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DEGREE GUIDE

Architecture

What do Architecture degrees involve?

Architecture degrees teach you how to design buildings and spaces that are functional, sustainable, and visually inspiring. You will explore key areas such as architectural design, construction technology, environmental sustainability, and digital modelling. These courses develop your creativity and problem-solving skills while teaching you how to balance aesthetics with practical considerations. You will also study the history and theory of architecture and learn to communicate ideas through drawings, models, and computer-aided design (CAD). Many degrees include hands-on projects, design studios, and work experience opportunities, preparing you for further study and a career in architecture or the built environment.

Example
Modules

Architectural Design Studio: Work on creative design briefs that develop your understanding of space, structure and function through hands-on studio projects.

Architectural Technology: Study how buildings are constructed by exploring materials, structural systems and technical design solutions used in practice.

History and Theory of Architecture: Trace the evolution of architectural styles, movements and ideas from ancient to modern times, and explore their cultural impact.

Common Degree Names

💼 Some degrees include a placement year or 'year out in practice' as part of the professional pathway.
🌍 Study abroad is available at several universities, often through Erasmus.

BA (Hons) Architecture
BSc (Hons) Architecture
BA (Hons) Architectural Design
BA (Hons) Sustainable Architecture
BSc (Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering
BEng (Hons) Architecture and Environmental Engineering
BA (Hons) Architecture and Planning

BA focuses more on creative and theoretical design; BSc and BEng include more technical or scientific content. Architecture degrees usually lead to Part 1 of the route to becoming a qualified architect.

A row of interesting buildings in different styles, with different windows and roof angles against a blue sky

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Architecture blends creative design with technical problem-solving. Entry requirements vary depending on whether the course leans more towards art and design or towards engineering and construction.

For creative/design-focused courses:

Art or Art & Design – often expected or required
Design & Technology – great for developing visual and technical skills
A strong portfolio – sometimes more important than specific subjects

For technical/engineering-focused courses:

Mathematics – important for structures and design calculations
Physics – useful for understanding building systems and materials
Design & Technology or Computer Science – helpful for CAD and modelling

✨ Maths and Physics, plus a creative subject (like Art or Design & Technology) keeps the widest range of architecture courses open for you.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Art & Design, Construction, or Engineering (usually with a strong portfolio)
T-levels in Design, Surveying and Planning or Digital Production may be considered
UAL Level 3 Diplomas in Creative Practice

✨ Every architecture course is a bit different—some focus on fine art, others on engineering or digital design. Always check university websites to see which subjects and portfolios they expect.

Level 2 (GCSE / MYP / Nat 5)

You’ll usually need:

GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent qualifications such as National 5s or MYP

📘 A good grade in Maths is especially important—even for creative courses—as you’ll need it for design calculations and technical drawing.

Art or Graphics at GCSE can also help lay a strong foundation.

🎨 Portfolio
This is a key part of your application. You’ll be asked to submit a portfolio of creative work, either digitally or in person. This should show your drawing skills, idea development, and creative thinking. It might include:

Sketches, model photography, technical drawings
Design work or 3D projects
Observational drawing and architectural concepts

💬 Interviews or Portfolio Reviews
Many courses include an interview or informal discussion about your portfolio and interest in architecture. This is your chance to talk through your creative process and inspiration.

📝 Admissions Tests
Most UK universities do not require an admissions test. However, if you’re applying to Cambridge or UCL (The Bartlett), you may be asked to complete a test or written task as part of the process—check their websites for details.

If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an Architecture degree, some universities offer alternative routes to help you build the skills you need:

🌱 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
Many students take a one-year foundation course after sixth form to develop their portfolio and explore design pathways. This is a common and well-supported route into Architecture degrees—especially if you didn’t take Art at A-level/IB/Scottish Highers

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Art & Design or Built Environment)
If you're returning to study or didn’t take traditional qualifications, an Access course with a strong creative or technical focus may be accepted—check with each university about portfolio expectations.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
There are Level 3 apprenticeships in Construction, Building Design, or Architecture Technician roles. While these don’t usually lead directly into a university degree, the experience can help you apply later—especially if paired with a portfolio and further qualifications.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in an Architecture degree

Creative Thinking & Innovation: Develop original and practical ideas for buildings and spaces.
Artistic & Visual Expression: Master drawing, model-making, and visual presentation to effectively communicate your designs.
Technical & Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience with design software, construction methods, and materials.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Evaluate and improve design solutions through careful analysis and critical review.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Understand and incorporate sustainable practices and ethical considerations into your designs.
Problem-Solving: Address design challenges by creating innovative and effective architectural solutions.
Attention to Detail: Ensure precision and accuracy when planning spaces, detailing structures, and finalising designs.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work closely with others, including engineers, builders, and clients, to bring projects to life.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Confidently use architectural software such as CAD and BIM tools to enhance your design process.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Clearly express and present architectural concepts to diverse audiences.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make an Architecture degree a good match for you

Art & Design: You will use creative skills to shape new buildings from the first sketch to the final look.
Buildings & Urban Spaces: You will focus on designing safe and inspiring places for people to live, work, and explore.
Mathematics & Statistics: You will do important calculations to make sure your structures are strong and balanced.
Innovation & Problem-Solving: You will tackle tricky design issues by coming up with fresh ideas and creative solutions.
Machines, Mechanics & Inventions: You will apply an understanding of how things are built to create practical and inventive structures.
Physics: You will use knowledge of forces and materials to ensure buildings can stand up to different stresses.
Sustainability & Climate: You will design environmentally friendly spaces that use less energy and help protect the planet.
Environment & Ecology: You will bring natural and eco-friendly ideas into your designs, preserving green spaces.
Exploring New Places & Cultures: You will draw on different cultural styles to create unique and diverse building concepts.
Self-Expression & Creativity: You will shape original designs that show off your personality and ideas.

Students who thrive in an Architecture degree are often motivated by a

Creativity and Innovation: Imagining new ways of shaping space, from unique building concepts to fresh design solutions—a cornerstone for successful architecture.
Visual Design and Expression: Communicating ideas vividly through drawings, computer models, and physical structures that captivate viewers.
Practical Problem-Solving: Tackling real-world challenges, ensuring buildings are safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly by blending creative and technical approaches.
Attention to Detail: Achieving precision in measurements, materials, and plans so every element fits together seamlessly.
Making and Crafting: Exploring materials, building scale models, and enjoying the physical process of turning ideas into tangible designs.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Working closely with engineers, builders, and clients to share insights, gather feedback, and keep projects on track.
Organisation and Planning: Keeping projects coordinated and deadlines in check through careful scheduling, resource management, and structured workflows.
Sustainability and Environmental Care: Using eco-friendly materials and reducing energy waste to safeguard the planet while shaping the built environment.
Curiosity and Learning: Expanding knowledge of new building techniques, city planning strategies, and the latest design software to stay ahead.
Precision and Accuracy: Producing clear blueprints, adhering to safety guidelines, and ensuring the structural integrity of every architectural component.
Ethical Values and Integrity: Respecting people’s needs, local cultures, and moral principles to create designs that serve communities responsibly.
Trends and Pattern-Spotting: Anticipating shifts in lifestyles and technologies so designs remain modern, forward-thinking, and relevant.
Research and Discovery: Investigating architectural history, climate conditions, and emerging construction methods to enrich and refine ideas.
Decision-Making and Responsibility: Choosing materials, balancing budgets, and guiding design teams, with each decision shaping a project’s future.
Intellectual Challenge: Embracing every design brief as a puzzle that demands deep thought, creative solutions, and innovative thinking.
Analysing and Investigating: Reviewing precedents, evaluating case studies, and examining data to inform and strengthen architectural concepts.
Adventurousness: Exploring daring sites, testing boundary-pushing ideas, and seeking out projects that challenge the norm.
Globally Minded: Embracing international perspectives and cultural contexts to address global design challenges and collaborate across borders.
Personal Expression: Injecting your own style, beliefs, and individuality into designs, giving projects a distinctive signature.

Work Values that match an Architecture degree

Creativity: A strong drive to innovate and express artistic vision.
Precision and Accuracy: A commitment to detail and high standards in design and construction.
Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and effective communication with clients, engineers, and construction teams.
Responsibility: A dedication to producing safe, sustainable, and high-quality work.
Innovation: Openness to new ideas and technologies in the design and construction process.
Continuous Learning: A willingness to adapt and grow in response to evolving industry standards and environmental challenges.

Using John Holland's career choice model (RAISEC), an architecture degree typically aligns with a combination of:

Realistic (R): It involves working with physical materials, construction methods, and technical problem-solving.
Investigative (I): Reflecting the analytical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills required to develop effective designs.
Artistic (A): At its core, architecture is a creative field that demands strong visual and artistic expression.

This blend of Realistic, Investigative, and Artistic traits encapsulates the multidimensional nature of architecture. It requires both a technical and creative mindset, making it an excellent choice for students who are passionate about design, innovation, and building a sustainable future.

Careers an Architecture degree could lead you to

Studying Architecture doesn’t just prepare you for Architecture-related careers—it also equips you with a range of creative, technical, and problem-solving skills that apply to many different fields. Discover the possibilities in the list below.