London South Bank first UK University to offer Architecture Degree Apprenticeships

LSBU is officially the first UK university to offer Level 6 (BA Hons, Degree level equivalent) apprenticeships in Architecture to undergraduates this Autumn.

In addition, LSBU’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment (BEA) is also offering Level 7 Architecture Apprenticeships (RIBA Parts II & III).

The University has structured both apprenticeships based on its part-time architectural courses.

The Department for Education (insert link) recently announced that UK universities would be able to offer, for the first time ever this year, degree or higher level apprenticeships to architecture students. LSBU is the first institution in London and nationally, to offer both a Level 6 and Level 7 apprenticeships framework.

A Level 6 apprenticeship in architecture enables apprentices to study for their RIBA Part I qualification while starting or continuing their work in practice.

Students enrolling on the Level 6 scheme will benefit from being able to qualify in only four years and at Level 7 within three and a half years, while working four days a week in an architectural practice as an Architectural assistant. This gives them the opportunity to earn while they learn and offset their tuition fees and living expenses.

Professor Lilly Kudic, LSBU’s Head of Architecture division, said:

“Architecture at LSBU has a long tradition of supporting professional qualifications through part-time study. We are delighted to be the only London university hosting both level 6 and level 7 apprenticeships from September 2018 – and the first university in the UK currently offering an undergraduate (Level 6) apprenticeship in architecture this year.”

“This is an exciting time for architectural education, and we’re thrilled that after a very intensive period spent developing our apprenticeships proposal, we will be welcoming new apprentices to the school this autumn.”

“It’s great to be able to offer future apprentices the opportunity to qualify as architects without accumulating debt, while they develop their professional skills in practice.”

Charles Egbu, Dean of LSBU’s School of Architecture and the Built Environment said:

“We are excited to be in the frontline of positive changes to architectural education. These apprenticeship courses will provide an alternative, more cost-effective route to ARB registration, while diversifying the profession and strengthening ties between the architectural industry and academia.”

The full apprenticeship standard and assessment plan can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.