Jump to content
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

The course is validated by RIBA, and prescribed by ARB. So you can launch your career as a qualified architect.

Real-life challenges

Projects take on real life challenges. Your discussions with property developers and other key stakeholders will be aspirational and academically rigorous.

Expert teaching

Design teaching is led by distinguished practitioners, while theoretical topics are taught by academics of international standing.

Professional practice

The Kent Apprenticeship integrates the teaching of design, theory, technology and professional practice.

Key information

Start
January 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

Do you want to continue your journey to become a qualified Architect, while also getting hands on-experience in practice? If so, the Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship might be perfect for you. This apprenticeship programme offers an innovative and work-based route for talented and ambitious Part 1 graduates to become registered architects. It provides the ideal platform from which to launch your career in architecture.

Architects are registered professionals, trained to requirements defined by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Only those who are appropriately qualified and registered with ARB can use the title ‘Architect’ in the UK.

The ARB sets the UK standards for entry on to the Register of Architects and prescribes qualifications that lead to registration as an architect. These standards must be met in order to register as an architect. Kent's Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship has been prescribed (accredited) by the ARB at Part 2 and Part 3.

The apprenticeship model of architectural education recognises that many technical and organisational skills are best acquired in practice. Building on Kent’s well established MArch (Part 2) and Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (Part3) courses, the apprenticeship has been designed to combine on-the-job learning with advanced academic research and experimentation.

The course

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

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.

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.

Join us on an Open Day

Talk to our staff and explore our cutting-edge facilities.
Book now

Download the prospectus

Everything you need to know about life at the University of Kent.
Download

Any questions?

Our team is on hand to support you on your journey.
Contact us

Everything else