Architect

You'll need to complete:

• a degree recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
• a year of practical work experience
• a further 2 years' full-time university course like BArch, Diploma, MArch
• a year of practical training
• a final qualifying exam

Many course providers will also want to see a portfolio of your drawings and sketches.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You can get into this role through an architect degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

If you're already working at a high level in an architectural practice but cannot study full time, you could qualify through RIBA Studio.

Registration

• you'll need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal Institute of British Architects, for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an architect from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Architects Registration Board and Go Construct.

You'll need:

• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

In this role you could :

• create hand sketches, 3D models and detailed technical plans using computer aided design (CAD) software
• create a plan, following building laws and safety regulations
• find cost-effective ways to work within budgets
• manage construction projects
• choose or advise on materials
• visit sites to check building work and progress
• communicate and share ideas with clients, other architects, and architectural technologists and technicians
• write reports and job proposals and complete planning applications

You could work in a creative studio, in an office or visit sites.

You may need to wear protective clothing.