To become an architect, you must have professional experience alongside your educational qualifications. In traditional courses, students take a three-year degree before working for a year in professional practice. Our degree takes a different approach to professional experience, integrating placements into the second and third years of a four-year course^1. They are taken during the second semester and last for a minimum of three months each.

We believe that this distinctive approach gives you a more comprehensive education. You'll be able to apply what you have learnt to your placement, as well as use your professional experience in your studies. Combining your academic and practical experience also makes it easier for you to gain the educational basis you need to progress your journey to becoming a qualified architect.

These range from small local firms to large companies working internationally. This gives you the chance to choose the work environment you think will suit you best.

Some of our practice partners include:

• Allies and Morrisons
• BDP
• Kengo Kuma and Associates
• Stonewood Design
• Yiangou Architects

'The placements scheme provides an interchange between the University of Bath and our practice, which is really productive both for the students and for us.' — Bob Allies, MA DipArch RIBA, partner at Allies and Morrison Architects in London

Although you are responsible for finding your placement, we can assist you in preparing applications, CVs and design portfolios. To prepare you fully for the process, we include employability skills as part of the first year of your degree. You'll also have the chance to hear from our final-year students as they reflect on their recent experiences on placement.

We encourage you to find a paid placement that meets the minimum wage to comply with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) practical training rules.

If you go on placement in the UK, our academic staff visit you during this period to make sure that you are getting the best experience possible.

If you go on placement in an EEA country you may be able to apply for an Erasmus grant. If you want to pursue professional experience outside the UK and EEA, you will need to discuss this with our Professional Studies Advisor first.