Level: 7 (Master’s degree apprenticeship)
Course duration: Typically 48 months (42 months practical training plus 6 months EPA)
Next start date: September 2025
Mode of delivery: Intensive block study and online
Architect Degree Apprenticeship
The Architect Degree Apprenticeship offers employers an opportunity to support talented staff in possession of their ARB (Architect Registrations Board) Part 1 qualification, who are ready to complete Parts 2 and 3. The programme integrates academic learning with work-based practice to further professional development towards registered status.
The Architect standard is mapped against the ARB and RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) shared Part 2 and Part 3 criteria. On successful completion, apprentices will also gain a master's degree (MArchD) in Architecture.
This apprenticeship is open to Architectural Assistants who have gained some work experience to build upon their initial Part 1 undergraduate studies, and are now ready for Parts 2 and 3.
For employers, our apprenticeship is ideal for those looking to build a collaborative research and development partnership with one of the UK’s leading architecture schools.
Prospective apprentices should be interested in collaborative research-led design, hold an open-minded ambition to innovate with new methods to architectural design, shaping their own educational experience; and also be confident with guided independent study (with support from mentors + supervisors at specific times)
The cost of the Apprenticeship for 2024/25 entry (drawn down from the monthly employer levy): £21,000 (subject to annual review)
Apprentices should be employed in a suitable Architectural Assistant role which can provide workplace learning opportunities, holding:
- an approved ARB Part 1 qualification - either through workplace training, or a full Bachelor's degree
Applicants with a first degree in architecture not recognised by ARB (e.g. overseas) can still be considered. However, apprentices must pass ARB Part 1 equivalence examinations before enrolling on the apprenticeship.
Those who have studied Interior Architecture, Interior Design or Architectural Technology - please also contact the ARB for guidance on eligibility to undertake these exams before applying.
as well as:
- hold English and Maths Level 2 equivalent to GCSE A*-C or 9-4
- be eligible to join the Apprenticeship scheme in England
Functional Skills English and/or Maths can be studied during the apprenticeship if eligible Level 2 qualifications are not already held; however, both must be completed before progression onto the End Point Assessment. It is an employer's discretion whether they may prefer these to be achieved by staff before enrolling on the apprenticeship.
We welcome employers and individuals to contact the Apprenticeships Team by completing the expression of interest form below. Once submitted, we will be in touch to outline your next steps and/or arrange a meeting with the Faculty.
- MArchD in Architecture Part 2 awarded by Oxford Brookes, and Part 3 (both ARB prescribed)
- Engagement with architectural practice within an academic context
- Preparation and training for the examination in practice and management
- Insights into cutting-edge research methods that can be applied to the study of Architecture and AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industries
- Practical training such as CAD, CAM and presentation skills
- Knowledge of the challenges and opportunities faced in the field, including awareness of legalities
The course typically runs for 48 months and requires 52 days off-the-job training per year.
Half of these days are delivered through dynamically delivered intensive blocks hosted online or in Oxford. The remaining 26 days are conducted through guided independent study in the workplace in-between intensives, arranged by apprentices and their employer / mentor.
Intensives are held in December, March, June and July each year; with the exception of January starters, who in Year 1 only, engage with intensives in January, March, June and July. This more concentrated Year 1 delivery allows January starters to re-join the prior September cohort, and share the same course structure & end date.
Progress is monitored through regular contact between the employer, apprentice and tutors.
Years 1, 2 and 3
- Applied Design in Architecture
- Research Methods for Design
- Management Practice and Law
- Advanced Technology for Design and Management
- Applied Research Design Thesis
Year 4
- Part 3 Examination in Practice and Management
- End Point Assessment
This End Point Assessment (EPA) is delivered in the final six months of the apprenticeship and contributes towards the achievement of Part 3. It comprises:
- An interview supported by career appraisal
- A case study report supported by design project or challenge
Assessors will review relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours to assure themselves that an apprentice has the competence to work as an Architect.
- Founded in 1927, our School of Architecture has established an international reputation for the quality of both its research and teaching. Our research expertise spans computational design, sustainable & modular buildings, design for wellbeing and vernacular architecture.
- As one of the UK’s largest architecture schools, we play a leading role in defining the national, and international, agenda in design education and research.
- The apprenticeship programme fully integrates the teaching, learning and support the University offers with the mentoring and training offered within your practice.
- Oxford Brookes were part of the Trailblazer process for this apprenticeship, and one of four universities to launch the Architect programme in 2018.