How to become an architect
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
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
Course providers will want to see a portfolio of your drawings, hand drawn sketches, photographs and models when you are interviewed for degree courses.
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
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this role through an architect degree apprenticeship.
This typically takes 48 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.
You can find out more about architecture apprenticeships from RIBA.
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
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Work
If you're already working at a high level in an architectural practice but cannot study full time, you could qualify through RIBA Studio.
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Registration
- you'll need to be registered with the Architects Registration Board
Career tips
Employers and university architecture courses value work experience highly. As well as in architect's practices you can gain relevant skills in sectors like construction and design.
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.