Architecture is taught in a different way to the majority of other subjects. Most of your studies will be based in the studio for design work, or tutorials and 'crits' (critiques). The crit, a common term in art and design education, is where you present your design project work to tutors (and other students) who provide feedback. You will also attend history, theory & technology lectures and computer aided design tutorials, have essays to write, site visits to go on, and visits to buildings and places of interest.
Some schools of architecture provide opportunities for hands-on building projects; and some also offer specialist areas of study or have developed strengths in particular areas, for example sustainability, urban design or construction technology. Skills in problem-solving and team-working are also developed through project work.
Qualifying as an architect in the United Kingdom involves a combination of academic studies and professional experience within a practice, and takes a minimum of seven years to complete. However, an architect must commit themselves to ongoing development and learning throughout their professional career.
Where can I study?
The RIBA currently validates courses at over 40 schools of architecture in the UK. The entry requirements and the set up of the validated courses |do vary from school to school. You are advised to contact individual schools of architecture to ascertain their specific entry requirements, as well as their course structure. That way you will be able to find out which schools are suitable for you to apply to, and which schools appeal to you.
The RIBA does not rank schools or issue a list of 'best schools'. The RIBA visits and recognises courses at schools of architecture every 4 years. Therefore if a course is recognised by both RIBA and ARB, it has met the UK's minimum required standards.
The best way to find out if a course will suit you is to read the school's prospectus and website carefully, ask questions about course content and structure, and visit the school on an open day or at the end of year degree show. That way you can find out what sort of work the school produces and get a sense of the place you may choose to study in.
You may also like to consult general sources of information about higher education in the media, such as the websites of the Guardian, the Times|, the Independent|, the Architects Journal |or Building Design |
Course entry requirements
Almost all subjects taught at school and college are relevant to architecture, giving you the flexibility to choose the subjects you are strongest in, and which you enjoy. Ideally you should have gained a broad secondary education, encompassing a mixture of arts and sciences. Although it is not always necessary to study art, you should enjoy drawing freehand and have an interest in design and making 3D work.
You will usually need GCSE mathematics and English at grade C or above and a few schools of architecture ask for maths or a science at A-level, so do check the entry requirements of individual schools.
Schools of architecture will express their offer in terms of the UCAS tariffs, but typically you will need at least two subjects at A level or one A and two AS levels, which should be drawn from academic fields of study.
Many Schools of Architecture also recognise other further education qualifications such as BTEC National Diplomas. If you are a mature student, it is worth remembering that even if you don't possess the usual admissions requirements, many schools will consider assessing you on other grounds, especially your portfolio. Some universities and higher education colleges run foundation courses and access courses to enable you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
The typical route to qualification as an architect
RIBA Part 1
University undergraduate degree e.g. BA or BSc
3 years full-time / develop a broad range of skills and architectural understanding.
From Year 1 you are eligible for free RIBA Student Membership |
Some Part 1 graduates gain further qualifications in specialist related fields such as planning, urban design or conservation.
Other Part 1 graduates move on to work in something different with the skills they have developed at this level.
Image © School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle University
Stage 1 Professional Experience / Year Out
Paid professional experience – usually in an architects' office.
Typically 1 year in duration.
Students record their experience on the PEDR website|, monitored by a Professional Studies Advisor (PSA) from their University and an employment mentor from their practice.
RIBA provides model contracts for students and employers to refer to on PEDR website, and encourages students to work for an RIBA Chartered Practice.|
Image © Kent School of Architecture, University of Kent
RIBA Part 2
University degree – varies from school to school e.g. BArch, Diploma, MArch
2 years full-time / enhanced architectural knowledge and project complexity.
Students are still regarded as undergraduate students in the architectural education process, but students should seek clarification on fee status at individual schools.
Students may choose to return to the school where they completed the Part 1, or apply to study for the Part 2 at a new school.
Image © Department of Architecture and Spatial Design, London Metropolitan University
Stage 2 Professional Experience
Paid professional experience in an architectural practice;
Minimum of one year in duration, to make up two years recorded work experience in total.
Graduates will take on more responsibility and begin studying aspects of practice management and law on a Part 3 programme.
Image © Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University
RIBA Part 3
Candidates can choose to study with any RIBA validated course provider and will be assessed on the following elements:
– minimum 24 months of logged professional experience
– Professional C.V. and career evaluation
– Case study
– Written examination
– Final oral examination
Image © Niall McLaughlin Architects
Architect
Having gained the Part 1, 2 & 3 qualifications you can register as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
You should also apply to become a Chartered Member of the RIBA. This gives you access to a wide range of services and benefits, and entitles you to become part of a national and international network of architects.
Image © Noah da Costa - John McAslan + Partners Manchester studio
Alternative routes to qualifcation
Alternative routes to qualification |as an architect are available. For example, If you are already working in practice, the RIBA Office-based Examination |may be a more appropriate route for you.
If you have studied or qualified to be an architect outside the UK|, your qualification(s) will need to be assessed for equivalence to the UK Parts 1 & 2 by the Architects Registration Board |(ARB). The RIBA recognises ARB recommendations at this stage. You will then have to undertake a Part 3 |qualification once you have met the required criteria.
Preparing for interviews
Once you have applied to a school of architecture you may or may not be invited to interview. Many schools of architecture ask to see a portfolio of work. However some schools make conditional offers on the basis of the information you include on your UCAS form. This is most likely to be the case when your A level subjects are seen to be particularly relevant. In the absence of an interview, open days are an opportunity for you to find out about the school's approach to architectural education before you make your final decision.
At interview, university tutors will ask questions and discuss your portfolio with you. This is to help them determine your skills and interests. It is therefore important to have found out about the world of architecture and to also feel confident and happy to talk about your own work in your portfolio. Some example questions are:
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Why do you want to study architecture?
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Is there a particular architect or specific building that you admire?
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Why do you want to study at this school?
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Have you visited any architects' practices or undertaken any relevant work experience?
Preparing your portfolio
If invited to interview at university you will be expected to present a portfolio of your work, and for many schools this is an important factor in offering you a place on an architecture course.
The portfolio is a tool used throughout a career in architecture, and at entry level stage should demonstrate a broad mixture of your work, especially sketches and freehand drawings, although it can include anything you think is relevant such as photographs, life drawings, paintings, models or collages.
Drawing is the essential skill of architecture, and you will be taught at university how to do the necessary technical drawing and computer aided design, so you do not need to learn these beforehand. Schools are not looking in your portfolio for highly skilled architectural work, but for evidence that you have the potential skills to benefit from an architectural education.
Further information