Skip to content
ApplySafer

How to become an architect

Architects design new buildings and changes to existing ones, and guide projects from the first sketches through planning and construction.

You could work in a private practice, for a developer or contractor, for a local council, or set up your own practice.

The title 'architect' is protected by law in the UK: you must be on the Architects Register, kept by ARB (Architects Registration Board), to use it. Training is long — usually around 7 years or more.

  • Protected title
  • Long training
  • Earn while learning possible

2 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AUniversity

    University: Part 1 degree, Part 2, practical experience and Part 3

    For those who want to study architecture full-time at university, with years in practice between the stages.

    Starting requirements

    • The National Careers Service says a degree usually needs 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, plus 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English, maths and science
    • You will usually need a portfolio for degree interviews
    • Check the course's ARB accreditation and how it fits ARB's new framework

    Pathway outline

    1. Study an ARB-accredited Part 1 degree
    2. Work for a year in an architectural practice
    3. Study Part 2 (a further 2 years full-time, such as an MArch)
    4. Complete a further year of practical training
    5. Pass Part 3 and register with ARB
    Estimated duration
    About 7 years or more
    How we estimate this

    A typical 3-year Part 1 degree, a year in practice, 2 years full-time for Part 2 and a further year of practical training before Part 3, as described by the National Careers Service.

    Estimated direct study costs
    At least £29,635Plus: Part 2 fees are set by each university and were not verified; Part 3 fees are set by each provider and were not verifiedPaid up front by you: At least £265Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    During your practice years, usually as an architectural assistant.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BApprenticeship

    Architectural assistant (Level 6), then architect (Level 7) apprenticeships

    For those who want to train in an architectural practice and earn a wage, with training paid for — if a place and funding are available.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own entry requirements
    • The National Careers Service says degree apprenticeships usually ask for 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A levels, or equivalent
    • Level 7 funding age rule: new Level 7 starts from 1 January 2026 are funded only if you are 16 to 21 at the start (or 22 to 24 with an EHC plan or care experience)

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for the Level 6 Architectural assistant (integrated degree) apprenticeship, which covers Part 1
    2. Work in a practice and study; your employer and the government pay
    3. Apply for the Level 7 Architect (integrated degree) apprenticeship, which covers Parts 2 and 3
    4. Complete the apprenticeship and its assessments
    5. Register with ARB
    Estimated duration
    About 8 years (48 months each)
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists both apprenticeships at 48 months; the National Careers Service says each can take up to 4 years.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £46,000 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Related careers — not the same as a architect

Each of these is a separate career with its own entry rules.

  • Architectural technologist

    Architectural technologists manage the technical design and planning of building projects. It is a separate career with its own professional body, CIAT; the title 'architect' does not apply.

    National Careers Service guide: £25,000 (starter) to £50,000 (experienced), England.

    Official guidance (opens in a new tab)

Questions people ask

How long does it take to become an architect?

Usually around 7 years or more through university (Part 1, a year in practice, Part 2, more practice and Part 3). The two apprenticeships take about 4 years each.

Can I call myself an architect without registering?

No. The title is protected by law in the UK — only people on the ARB Register can use it. Anyone can legally provide architectural services, and titles like 'architectural designer' or 'architectural assistant' are not protected.

Are Parts 1, 2 and 3 being replaced?

Yes, gradually. ARB introduced new Competency Outcomes in 2024, stops accrediting Part 1 from 1 January 2028, and recognises existing Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications until they are replaced or December 2028 at the latest. Ask your university how its course is changing.

What is the difference between ARB and RIBA?

ARB is the regulator that keeps the Register and protects the title. RIBA is a professional membership body that also validates courses. Joining RIBA is optional.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

Compare routes side by side