**Overview**<br/>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).<br/><br/>This Architectural Assistant Degree Apprenticeship course is the first step to achieving these qualifications. Youll 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.<br/><br/>During term time, youll 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.<br/><br/>When you finish your apprenticeship, youll have a Bachelors degree in architecture and youll be primed to take on further study to continue your journey in becoming a registered architect.<br/><br/>**Recognised and validated by**<br/>This course is prescribed and recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). <br/><br/>This accreditation means youll 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.<br/><br/>**What youll experience**<br/>On this architectural assistant degree apprenticeship, youll:<br/>- Explore design in collaborative studio spaces alongside your peers, while developing your individual and team skills<br/><br/><br/>- Expand your architectural thinking beyond practice with specialist tutors and architects<br/><br/><br/>- 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<br/><br/><br/>- Explore a variety of architectural challenges outside of practice to develop your design creativity<br/><br/><br/>- Develop design skills through model making, material testing, sketching and drawing<br/><br/><br/>- Have access to the Universitys student support services and community, including the Library, study support, sports and recreation facilities, and the Students’ Union<br/><br/><br/>- Build a network of professional peers during your time at university, sharing your ideas and knowledge<br/><br/><br/>- Get practical work experience in your job, giving you an advantage over students who go to University full-time<br/><br/><br/>- Get a personal tutor from the University and a workplace mentor<br/><br/><br/>- If you need somewhere to live, you may be able to stay in the Universitys halls of residence – talk to our Housing team for more information.<br/><br/><br/>**Careers and opportunities**<br/>Many architecture graduates continue their training towards becoming a registered architect with further study at Masters level or registration on a Architect Degree Apprenticeship (Master of Architecture and Professional Practice) – equivalent to ARB and RIBA Part 2 and 3.<br/><br/>You can use your skills in areas such as:<br/><br/><br/>- design practice<br/><br/><br/>- planning<br/><br/><br/>- historic building conservation<br/><br/><br/>- project management<br/><br/><br/>Roles our architecture graduates have taken on include:<br/>- architectural design<br/><br/><br/>- interior design<br/><br/><br/>- landscape architecture<br/><br/><br/>- urban design and master planning<br/><br/><br/>- planning<br/><br/><br/>- architectural technology<br/><br/><br/>- product design<br/><br/><br/>- graphic design<br/><br/><br/>- lighting design<br/><br/><br/>- set design<br/><br/><br/>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.