Architect Degree Apprenticeship (Master of Architecture and Professional Practice)

Program Overview

Architect Degree Apprenticeship (Master of Architecture and Professional Practice) MArch

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.

Key Information

• Study mode and duration: 4 years part-time
• Start date: September 2025

Course Information

Overview

On this architect degree apprenticeship, you can get the RIBA and ARB Part 2 and 3 qualifications you need for a career in architecture. 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.

Eligibility

This course only accepts UK and EU students. Unfortunately, we can't accept international students on this course.

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

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). The Royal Institute of British Architects has accredited this course for parts 2 and 3 of exemptions.

Entry Requirements

Eligibility

This course only accepts UK and EU students. Unfortunately, we can't accept international students on this course.

UK Qualifications

• 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.

Non-UK Qualifications (EU students only)

If you're applying as an EU student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

The payment of the course fee is shared between the Government and some employers, meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice. Total tuition fees are £21,000.00 over 4 years.

Funding Your Studies

Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.

Modules

Year 1

• Architectural History and Theory: Introduction - 15 credits
• Project Management in Architecture - 15 credits
• Architectural History and Theory: Application - 15 credits
• Building Tectonics and Environment - 15 credits
• Practice Management and Professionalism in Architecture - 15 credits

Year 2

• Architectural Design: Strategy - 30 credits
• Architectural Design: Synthesis - 30 credits
• Thesis Dissertation - 30 credits

Year 3

• Practice Management and Professionalism in Architecture - 15 credits
• Thesis Design - 60 credits
• Thesis: Professional Reflection - 15 credits

Year 4

• Topical Research Project - 30 credits
• End Point Assessment - 30 credits
• Practice Management, Law and Contract - 30 credits
• Preparation for End Point Assessment - 30 credits

Facilities

• 3D Printing Workshop
• Architecture Studios
• Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR)

How You'll Spend Your Time

• One day of teaching per week, in your first three years
• Up to 300 hours of independent study work each semester

Teaching

• Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree.
• You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.

Career Development

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

Supporting You

Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed.

How to Apply

The application deadline is to be confirmed. Applications received after the deadline may not be considered.

• If you're already in full-time work, and your employer is interested in you studying this course, get them to contact us and we'll work out how to work together.
• If you're not in full-time employment, or your current employer is not interested in degree apprenticeships, you'll need to find a role that does offer a degree apprenticeship.