Level 7 Architect

The Kent School of Architecture and Planning (KSAP) are launching Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship, which provides a new work-based route for Part 1 graduates to gain the necessary qualifications to become registered architects.

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 and Kent’s Level 7 Architect apprenticeship combines employability with aspiration, removing barriers and providing an ideal platform from which to launch a career in architecture.

Building on Kent’s well established MArch (Part 2) and Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (Part3) courses, the apprenticeship route  reflects the complex multidisciplinary of architectural theory and practice. Working with architecture organisations, this route has been designed to synergistically combine on-the-job learning with advanced academic research and experimentation, delivered by Kent’s School of Architecture and Planning.

 Apprentices draw on the professional maturity and technical skills acquired in their day-to-day employment to support the intellectual challenges of academic assignments, simultaneously using the diverse academic resources of the University to enhance their practice.

This programme is being delivered to Part 1 graduates who are in full time employment. 

Qualification

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. Completing this apprenticeship will also give access to Chartered Membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects, following successful registration with the ARB.

Duration and commitment

The duration of the apprenticeship will be three and a half years, including the end-point assessment. This apprenticeship is delivered on a block-study model, combining a sequence of intensive on-campus study sessions (typically 5 per calendar year, each lasting 2-5 days) with online tutorial support. Apprentices are also expected to attend online meetings with a dedicated Apprenticeship Advisor every 10 -12 weeks. 

 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. 

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).

Modules 

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.

• ARCH8360 - Design 4a 
• ARCH8370 - Design 4B
• ARCH5380 - Cultural Context 
• *ARCH8570 - Ethics 
• *ARCH8580 - Law 
• ARCH5460 - Technology 4
• ARCH8380 - Design 5a
• ARCH8390 - Design 5b
• *ARCH8590 - Management 
• *ARCH8600 - Procurement 
• ARCH6470 - Technology 5
• ARCH6020 - Dissertation 
• *ARCH8960 - Case Study Context 
• End-point Assessment - Case Study and Design Challenge.