MArch / PGDip Level 7 Architect Degree Apprenticeship

This programme is designed to be the next step for professionals aiming to achieve postgraduate qualifications equivalent to the Architects Registration Board (ARB) / Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Parts 2 and 3, whilst continuing to gain relevant experience in practice.

The University is currently seeking ARB prescription for the programme, which will be based upon our proposals for meeting and maintaining a series of standardised requirements. Following prescription of the programme, which will be subject to periodic review by the ARB, apprentices completing it may be permitted to designate themselves as ‘architects’ – a legally protected title available only to those named in the ARB’s Register.

Who is this route suitable for?

• RIBA Part 1 qualified architectural assistants looking to obtain their RIBA Parts 2 and 3 qualifications.
• Those whose employers have undertaken to support them as apprentices over the four years required to complete the Degree Apprenticeship course.

Why choose a Degree Apprenticeship at NTU?

• Through new government funding, your employer will be responsible for apprenticeship course fees, meaning that you will not pay University tuition fees.
• As well as gaining a degree, you'll also benefit from on-the-job training, provided by your employer, opening up early opportunities for career development and progression.
• You'll have the added advantage of years of relevant work experience, while making industry connections along the way. This could enhance your future employability and boost your career progression.

Course details

During their first three years of the programme, students will study for an MArch Architecture in Practice degree award, which (following ARB prescription) will provide a Part 2 qualification. Year four will then be spent undertaking a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice course, which (following ARB prescription) will represent a Part 3 qualification, giving you eligibility to register as an architect in the UK.

What you'll study

This first part of our Level 7 Architect Degree Apprenticeship course content is focused on four core strands:

• developing your design and communication skills
• extending your awareness and knowledge of the theory and socio-economic, historic and cultural factors affecting architectural design
• advancing your appreciation of technology and construction methods
• developing your knowledge of management, practise and law.

Together, this framework will build upon the skills and knowledge you'll have already gained, extending their ability to research, analyse, self-appraise, think critically, work in a team and provide constructive feedback.

Careers and employability

Our Architecture courses are designed to maximise your employability prospects following graduation, equipping you with professional skills as well as enhancing and developing your design skills, technical knowledge and ability to communicate your ideas.

Graduates have gone on to hold various architectural roles in some of the most well-known practices in the world, including David Chipperfield, Richard Rogers and Glenn Howells, whilst working towards higher qualifications.

Students need to have achieved a good qualification equivalent to a RIBA Part 1 accredited course (for example, a BArch award with minimum 2.2. Honours).