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ARB/RIBA Part 2&3

Level 7 Architect

Take our innovative and direct route to professional registration for part 1 graduates - fully funded by the apprenticeship levy.

Apply now

Accreditations

This apprenticeship is validated by RIBA and accredited by ARB. On completion you will be a qualified architect eligible for professional registration.

Earn while you learn

You’ll be paid by your employer whilst gaining practical experience and developing your skills alongside leading experts.

Professional registration

The route to registration as an architect involves three parts. This programme is for Part 1 graduates and gives you everything you need for Part 2 and 3.

Government funding

This apprenticeship is fully funded for learners aged 21 and under. As an apprentice, you won’t pay any tuition fees - these are covered by your employer and/or the government.

Key information

Start
September 2026
Location
See overview
Study mode
3.5 years part-time
Fees (per year)
UK: TBC
International: TBC
Professionally Recognised
  • Riba Riba
  • Accreditation logo

Overview

This innovative apprenticeship was established at Kent in 2024. It will give you everything you need to practice architecture in the UK as an accredited professional.

Our apprentices are employed by leading architectural practices including Clague Architects, Hollaway Studio and John Robertson Architects. You will benefit from learning whilst earning a salary and gaining valuable hands-on experience in an architect firm.

Intensive and inspiring on-campus study sessions take place for 2-4 days each term where you will connect with fellow apprentices. This is in addition to weekly online sessions.

You will be tutored and mentored by leading architects, gaining theory and design knowledge and experience that you can put into practice right away.

Apprentices on this programme will have completed an ARB-prescribed Part 1 qualification - usually an undergraduate degree in architecture. This apprenticeship then gives you parts 2 and 3.

On completion you will be able to register as an architect in the UK and go on to independent architectural practice, or work as a consultant or advisor.

The course

This apprenticeship gives you the essential knowledge and skills to become a registered architect, whilst earning a salary and gaining practical employment experience. Upon successful completion, apprentices will gain a Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship Award. This programme also enables apprentices to gain Master of Architecture (MArch, Part 2) and Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (Part 3) alongside the apprenticeship.

What you'll study

This programme enables apprentices to gain Master of Architecture (MArch, Part 2) and Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (Part 3) alongside the apprenticeship. Completing this apprenticeship will also give access to Chartered Membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects, following successful registration with the ARB.

Details of the delivery model and modules can be found in the programme overview (PDF 2.6MB).

All modules except for the EPA are substantially based on the previously validated modules.

  • Modules totalling 240 credits would lead to award of the MArch with Part 2.
  • PG Dip and Part 3 are awarded by passing all modules marked with * (total 120 credits).
  • Time is allowed towards the end of the programme for progression formalities, including confirmation from employers that students are ready to take the EPA, and agreement of Design Challenge synopses. Students may also be offered resit opportunities for any failed modules within this period.

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

How you'll study

The duration of the apprenticeship is three and a half years, including the end-point assessment.
Lectures
Independent Study
Group Work

Meet your course lead

Peter Wislocki studied architecture at Cambridge University, and holds an MSc in Construction Economics and Management from UCL. He has worked for architectural practices in London, Paris and Warsaw.
Meet Peter Wislocki

Learn from world-leading architects

You will be tutored and mentored by leading architects including Professor Bob Allies OBE, founding partner of Allies & Morrison; Professor James Burland, former managing Director of Arup Associates; and Angela Brady OBE, a past president of the RIBA and multiple award-winning architect.

Gain multiple qualifications

This course also enables apprentices to gain Master of Architecture (MArch, Part 2) and Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (Part 3) alongside the apprenticeship.

Employer connections

If you’re currently studying undergraduate architecture, we encourage you to connect with employers offering or considering funded apprenticeships. We can support you in making those connections.

Entry requirements

Apprentices are expected to hold an ARB-prescribed Part 1 qualification or Part 1 equivalent as prescribed by the ARB. Applicants also need to hold a GCSE in English and Maths at grade 4 (C grade) or equivalent.

Apprenticeships are also offered to up-skill the existing workforce, therefore if you are an applicant without the traditional qualifications listed below; and have prior learning and skills developed from your workplace, please contact the university who will consider applicants on a case by case basis. 

Fees and funding

The cost of this course is £21,000 which can be covered by the apprenticeship levy or by government co-investment. Other costs to consider that are not covered by funding include travel and accommodation at block teaching (if required).

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Please refer to the Apprenticeship funding: rules and guidance for employers for information on what costs can and cannot be included within the apprenticeship cost.

Please note that the Basic and Advanced Laboratory Skills (summer schools) accommodation, food and travel expenditure will come at an additional cost. 

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Funding

The maximum amount of funding the government will contribute towards this apprenticeship is £27,000, including the end point assessment. As each apprenticeship is tailored to the need to the employer, please contact the Centre for Higher & Degree Apprenticeship for full costings.

The university is working with levy and non-levy employers to provide apprenticeships and welcome inquiries from interested organisations.

Your future

As an architect you could go on to become a director or partner in a private architectural practice. Alternatively, you may choose to work in related consultancy or advisory roles, or specialise in a particular area such as heritage conservation.

Current apprentices are employed by leading architectural practices including:

  • Clague Architects
  • Hollaway Studio
  • John Robertson Architects

We also have apprentices working at specialist firms such as Adam Architecture, and a number of smaller up-and-coming firms.

Graduates from the School of Arts and Architecture have also gone on to work for:

  • Norman Foster
  • Allies and Morrison
  • Purcell
  • Hollaway Studio
  • Arup Associates.

Impressive prospects

90%
of graduates go on to work and/or study - DiscoverUni

A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over

£300,000
Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK

Why study at Kent?

Building a sustainable future

The United Nations 17 sustainability goals inform all of your project briefs at Kent.

Recently refurbished studios

You will have access to our bespoke creative studios with a flexible and adaptable digital crit space, and spacious studio.

Attractive on-campus accommodation

While attending study sessions on campus, you will be able to stay in our affordable on campus accommodation.
Find your room

A community of architects

This programme is partly co-taught with students enrolled on the full-time MArch and the stand-alone PG Diploma in Architectural Practice giving you opportunities for wider learning and networking.

Research expertise

Our School of Arts and Architecture has been ranked as one of the best for research across a range of fields related to contemporary architecture - particularly sustainability and heritage conservation.
Our research

Employers and Employees

Our team are there to offer support with developing apprenticeships in your organisation, be it upskilling existing employees or recruiting for new roles.

Contact us by emailing recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk or by calling 01634 888467 (9:30am - 4pm Monday to Friday).

Students and Prospective Apprentices

Apprenticeships are available to those already employed in a relevant position and require the support of an employer to take part. If you are not already employed in a relevant role, please visit our Becoming an Apprentice page.

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Everything you need to know about life at the University of Kent.
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Any questions?

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