architects, quantity surveyors, planners, engineers, policy officers and contractors navigating complex professional responsibilities and competing interests
- Early and mid-career professionals looking to build confidence in ethical decision-making as their responsibilities grow
- Those preparing to establish their own practice or lead new teams, and who want to define a clear and responsible practice ethos
- Professionals working within unconventional, hybrid or evolving organisational settings
- Individuals focused on sustainability, social impact or environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities in their professional work
- Organisations investing in staff development and looking for structured, discussion-led ethical training that supports good practice and reduces reputational risk
The course is relevant to both UK and international professionals. While content is grounded in professional guidance, it addresses ethical challenges that are widely recognised across global built environment practice.
Aims
This course aims to support you to develop:
- A deeper understanding of ethical practice and ethical reasoning in the built environment
- Confidence to make balanced and defensible decisions in complex situations
- The ability to navigate competing interests and stakeholder pressures
- Greater awareness of professional duties, behaviours and responsibilities
- Insight into different perspectives through scenario-based learning and peer discussion
- A clearer understanding of the risks, opportunities and value of ethical decision-making
Learning objectives
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- Recognise ethical dilemmas, red flags, and emerging risks, in day to day situations and more broadly across the built environment sector.
- Understand the interaction between one’s own role and responsibilities and those of other professionals in light of the law, codes and best practices within the built environment.
- Develop communication and collaboration skills to address ethical scenarios involving other built environment professionals, clients and stakeholders.
- Ability to confidently apply recommended frameworks, tools, and behaviours to navigate real-world dilemmas.
- Competence in making informed, balanced, justifiable ethical decisions.
- Ability to articulate the benefits of an ethical approach and overcome typical barriers to action within the built environment.
Learning and assessment
Learning is delivered through:
- On-demand learning through the Online Academy virtual learning environment
- An in-person ethical dilemma workshop at the London School of Architecture in Dalston, with dedicated, personalised feedback on your performance
- Scenario-based activities, guided discussion, role play and peer-to-peer learning
There’s no formal assessment for this course. You’re encouraged to reflect on your learning and retain course materials for your continuing professional development records and professional portfolio.
Time commitment
Boarding week: w/c Monday 18 May 2026
Live workshop:Â Friday 3 July 2026
This course offers 10 hours of learning, delivered flexibly to fit around full-time professional work.
Key features
- Hybrid tutor-led delivery
- Relevant to professionals across the built environment sector
- Grounded in professional guidance, including the RIBA Ethical Practice Guide
- Strong focus on ethical judgement, accountability and professional responsibility
- Practical, applied learning using real-world ethical scenarios from contemporary practice
- Emphasis on discussion, reflection and peer learning to support confident decision-making
- Suitable for individuals or whole organisations
- Delivered by an established built-environment provider
Participation requirements
Although there’s no formal application process, you’re expected to have:
- Professional or academic experience working in the built environment sector
- An interest in ethical practice, professional responsibility and decision-making
- A willingness to engage in discussion, reflection and peer learning
Technical requirements
To participate, you’ll need:
- A computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device with audio and video playback capability
- Internet access (broadband recommended)
- An up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge)
- Software for opening PDF documents
- A smartphone with an authenticator app for secure sign in
Please note that systems with firewalls may require pop ups and YouTube access to be enabled.
Enrolment details
Enrol today for the next cohort. For any questions about our CPD courses or need help with your application? Get in touch with our friendly admissions team using the following details:
UK (Free):Â 0800 019 9697 (Press 1)
International:Â +44 (0)118 921 4696 (Press 1)
Email: enquiries@ube.ac.uk
Cancellation policy
Online Academy recognises that a change in circumstances can sometimes be unavoidable and that delegates who register for a scheduled event may need to withdraw or change their original registration.
If you are unable to attend this scheduled CPD course you are booked on, you may request to substitute another person to attend in your place provided you notify us in writing at academy@ube.ac.uk at least five working days before the event.
Refunds are calculated as follows upon receipt of the written request to academy@ube.ac.uk
- More than 28 days before the course start date: Online Academy will retain 20% of the fees due
- 28-14 days before the course start date: Online Academy will retain 50% of the fees due
- Less than 14 days before the start date: Online Academy will retain 100% of the fees due
In the unlikely event of Online Academy withdrawing a course, all course fees paid will be refunded, however Online Academy will not be liable for any other costs or losses incurred.
