Architect Apprenticeship (Level 7) (RIBA Part II and Part III) - MArch / PgDip

The Architect (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship offers an innovative learning opportunity for students working in an architectural practice who are looking to develop a focussed relationship with their employers whilst obtaining the skills and knowledge towards becoming an architect. It incorporates modules across the MArch (RIBA Part 2) and PG Dip Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3), with awards in each.

During ‘off-the-job’ on campus learning, you’ll explore aspects of architectural design and theory through our studios led by inspiring tutors. You’ll be introduced to diverse approaches to research before embarking on a Special Study.

You’ll also engage with live projects as part of our Advanced Praxis module, working collectively on projects that have a real-world impact. Our Co.Lab projects also provide opportunities for interdisciplinary exploration with other course on live projects that engage with a variety of partners; schools, charities, artists, and manufacturers.

The final part of the Apprenticeship delivers professional skills in relation to building procurement and contract administration, and prepares you for the Design Challenge and Professional Interview (the ‘End Point Assessment’) at the conclusion of the programme.

As a School we take a proactive stance on the climate crisis and the spatial injustices inherent in the city, viewing them as intersectional issues to which the profession must respond. This includes a concern for life safety and wellbeing in architectural design.

You'll be supported throughout your studies by our experienced and talented tutors and technical staff, with regular tripartite progress reviews with your practice.

You can view the latest student work on our Graduate Show page.

Course Specification

Entry Requirements

Notes for Apprentices:

You must have the minimum of a ARB-prescribed Part 1 qualification or Part 1 equivalent as prescribed by the ARB (as set out by the IATE). We ask that you have an upper second-class honours degree (2:1) as a minimum.

You should have English and Maths at Level 2 on entry. Those without will need to achieve that level before taking their end-point assessment (as set out by the IATE).

We ask that you have at least 9 months of post-Part 1 professional practice experience. However, please contact us if you have less since this is negotiable on application. You should be employed approximately 37.5 hours a week in an architecture practice registered on the Apprenticeship scheme.

To apply, please contact the School of Architecture and Design directly at adm.apprenticeships@bcu.ac.uk. We recommend you apply a minimum of 20 weeks prior to the September start date of the Apprenticeship. We cannot consider applications after this due to the length of time it takes to assess the application, set up contracts and enrol apprentices.

If the conditions for entry are met, a tripartite interview will be arranged where you will present a written critical self-appraisal (single side of A4), and a diverse portfolio demonstrating academic and professional experience, including the following:

• Final project from your BA course
• Other projects from final year or second year
• A copy of your written dissertation or final year essay
• Selected excerpts from sketchbooks and workbooks
• A range of work from your practical training year or architectural employment (this includes technical work as well as design and presentation work)
• Evidence of your RIBA Part 1 exemption (e.g. BA certificate)

If successful at interview, you will complete a ‘Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours’ ‘Skills Scan’ before contract documents are sent to your employer.

Engagement with and achievement on the Apprenticeship will be tracked throughout via our online learning portal APTEM. You will be required to make monthly logs of your work of ‘on’ and ‘off-the-job’ learning, and participate in regular tripartite reviews.

Notes for Employers:

An apprenticeship is a job and should be advertised as one.

Applicants are required to have a contract of employment with an architectural practice with a nominated mentor, line manager, apprenticeship coordinator and buddy. The employment contract, commitment statement and apprenticeship agreement will include information about remuneration and benefits. Apprentices will be paid for time to attend training as part of the apprenticeship standard, amounting to 20% of the total Apprenticeship (the ‘off-the-job’ training). All apprentices must receive the same benefits as other employees. They must be paid at least the national minimum wage, and have the same rights as other employees. They will be entitled to the statutory rights in relation to, for example: working time; holidays; maternity; paternity; adoption; shared parental leave and pay; discrimination; whistle blowing and unfair dismissal. The same rules will also apply for dismissal and redundancy.

The Apprenticeships Levy is paid by companies with an annual wage bill higher than £3m. Employers who do not qualify for the levy can enter a co-investment agreement where the government co-invests 95% of the funding while the employer pays 5% of the funding.

Apprenticeships funding rules can be found here.

The Standard for the Architect (Level 7 Integrated Degree) can be found here.

Industry links

The course and our school have a number of key industry links; from live project partners in modules, to interdisciplinary collaborators that bring creative opportunities for our students and apprentices.

The school has long-standing partnerships with industry manufacturers such as Ibstock Bricks, Ash & Lacy Systems and D-Line, working collaboratively to develop new architectural products. We form part of the wider creative community with STEAMhouse and the Birmingham Architectural Association to help our graduates be part of a large network for creative opportunities.

Our Co.LAB initiative has established a reputation for considerate community engagement with a wide range of civic participants including local resident groups, arts organisations, local authorities and commercial companies.

We work with a number of established and emerging practitioners from Zaha Hadid, Gensler, Foster + Partners, to designers from small boutique design practices that bring innovative knowledge and progressive approaches to your learning experience. This is supplemented with our Visiting Professors including George Clarke, Dr. Anna Keay OBE and Glenn Howells.

What's included in your course fees

Course fees are covered by practice contributions to the levy, or by co-investment for non-levy paying practices.

Since you cannot be asked to pay towards your education, practices should ensure that they are able to cover expenses related to;

• IT (hardware and software)
• Consumables for printing, model making, portfolios and PPE
• Travel in relation to study visits associated directly with the programme