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Architect Degree Apprenticeship

DMU is reviewing its recruitment processes for the Level 7 (postgraduate) Architecture Apprenticeship programme for October 2023. As a result, we are not currently recruiting to the Apprentice programme.

If you would like to study the part-time equivalent MArch, you can speak to our apprenticeships team. Email them at: apprenticeships@dmu.ac.uk

 

The Architect Degree Apprenticeship (level 7) at De Montfort University (DMU) is fully accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and Architects Registration Board (ARB).

arb-riba-logo

This accreditation recognises that the course content meets and exceeds the criteria set out by both UK professional bodies, and provides apprentices with RIBA and ARB Part 2 and Part 3 certification.

The apprenticeship programme is integrated with the existing award-winning MArch Architecture and PG Diploma in Architectural Practice programmes at DMU.

Apprentices will study alongside existing part-time and full-time students, benefiting from state-of-the-art technical and studio-based facilities within the esteemed Vijay Patel Building at the heart of the DMU campus.

This programme is aligned to the Architect Apprenticeship (level 7) standard and is allocated Funding Band £21,000 by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

The Leicester School of Architecture (LSA) has a strong history of developing emerging architectural specialists and will challenge the apprentice to discover or develop a personal stake in the architectural world. Included in the programme are current issues in architectural thought studied through deep foundations in: historical and philosophical thought, contemporary states of urban inhabitation, challenges to a sustainable ecology, the ramifications of modern technology, legal and economic contexts, and the state of the profession.

Download our Architecture Degree Apprenticeship guide.

Lillie Bamford talks about her experience so far on this Architect Degree Apprenticeship programme:

Who the apprenticeship is for?

This apprenticeship is suitable for employed professionals who are ARB Part 1 validated, and have gained an undergraduate degree in Architecture. All applicants need to be employed by a practice who will support the individual’s participation in the entire programme. This includes an employment mentor who is a RIBA and ARB Part 3 registered Architect. There is also a requirement for the applicant to have level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (GSCE A-C or 9-4) or equivalent.

Reasons to study this apprenticeship

  • The Leicester School of Architecture (LSA) was established in 1897 making it one of the oldest and most established schools of architecture in the UK with a strong sense of academic and professional community
  • The LSA is one of only five Schools of Architecture worldwide that have won more than three RIBA Part 2 design awards at the RIBA president’s medals in the past five years
  • LSA teaching staff are published authors, academic specialists and career architectural educators, meaning students are taught by practicing architects.

Delivery model

This blended work-based programme is taught over 48 months. During the first three years of the programme apprentices will attend DMU for one day per week during term-time. During the fourth and final year apprentices will study in intensive blocks, which will include lectures, seminars and tutorials. In addition, apprentices will be expected to dedicate further hours per week towards self-directed study throughout the programme.


Programme content and structure
Year 1
  • Design Project 1
  • Design Project 2

RIBA and ARB Part 2 (MArch)
Year 2
  • Technical Realisation
  • Practice, Management and Law
  • Dissertation
 RIBA and ARB Part 2 (MArch)
Year 3
  • Design Thesis Project and
    Integrated Technical Component
 RIBA and ARB Part 2 (MArch)
Year 4
  • RIBA Part 3 Taught Components
  • End Point Assessment (EPA)
 RIBA and ARB Part 3 (PGDip)
 

Assessment

This is an integrated apprenticeship which incorporates on-programme academic and workplace learning. The End Point Assessment (EPA) will test the knowledge, skills and behaviours as detailed in the Architect Apprenticeship (level 7) standard.

This Master’s programme is designed to enable apprentices to apply the academic theory to their own organisation and role. All apprentices are required to create a portfolio which will capture the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed on the programme and in the workplace.

This will contribute to their EPA and enable apprentices to reflect, plan and evaluate their development. Portfolio software will be used to capture all information and training will be provided to all apprentices on how to use the software.

Final degree award

All successful apprentices will achieve:

  • Master’s in Architecture (MArch) 
  • RIBA and ARB Part 2 and Part 3
  • Architect Degree Apprenticeship (level 7)
  • PG Diploma in Architectural Practice.

Successful completion of this apprenticeship will also give access to membership of the RIBA following successful registration with the ARB.

 

For more information, contact us by completing our online enquiry form.