While it's common to complete a recognised degree programme in order to qualify, there are alternative entry paths into this career, such as the RIBA Studio practice-based route or an architecture apprenticeship.

Many universities hold interviews with students prior to offering a place on an architecture course. Candidates are expected to have a portfolio demonstrating a broad mixture of work, including sketches, freehand drawings, photographs and models.

You must register with the statutory body, the Architects Registration Board (ARB), in order to legally use the title 'architect' in the UK.

Chartered architect status is available through membership of RIBA, although it's not a legal requirement to be registered with RIBA in order to practise.

The standard entry route into the architecture profession entails at least seven years in training and higher education. See the ARB Student Handbook and the RIBA section on becoming an architect.

This usually consists of:

• Part 1 - this is an approved first degree in architecture, which typically takes three or four years, or the work-based RIBA studio route or apprenticeship

• Stage 1 practical experience/year out (post Part 1) - usually 12 months in duration, this consists of supervised and recorded professional experience. This is commonly taken in architects' practices, but may be in any sector of the building industry, including construction and design, as long as the work is related to architecture and is supervised by a construction professional

• Part 2 - two years of further study to deepen your architectural knowledge. This can be completed as a two-year full-time university course or as work-based study, resulting in an award such as a BArch, Diploma or MArch.

• Stage 2 practical experience - a minimum of 12 further months of supervised and recorded professional experience, to make up the 24 months required to sit the Part 3 examination

• Part 3 - an examination in professional practice and management, which students may take on completion of the above. This involves a written and oral examination as well as assessment of your 24 months' practical experience. Once you've completed this examination, you can register as an architect with the ARB and apply to become a chartered member of RIBA.

RIBA Studio, delivered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, is open for people who have a minimum of three years' experience working in an architectural practice. The programme is available at Part 1 and Part 2 level, and is completed through self-study and distance learning while the candidate remains working full time in the practice.

RIBA does not offer conversion courses for graduates with non-accredited or unrelated degrees. Graduates or architects with non-accredited or international qualifications in architecture may be able to undertake an assessment for equivalence with the Architects Registration Board.

https://www.architecture.com/education-cpd-and-careers/apprenticeships

https://www.architecture.com/education-cpd-and-careers/apprenticeships/becoming-an-architecture-apprentice

Architecture apprenticeships can be another way to become an architect. They combine practical experience in an architectural practice with academic training from a university. A minimum of 20% of an apprentice's contracted hours must be spent undertaking this formal, off the job training.

There are two architecture degree apprenticeships routes in the UK:

• Level 6 Architectural Assistant, including Part 1 qualification

• Level 7 Architect, including Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications

Both these degree apprenticeships are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Both apprenticeships typically take four years to complete, but this depends on your experience.

Entry requirements for both architecture apprenticeships are set by each university provider and employer. Generally, to enter an Architectural Assistant apprenticeship, it’s likely you’ll need a CV, portfolio and qualifications equivalent to 5 GCSEs and 3 A Levels. To enter an Architect apprenticeship, you need a minimum of an ARB prescribed Part 1 qualification or Part 1 equivalent as prescribed by the ARB.

How do I find an apprenticeship?

You can look for apprenticeships on RIBA Jobs, the Find an Apprenticeship platform, or by searching elsewhere online.

You can also contact the universities which offer apprenticeship training, approach local or nearby practices directly, or see if there are any RIBA events near you where you may be able to network.