How to become an architect

Whether you go to university and study for a Bachelors or Masters degree or train on the job through an architecture apprenticeship, there are various routes to becoming an architect

What is an architect?

Combining creative and scientific skills, architects design plans and technical drawings to construct new buildings and their surrounding areas. They also restore and conserve existing buildings, ensuring work is completed to precise specifications.

With responsibility for the safe construction and long-term durability of houses and commercial properties crucial to the role, it's no wonder that architects must undergo a rigorous process to become fully qualified.

To succeed as an architect, you'll need:

• strong analytical skills
• excellent attention to detail
• creativity for designing.

Learn more about the role of an architect.

Discover what you can do with a degree in architecture.

How do you become a qualified architect?

Previously, going to university was the main pathway into the profession. Following the introduction of architecture apprenticeships, there's now an alternative to undertaking full-time study - you'll gain the experience and qualifications you need without the price tag of tuition fees.

If you're unsure which route to take, consider whether to go to university or do an apprenticeship.

Rest assured that whatever you decide to do, your end goal will be the same - you'll become a fully qualified architect and able to join the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

For those more interested in the science behind buildings (including the technical plans and deciding which materials should be used), you may wish to consider qualifying as an architectural technologist instead.

How long does it take to become an architect?

According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), it typically involves five years of study and two years of practical experience.

See RIBA - Pathways to qualify as an architect.

What does the architecture degree route involve?

Most architects enter the profession through full-time study of a five-year ARB/RIBA-accredited architecture degree, with periods of leave to gain practical experience.

Architecture degree structure

The degree is split up as follows:

• Part 1 - Develop your core architectural skills. An undergraduate degree takes three to four years to complete full time.
• Part 1 practical experience - Taking at least one year out, you'll need to find an employer, mentor and advisor to log your experience with RIBA's Professional Experience & Development Record (PEDR).
• Part 2 - Enhance and deepen your knowledge. Awards vary, so you could choose to achieve a Bachelors of Architecture (BArch), Diploma or Master of Architecture (MArch).
• Part 2 practical experience - A total of 24 months of experience is required to advance to Part 3, so you'll need to gain at least 12 months' experience under the direct supervision of an architect. You'll be able to take on more responsibility at this stage and can also become a RIBA Associate Member.
• Part 3 - This involves a written and oral examination and assessment of your previous experience.

Course content

This varies between institutions. However, as long as you're studying for an accredited degree or Masters, you can register as an architect with the ARB and apply for RIBA Chartered Membership upon completing Part 3.

For instance, modules on the three-year, full-time BArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 1) at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) include:

• Technology and Environment in Architecture
• Architecture in Context
• Architectural Communication and Representation - where you'll learn how to use 2D and 3D design methods
• Integrated Design Studio
• Interdisciplinary Design Studies.

In your final year, you'll display your work as part of NTU's Degree Shows, attended by prospective employers.

The University of Lincoln offers accredited qualifications for Parts 1, 2, and 3. Its MArch Master of Architecture (Part 2) is a two-year, full-time course, or it can be studied part time over three to five years.

The course is split into two levels and uses a range of teaching methods, including:

• project-based learning
• seminars
• group work.

At level one, you'll focus on research and design and choose your topics from various specialisms.

The second year deals with aspects of professional practice, and you'll produce a final project that draws together your knowledge of technology, research, sustainability, and cultural awareness.

Entry requirements

If you're still at school, studying A-levels in maths, art, or design can provide a good grounding for entering the profession. You'll likely need GCSEs in maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above to study A-level courses, although functional skills qualifications are available if you didn't attain these grades.

To apply for university, you'll need a specific number of UCAS Tariff points from various qualifications, equivalent to A-levels - such as BTECs or T Levels. Many universities also ask to see examples of your work.

For instance, to be accepted onto NTU's undergraduate course, you'll require 120 to 128 points and a digital portfolio. As you progress in your career, you can create a place to house your designs and showcase your architectural skills via a dedicated portfolio builder site like Archifolio.

To apply for the University of Lincoln's Masters course, you'll need a 2:1 undergraduate degree in architecture (or equivalent subject) from a RIBA/ARB-approved programme.

A full list of accredited degree courses is available at ARB - Schools and Institutions of Architecture.

Search all postgraduate architecture courses.

Can you do an architecture degree apprenticeship?

For students who would prefer to gain practical experience as they qualify rather than study full time, architecture degree apprenticeships are now available through several UK institutions.

Two types of architecture apprenticeship are available:

• Level 6 Architectural Assistant - upon completing this apprenticeship, you'll earn a Bachelors degree and Part 1 qualification. You can currently study for a Level 6 Architectural Assistant degree apprenticeship, validated by RIBA, at London South Bank University (LSBU) and the University of Portsmouth.
• Level 7 Architect - this apprenticeship leads to a Masters of Architecture (MArch) award and Part 2 and 3 qualifications.

The Level 7 Architect apprenticeship is available at the following institutions:

• University of Kent
• London Metropolitan University
• LSBU
• Northumbria University Newcastle
• University of Nottingham
• University of Portsmouth
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol

The entry requirements are typically the same as for full-time degree programmes. Be aware that you'll first need to secure an apprenticeship offer with an employer to get started.

Major architect practices that often take on degree apprentices include:

• Cowen and Partners
• Ryder
• Scott Brownrigg

To search for architecture apprenticeships, you can use RIBA's Find an Architect and Find a Chartered Member databases. There's also GOV.UK's Find an apprenticeship service.

For more information, visit RIBA - Architecture apprenticeships.

Explore construction and trade apprenticeships.

What about other routes to becoming an architect?

If you're based in the UK, European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), Channel Islands, or Isle of Man and currently work under the supervision of a registered architect, you can consider the RIBA Studio qualification. You'll be able to study Parts 1 and 2 at your own pace.

This route may suit you if you've decided to make a career change to architecture, gone straight into work from school or college, or completed Part 1 at university and remained in practice after a year out.

RIBA Studio is offered in partnership with the School of Architecture at Oxford Brookes University.

If you haven't yet gained your first salaried experience in practice and are new to the field of architecture, you may also wish to consider the RIBA Foundation in Architecture.

This course, also available at Oxford Brookes University, will help you develop the portfolio and experience you need for Part 1.

Find out more

• Read the ARB Student Handbook on careers in architecture.
• Consider 9 graduate careers for surveyors.
• Explore construction management courses.