Architecture (Degree Apprenticeship)

Overview
Architects design buildings and play a role in shaping cities, communities and the way we live. To become an architect, you need qualifications recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

This Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship course is the first step to achieving these qualifications. You'll develop the technical and analytical skills you need to begin a career as an architect – all while earning a salary and getting on-the-job experience.

During term time, you'll spend 1 day a week on day release at the University and the other 4 days applying your skills and getting practical experience in the workplace. The Government or your employer pay your tuition fees – so your architecture degree doesn’t cost you anything.

When you finish your apprenticeship, you'll have a Bachelor's degree in architecture and you'll be primed to take on further study to continue your journey in becoming a registered architect.

Recognised and validated by
This course is prescribed and recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

This accreditation means you'll satisfy the criteria for ARB Part 1 exemption and RIBA Part 1 exemption when you complete your apprenticeship, putting you one step closer to becoming registered as an architect.

What you'll experience
On this architectural assistant degree apprenticeship, you'll:
- Explore design in collaborative studio spaces alongside your peers, while developing your individual and team skills

- Expand your architectural thinking beyond practice with specialist tutors and architects

- Access the latest software, including BIM modelling, advanced parametric modelling, environmental evaluation software, 3d scanning and printing tools, to support your design work and challenge your creative thinking

- Explore a variety of architectural challenges outside of practice to develop your design creativity

- Develop design skills through model making, material testing, sketching and drawing

- Have access to the University's student support services and community, including the Library, study support, sports and recreation facilities, and the Students’ Union

- Build a network of professional peers during your time at university, sharing your ideas and knowledge

- Get practical work experience in your job, giving you an advantage over students who go to University full-time

- Get a personal tutor from the University and a workplace mentor

- If you need somewhere to live, you may be able to stay in the University's halls of residence – talk to our Housing team for more information.

Careers and opportunities
Many architecture graduates continue their training towards becoming a registered architect with further study at Master's level or registration on a Architect Degree Apprenticeship (Master of Architecture and Professional Practice) – equivalent to ARB and RIBA Part 2 and 3.

You can use your skills in areas such as:

- design practice

- planning

- historic building conservation

- project management

Roles our architecture graduates have taken on include:
- architectural design

- interior design

- landscape architecture

- urban design and master planning

- planning

- architectural technology

- product design

- graphic design

- lighting design

- set design

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.