Part 2 student placement

The Student Placement is a core component of the LSA’s Part 2 programme. In the first year, all MArch students spend three days a week working in practice. This collaborative, work-based learning approach deepens students’ understanding of their agency as practitioners, while giving practices the opportunity to engage with fresh ideas from the next generation of architects in a rigorous and exploratory context.  

Below is a guide to how the Student Placement process works. If you are an applicant and have any further questions, please email our admissions team (enquiries@ube.ac.uk).  

Route 1: Stay with your current employer 

If you are currently employed by a London-based practice, we encourage you to continue your employment there. This route offers a straightforward transition, building on your existing professional relationship within the framework of the programme. Once you are holding an offer, the LSA will contact you with details about the conditions your employer will need to meet to support your offer and assist you in the conversation with your employer regarding your placement at the LSA. 

If you’re unsure whether your current employment is suitable for your LSA placement, please contact our Practice Network Coordinator, Tia, at t.duong@ube.ac.uk. 

Route 2: LSA-Supported Placement Coordination (non-standard) 

Offer holders who are not employed by a London-based practice at the time they receive their offer should actively seek their own placement with a London-based practice. 

The LSA will provide various mechanisms to support you in securing a practice placement. This support includes platforming your CV and portfolio to practices within our network, organising matchmaking and speed networking sessions, and being available to assist you throughout the process.   

If you would like to find out more about this support, please contact our Practice Network Coordinator, Tia, at t.duong@ube.ac.uk. 

Please note that all students beginning their studies at the LSA are required to be in relevant part-time employment. 

Information for Prospective Part 2/3 Combined Pathway and Part 3 Students 

To be eligible for either the Part 2/3 Combined Pathway or the Part 3 programme, students must be in suitable architectural employment. This employment should have the resource to provide direct support and mentorship from at least one Architect registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB), who will work closely with the student throughout their studies. 

For applicants to the Part 2/3 Combined Pathway, employers must be willing to commit to employing the student for the duration of the programme.  

A similar commitment is required for those undertaking the Part 3 programme only, to ensure continuity of professional experience and support throughout the course. 

Employment Requirements 

There is no minimum length of employment required before commencing either programme. However, students must be in suitable employment (as above) at the point of enrolment and remain employed throughout their studies. 

Further details on the required working patterns and time commitments for each route will be provided as part of the admissions and programme guidance. 

Architecture practices 

By hosting a student placement, architecture practices will: 

• Have early access to emerging talent   

• Be part of the LSA Practice Network & community  

• Widen access and participation to architectural education  

If you work for an architecture practice and are interested in hosting a student placement, please register your interest here. 

Glossary of Terms 

• Offer Holder – applicants to the LSA’s Part 2 who have been made a conditional offer of study and who have paid a deposit. All Offer Holders require a Student Placement 

• Student – enrolled students on the LSA’s Part 2 who have formally registered and paid their fees for the coming academic year 

• Student Placement – the three-day-a-week placement which all enrolled students on the LSA’s Part 2 must secure to fulfil the requirements of first year of the programme 

• Practice Network – the network of practices that engage with the LSA 

• Placement Provider – an organisation who agrees to host a Student Placement