Architecture (Degree Apprenticeship)

Here's what University of Portsmouth says about its Architecture (Degree Apprenticeship) course.

Overview Architects design buildings and play a role in shaping cities, communities and the way we live. To become an architect, you need qualifications recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

This Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship course is the first step to achieving these qualifications. You'll develop the technical and analytical skills you need to begin a career as an architect – all while earning a salary and getting on-the-job experience.

During term time, you'll spend 1 day a week on day release at the University and the other 4 days applying your skills and getting practical experience in the workplace. The Government or your employer pay your tuition fees – so your architecture degree doesn’t cost you anything.

When you finish your apprenticeship, you'll have a Bachelor's degree in architecture and you'll be primed to take on further study to continue your journey in becoming a registered architect.

Recognised and validated by This course is prescribed and recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

This accreditation means you'll satisfy the criteria for ARB Part 1 exemption and RIBA Part 1 exemption when you complete your apprenticeship, putting you one step closer to becoming registered as an architect.

What you'll experience On this architectural assistant degree apprenticeship, you'll:

• Explore design in collaborative studio spaces alongside your peers, while developing your individual and team skills

• Expand your architectural thinking beyond practice with specialist tutors and architects

• Access the latest software, including BIM modelling, advanced parametric modelling, environmental evaluation software, 3d scanning and printing tools, to support your design work and challenge your creative thinking

• Explore a variety of architectural challenges outside of practice to develop your design creativity

• Develop design skills through model making, material testing, sketching and drawing

• Have access to the University's student support services and community, including the Library, study support, sports and recreation facilities, and the Students’ Union

• Build a network of professional peers during your time at university, sharing your ideas and knowledge

• Get practical work experience in your job, giving you an advantage over students who go to University full-time

• Get a personal tutor from the University and a workplace mentor

• If you need somewhere to live, you may be able to stay in the University's halls of residence – talk to our Housing team for more information.

Careers and opportunities Many architecture graduates continue their training towards becoming a registered architect with further study at Master's level or registration on a Architect Degree Apprenticeship (Master of Architecture and Professional Practice) – equivalent to ARB and RIBA Part 2 and 3.

You can use your skills in areas such as:

• design practice

• planning

• historic building conservation

• project management

Roles our architecture graduates have taken on include:

• architectural design

• interior design

• landscape architecture

• urban design and master planning

• planning

• architectural technology

• product design

• graphic design

• lighting design

• set design

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

Year 1 Core modules in this year include:

• Design Communication and Portfolio (40 credits)
• Design Fundamentals (40 credits)

There are no optional modules in this year.

Year 2 Core modules in this year include:

• Design and Professional Practice: Global (20 credits)
• Design and Professional Practice: Local (20 credits)
• Histories, Theories and Matters of Concern (20 credits)
• Technology and Environment: Design Practice (20 credits)

There are no optional modules in this year.

Year 3 Core modules in this year include:

• Communication: Professional Practice (20 credits)
• Design: Architectural Investigation (20 credits)
• Design: Architectural Narratives (20 credits)
• History and Theory of Modern Architecture (20 credits)
• History and Theory: Dissertation (20 credits)

There are no optional modules in this year.

Year 4 Core modules in this year include:

• Design: Major Project (40 credits)
• Design: Major Project Reflective Synthesis (20 credits)
• End Point Assessment (20 credits)
• Technology and Environment: Discovery (20 credits)

There are no optional modules in this year.

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Assessment methods on this architectural assistant degree apprenticeship include:

coursework and written essays presentations portfolio You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You'll get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.