Architecture/Professional Practice (Architect Apprenticeship)(PT) MArch

In the heart of central London, we work with more than 125 architectural practices across London and the Southeast, giving apprentices direct access to industry networks, employers and professional experience.

Extensive workshops and digital fabrication facilities, including advanced digital technologies, model‑making workshops, and specialist equipment that supports both analogue and cutting‑edge design practices.

We're one of the UK’s most apprenticeship-active architecture schools, with apprentices achieving strong completion rates, winning regional and national awards, and regularly recognised by external examiners among the strongest Part 2 and Part 3 graduates.

Overview
Course Content
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

Building a great future

The Architect Level 7 Apprenticeship at LSBU is a fully integrated, four‑year professional route that combines ARB/RIBA Part 2 (MArch Architecture) and ARB/RIBA Part 3 (PGCert Professional Practice) into a single pathway leading to qualification as an architect.

Designed for apprentices employed in architectural practice, the programme blends advanced academic study with real‑world professional experience. Apprentices attend university one day per week, applying new knowledge directly to their workplace while developing the full range of design, technical, professional and regulatory competencies required for architectural registration.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship leads to:

MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
PGCert Professional Practice (ARB/RIBA Part 3)
Eligibility to register as an Architect with the Architects Registration Board

Apprentices at LSBU consistently achieve exceptional outcomes, with recent achievement rates of 91–100%, and external examiners regularly noting that apprentices are among the highest‑performing graduates at Part 2 and Part 3.

Why Architecture at LSBU?

LSBU is one of the UK’s leading centres for practice-integrated architectural education. We combine strong industry and community links with teaching from both academics and practising architects, to keep learning connected to real-world practice.

View the School of Architecture and Planning catalogues:

2025
2024

Please note:

This apprenticeship is the only entry point to the integrated pathway: applicants apply to the apprenticeship as a single programme and progress through the MArch and PGCert components sequentially. There is no intermediate exit award, and applicants cannot apply to the MArch or PGCert separately under the apprenticeship funding model. LSBU does offer standalone Part 2 and Part 3 routes, but these are delivered outside the apprenticeship funding structure.

Course Content

Apprentices develop advanced design capability, critical thinking, and technical proficiency through studio based learning, lectures, seminars, workshops and site visits.

ALL MARCH MODULES MUST BE PASSED BEFORE PROGRESSING TO THE PGCERT.

Architectural design for small, medium and large scale projects
History, theory and cultural context
Technology, climate literacy, environmental design and sustainable systems
Structural and constructional integration
Urban design and planning
Professional studies and procurement
Research methods and written thesis development
Advanced analogue and digital representation
Critical, reflective and ethical practice

Apprentices join one of several design supervisors, each with a distinct thematic focus. Projects are defined and developed by the student through tutorials, interim reviews and final presentations to staff and invited critics, includes apprentice mentors.

Design 401 (20 credits)
History and theory: critical thinking (20 credits)

Design 402: (40 credits)

Professional practice and design economics (20 credits)
Architecture and theory: dissertation

Energy and resource efficiency in design (20 credits)
Architecture and theory: dissertation (20 credits)

Design 501 (40 credits)

Design 502: (40 credits)
Technology 5: (20 credits)

The final year prepares apprentices for professional qualification and the responsibilities of registered architects.

Professionalism and ethics
Clients, users and service delivery
Legal frameworks and regulatory compliance
Practice management and business operations
Building procurement and contracts
Risk, liability and professional judgement

Case Study supported by Design Challenges
Career Appraisal
Professional Interview

Apprentices must complete:

Records of Experience (PEDR’s / CoPE’s)
Meet all Skills England KSBs
Employer confirmation of readiness
Level 2 English and Maths (if not already held)

Professional Practice Written Examination (20 Credits)
Professional experience records (10 credits)

EPA: Case study supported by design challenge (20 credits)
EPA: Professional interview supported by career appraisal (10 credits)

* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

Teaching

One day per week at LSBU, term time only.
Design studios, lectures, seminars, workshop facilities
Site visits and guest lectures
Integrated academic and workplace learning
Support from academic tutors and workplace mentors
Design portfolios
Written coursework and research submissions
Examinations (PGCert)
Records of Experience
Gateway Review (PGCert)
End Point Assessment (Case Study, Career Appraisal, Professional Interview)

Assessment

Assessment aligns with:

ARB General Criteria (Part 2)
ARB Professional Criteria (Part 3)
RIBA Themes and Values
Skills England Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Careers

Graduates of the Architect Level 7 Apprenticeship achieve:

ARB/RIBA Part 2 – MArch Architecture (Architect Apprenticeship)
ARB/RIBA Part 3 – Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (Architect Apprenticeship)
Eligibility for ARB registration as an Architect
Eligibility for RIBA Chartership as an Architect

Graduates of the Architect Level 7 Apprenticeship achieve ARB/RIBA Part 2, ARB/RIBA Part 3, and become eligible to register as an Architect with the Architects Registration Board. Because apprentices complete the programme while working in practice, they graduate with substantial professional experience and a strong portfolio, giving them a clear advantage in the job market.

The integrated apprenticeship route is a cost‑ and time‑effective pathway to professional qualification, enabling apprentices to progress from Part 1 to registration while remaining employed. Employers benefit from developing talent within their organisation, and apprentices gain deep insight into the realities of contemporary architectural practice.

LSBU has a long history of delivering part‑time professional architectural education and maintains strong links with over 125 practices across London and the Southeast. Apprentices regularly progress into roles such as Architectural Assistant, Project Architect, and Practice Manager, and many continue to develop specialisms in areas such as housing, sustainability, digital design, and community‑focused practice.

During your studies — and for two years after graduation — you’ll have access to LSBU’s Employability Service, including the Careers Gym, workshops, and one‑to‑one support. Our JobShop advisers can help you identify opportunities, refine your CV and portfolio, and prepare for interviews as you progress toward registration.

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

To join the Architect Level 7 Apprenticeship, applicants must:

Academic Requirements

Hold a BA (Hons) Architecture or equivalent ARB Part 1 qualification 2.2 or above, or
level 6 Architectural Assistant apprenticeship certificate, or
recognised first degree in architecture which is notified to the European Commission plus
applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including minimum B in Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above)
Demonstrate readiness for postgraduate architectural study via a personal statement and portfolio of works.
Be employed in a UK architectural practice in a role that supports the development of the Skills England Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) or
Confirmation of employment offer in architect’s practice registered as hosting L7 apprentices
Have employer support for the apprenticeship, including agreement to provide workplace mentoring and release for study.

Employment Requirements

Be employed in a UK architectural practice in a role that supports the development of the Skills England Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) or
Confirmation of employment offer in architect’s practice registered as hosting L7 apprentices
Have employer support for the apprenticeship, including agreement to provide workplace mentoring and release for study.

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Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Apprenticeship	36 months MArch 12 Months PG Certificate incl. 6 Months EPA (48 months)	September	6201	Direct to LSBU

To join the Architect Level 7 Apprenticeship, you must be employed in an architectural practice in a role that supports the development of the apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs). Apprenticeships are employer led, which means the application process depends on your employment status.

Please note: Government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is only available to applicants aged 21 or under at the start of the apprenticeship. Applicants 22 and over will require commercial funding.

If you already have an employer:

If your employer has agreed to support your apprenticeship, they will submit an application to LSBU through our apprenticeship application system. You will need to provide details of your employment as part of the process, and both you and your employer must meet the apprenticeship entry and funding requirements.

If you are not currently employed:

You will need to secure a relevant job role with an employer willing to support your apprenticeship. You can search for apprenticeship vacancies through:

The National Apprenticeship Service (search “London South Bank University”)
Employer websites and recruitment portals
LSBU’s annual Architecture Apprenticeship Careers Day, which connects BA graduates with apprenticeship employers

Once you have secured employment, your employer can begin the application process with LSBU.

Further information for apprentices

If you’re a prospective apprentice, you can find out more about who can be an apprentice on our student pages.

Further information for employers

If you’re an employer, you can find information about the employer commitments and further related information on the related pages for business.

See our admissions policy 1.5 MB and complaints policy 516.0 KB.

How to apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!

Enrolment

Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.

Fees

Government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is available for those aged 21 and younger at the time of enrolment. Applicants aged 22+ will be required to provide private funding.

At LSBU, the standalone cost of Part 2 (£18,756.67) and Part 3 (£3,100) totals £21,856.67. The integrated apprenticeship is priced at £21,000, representing a modest direct saving of £856.67 in training costs. While this differential is marginal, the principal financial advantage arises from the National Insurance (NI) exemption applicable to apprentices aged under 25.

From April 2026, the apprentice minimum wage is £8.00 per hour. Based on a 37-hour working week, this equates to an annual salary of £15,392. At this minimum salary level, employers avoid approximately £1,600 per annum in employer NI contributions. Over a typical four-year apprenticeship duration, this results in cumulative savings of approximately £6,400. When combined with the training cost differential, the total financial benefit at minimum wage is in the region of £7,256 per apprentice.

At more typical salary levels for architectural assistants (£20,000–£30,000), annual NI savings increase to approximately £2,250–£3,750, generating cumulative savings of between £9,000 and £15,000 over the programme. In these scenarios, the total employer benefit rises to between approximately £9,856 and £15,856 per apprentice.

The analysis demonstrates that the apprenticeship route delivers a consistent financial advantage across both minimum wage and market-rate salary assumptions. This strengthens the affordability and attractiveness of the programme for employers, particularly when considered alongside the structured integration of academic learning and workplace development, and the direct alignment to professional qualification (Part 2 and Part 3). The model supports long-term workforce planning by enabling employers to develop talent through to chartered status in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.