Mode of Study
Part-timeDuration
4 years part-timeStart date
September 2023, September 2024Accredited
Yes
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.
Course highlights
- 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 in leaving the course, with four years' experience plus your qualifications
- Get a personal tutor from the University and a workplace mentor
Recognition and validation
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.
I have learned about the materials used for buildings, model making and renders for drawings. I have enjoyed learning how to make scale, plan, elevation, section and technical drawings.
Entry requirements
BA (Hons) Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship
Qualifications or experience
- A levels – AAB – BBB
- UCAS points –120-136 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels are also accepted with a grade Merit – Distinction.
- All applicants to the Degree Apprenticeship courses must have an acceptable Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics. Acceptable qualifications include GCSE with grade C/4 or above and Functional Skills with Pass – please note that we are not able to accept all kinds of Level 2 qualifications, so if you are unsure whether you have a suitable qualification please get in touch.
- If you do not have an acceptable qualification you may be required to take an additional assessment during the application process.
Selection process
- All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form.
- All applicants are required to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – AAB–ABB
- UCAS points – 128-136 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
- All applicants to the Degree Apprenticeship courses must have an acceptable Level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics. Acceptable qualifications include GCSE with grade C/4 or above and Functional Skills with Pass - please note that we are not able to accept all kinds of Level 2 qualifications, so if you are unsure whether you have a suitable qualification please get in touch
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
Selection process
- All applicants will be required to complete a Skills Gap Analysis before completing an application form
- All applicants will be invited to attend an academic interview and may be asked to submit a portfolio of work or undertake additional assessment
- If you do not have an acceptable qualification, you will be required to take an additional assessment during the application process
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications at UCAS
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You and your employer
When you begin studying for your degree apprenticeship:
- You need to be 18 or over
- You should be able to satisfy government requirements on residency:
- you must be a citizen or have the right to live in the UK/EEA
- you must have been a resident in the UK/EEA (not the Channel Islands or Isle of Man) for a minimum of 3 years
- you must not need a Student Route visa, and must not have been on a Student Route visa within the past 3 years
- You need to have the right to work in the UK, and to spend at least 50% of your working hours in England
- Your job should meet the requirements of the apprenticeship standard relevant to this degree – we can advise you and your employer on this
- Your employer needs to have registered an apprentice service account – we can help your employer with this if needed
If you aren't currently working in a relevant field, you can apply for a job and degree apprenticeship simultaneously. Read more about applying for this degree apprenticeship.
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Facilities
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.
What you'll study
Each module on this Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship is worth a certain number of credits.
In year 1 and 2, you'll study modules worth a total of 80 credits in each year. In years 3 and 4, you'll study modules worth a total of 100 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Design: Architectural Application – 20 credits
- Design: Exploration – 20 credits
- Design: Interpretation – 20 credits
- Technology and Environment: Exploration – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Design and Professional Practice: Local – 20 credits
- Design and Professional Practice: Global – 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.
Core modules in this year include:
- Communication: Professional Practice
- 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.
Core modules in this year include:
- Design: Major Project – 40 credits
- Design: Major Project Reflective Synthesis – 20 credits
- Technology and Environment: Discovery – 20 credits
- End Point Assessment – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Changes to course content
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, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship include:
- lectures
- seminars
- computer-based tutorials
- studios
- workshops
- online learning
You'll keep in regular contact with your practice mentor, who supports you throughout your design projects while you study.
How you'll spend your time
On this Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship, you'll spend four days a week at work and one day a week at University for around 28 weeks each year.
The day of the week you're at University varies through the course, but will be the same day of the week each year so you can fit your study time into your working routine and other commitments.
During the weeks you don't go into university, you'll still spend six hours of your time learning outside of your main job role.
How you're assessed
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.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
The course fee is shared between the Government and some employers, meaning no cost to you as the degree apprentice. Total tuition fees are £25,000 paid over 4 years.
Your employer will also need to pay the End Point Assessment (EPA) fee, which is included in the total tuition fees.
Please see our Degree Apprenticeships page, or contact us, for further information about the EPA.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
How to apply
Application deadline
- The application deadline to start in September 2023 is Friday 28 July 2023.
- The application deadline to start in September 2024 is to be confirmed.
Applications received after this date may not be considered.
I'm applying with my current employer
If you're already in full-time work, and your employer is interested in you studying this course, get them to contact us and we'll work out how to work together.
If your employer isn't interested yet, you might find it useful to share our information for employers page with them.
Employer contact form Information for employers
I'm looking for a job with a Degree Apprenticeship role
If you're not in full-time employment, or your current employer is not interested in degree apprenticeships, you'll need to find a role that does offer a degree apprenticeship. You can search the gov.uk list of open degree apprenticeship vacancies, or contact us with your details and we'll let you know when degree apprenticeship vacancies come up.
When you apply for a role that includes one of our degree apprenticeships, you'll follow the company's standard recruitment process for the job, while we assess your academic suitability for the course.
Search degree apprenticeship roles (gov.uk) Contact us
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.