Architect Degree Apprenticeship | MArch (Master of Architecture)

The Architect Degree Apprenticeship is a design-led programme and at least half of the study time is focused on the development of key architectural design skills.

The design projects are supported by taught modules and this material includes:

• Practice Management and Law
• Design, Sustainability and Technology
• Theory of Architecture
• Architectural Research

This integration of taught modules and studio projects leads to a holistic approach, informing design decisions and enabling the apprentices to tackle increasingly complex and challenging architectural design projects.

Our assessment methods have been designed to contribute to professional development, by reflecting authentic architectural practice. The design modules are assessed through portfolios of 2D (plans, sections, elevations etc) and 3D work (analogue and digital models), supported by reflective journals to evidence critical scholarship. Technology, environmental, and management outputs are assessed by means of reports that replicate those undertaken in professional practice.

Apprentices can communicate their Student Selected Investigation (the programme’s equivalent of a dissertation) in a medium of their choice, to suit their academic strengths. Past examples have included traditional written outputs, podcasts, videos, exhibitions, reports etc.

End Point Assessment

As part of the programme, the apprentice will sit their Part III exams, which forms a component of the End Point Assessment (EPA). The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) defines this as follows: ‘…rigorous, robust and independent End Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard’. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here.

This apprenticeship normally takes 48 months part-time to complete; it includes the Part II component (the M.Arch), the Part III exam, and an EPA that will typically be completed within the last 6 months, that includes a professional interview and the completion of the Case Study component of the Part III award. Full details are available on the IFATE website.

Full details on the modules for each year of the programme can be found below.

The teaching team will offer guidance, support and expertise throughout the course. Our practice-based teaching approach has been recognised as outstanding by national and international authorities, external examiners and professional bodies, and has led to unmatched levels of student satisfaction and employability.

The apprentices are allocated a Coach Assessor who will provide support for their academic and professional development. This coach is a qualified architect and educator and appreciates the demands of ongoing professional practice.

‘Off the Job Learning’, including structured University study, will make-up 20% of the apprentice’s weekly learning throughout the year, and face-to-face contact will be essential.  Attendance at tutor-led sessions is very important, but this can be done either on campus or through a blended tutorial arrangement, where students who are based out of the region can have virtual tutorials with the team and attend lectures online. The staff team are fully conversant with this approach and we have apprentices all over the country who study remotely, successfully completing their work to a very high standard. All learning and teaching materials will be available via a virtual classroom that is accessible to remote apprentices.

On-campus teaching will be part of a supportive studio design culture, learning as part of an educational community. Apprentices will be based within our new, world-class architecture facilities.  A modern addition to our historic Sutherland Building is a 1400m2 studio space with a new student hub, designed by Page/Park Architect. These are some of the very best studios in the country, with outstanding workshops, as well as state-of-the-art 2&3D rapid prototyping machines. Apprentices will have access to a comprehensive set of industry-standard software packages, particularly those 3D packages that enable spatial and technical acuity. The University also has exceptional social spaces and lecture theatres, plus 24/7 access to our award-winning University Library. 

Learning, teaching and assessment will be underpinned by a ‘research-rich’ approach. Apprentices will build on research-based knowledge to develop critical curiosity, informed judgement, and the ability to evaluate and justify proposals.

In partnership with Northumbria University, the apprentices’ offices will support their employees to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship standard, including the Part II and Part III qualifications. Whilst studying the apprentice will be required to work full-time, for at least 30 hours a week, and will be supported through learning at work to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship standard.

Both Apprentice and their Line Manager / office mentor will be supported by Northumbria University throughout the programme, including access to online support materials. Apprentices will also meet with their own manager/mentor and the coach assessor in the workplace at regular points throughout the year.

Whilst off-campus and in the workplace, apprentices will have access to our technology-enhanced learning (TEL) facilities which provide access to module information, electronic reading lists and online learning resources such as podcasts, e-books and e-journals.

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprentice, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.

Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.  

To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business and Enterprise team will be in touch shortly.

Funding eligibility update (January 2026)

From January 2026, the government changed the funding rules for Level 7 apprenticeships. This apprenticeship can now only be funded where the apprentice is under 22 on the first day of the programme. The one exception is that apprentices aged 22 to 24 are still eligible if they have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, or if they are, or have been, in local authority care.

The programme is funded by the employer, either through the apprenticeship levy or through government funding. If you are not sure whether you or a candidate qualifies, please contact the programme team and we will check before you apply.

We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

Before entry onto the programme, all Apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Sales and Business Development team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.

All apprentices are required to be in full-time employment to study this apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.

If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, keep checking our vacancies page for information regarding job opportunities.