Entry requirements

A minimum of a second-class honours degree with RIBA Part 1 exemption. Applicants would preferably have a year of professional, relevant experience. Applicants who do not hold a recognised UK Part 1 qualification will need to undertake and pass the ARB prescribed exam for Part 1 prior to joining the Apprenticeship course.

All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.

All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.

Applicants aged 16-18 must have acceptable Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths, such as GCSE with grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills. If you do not have acceptable qualifications, you will be required to obtain this. Those aged 19 and over are only subject to these requirements if you or your employer choose for you to study towards English and Maths qualifications, which will be funded. Please note that you may still be required to evidence accepted Level 2 qualifications for the course, as part of academic assessment.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Overview

Earn a salary and get the qualifications needed to become a professional architect

On this integrated three-year Master's and one-year Part 3 qualification, you'll build on your undergraduate degree and RIBA Part 1 exemption and become an ARB-registered architect at the end.

You'll gain valuable on-the-job experience during this four-year degree apprenticeship, which will help you develop the professional and creative skills needed to succeed in architecture. You’ll cover topics such as urbanism, landscape, sustainability and culture in a studio environment.

During term time, you'll spend one day a week on day release at the University and the other four days applying your skills and getting practical experience in your workplace. The government or your employer pay your tuition fees – so your architecture degree apprenticeship doesn’t cost you anything.

Course highlights

- Develop the creative and professional abilities needed to become a registered architect with the ARB
- Get a MArch degree while you earn a salary
- Learn how to come up with creative and strategic solutions to a variety of architectural challenges
- Benefit from top-class facilities in this studio-based course, including our Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR) – the UK’s first integrated facility for virtual, augmented, and extended realities
- Put what you learn into practice in the workplace, preparing yourself for Part 3 studies in your final year
- Gain further professional knowledge from our network of visiting lecturers—past ones include Pamela Cole, Alastair Lewis, and architects from Tibbalds
- Get practical work experience, giving you an advantage in leaving the course as you'll have four years' experience plus your qualifications

Recognition and validation

This course is prescribed and recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The Royal Institute of British Architects has accredited this course for parts 2 and 3 of exemptions.

Once you've completed this course, you'll receive the MArch, Part 3 Professional Qualification and Apprentice Qualification. You'll also be eligible to join the register of architects held by the ARB.

Career planning

During your course, you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate..

Career support

You'll benefit from:

Networking events
1-to-1 appointments
CV and cover letter advice
Interview preparation and practice
Workshops to enhance your employability skills
Recruitment events, including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
Support starting your own business

Careers and opportunities

This architecture degree apprenticeship prepares you to become an ARB-registered architect. This will expand your professional knowledge, skills, and reputation at work.

Besides being able to legally call yourself an architect, having an ARB registration ensures you:

Are a qualified, fully trained professional, which highlights your integrity amongst clients and members of public

Maintain your professional obligations by following the 'Architects Code: Standards of Conduct and Practice'

Can work in virtually any practice or organisation, as some contracts or employers require you to be registered before you work with them

Continuously update your professional skills, knowledge and abilities through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Can work internationally, subject to individual country requirements

Information for international students

Not Accepted

Fees and funding

The course fee is shared between the Government and some employers, meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice.

Please see our Degree Apprenticeships page, or contact us for further information: https://www.port.ac.uk/study/studying-while-working/degree-apprenticeships

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MArch
part time
48 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Degree Apprenticeships
Email: degree-apprenticeships@port.ac.uk

Phone: 02392 848599

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Architecture and Professional Practice (Degree Apprenticeship)