Do you revel in observing the built environment and architectural structures? Maybe you’d like a chance to be involved in something which combines both the arts and sciences? Then, consider Architecture! This article will explore the notions of studying Architecture in the UK.
What is Architecture?
In a technical sense, Architecture relates to the art or technique of designing and constructing structures and buildings. Architecture is a multifaceted discipline mostly centering on art and engineering.
In another sense, Architecture could be a reflection of society through cultural heritage, the progress or technological advancement, the economy of the place, and its people’s identity, along with many other meanings and definitions. Fundamentally, Architecture can carry varying meaning depending on what Architecture means for each individual.
Within the broad field of Architecture, there are many types of Architecture including Landscape Architecture, Industrial Architecture, Commercial Architecture, Residential Architecture, Green Architecture along many other specialised fields of Architecture.
Duties of an Architect can range from consulting with clients, translating design onto paper and reality, alongside overseeing construction progress. Architects would usually have to collaborate with multiple parties including city planners, structural engineers, and interior designers.
Why study Architecture?
- Study Art & Science
Architecture is known to be a combination of art and science. Architecture doesn’t only emphasise aesthetics, but it also integrates scientific notions such as functionality, environment, and physics in engineering and structural knowledge. This way, studying Architecture allows the best of both worlds!
- Unleash Creativity
Studying Architecture allows you to unleash your own creativity! You have the chance to be creative not only in your drawings and building models, but also in your approach in solving problems and addressing challenges in Architectural courses. You will also be able to meet creative peers alike and build a life-long network.
- Develop Transferable Skills
Through an Architecture course, you will be able to learn and develop transferable skills including problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and project management. These skills are valuable when you pursue any profession (not limited to Architecture) in the job market.
- Encourages Growth
Some would say studying Architecture is not an easy feat. You will face multiple challenges which would also include sleep deprivation and catching up with deadlines. However, this aspect of an Architecture degree is what encourages growth through learning how to overcome challenges and reap the rewards.
- Make an Impact
Learning Architecture essentially means you have the opportunity to make an impact in the world through your work. You can utilise your skills to touch the lives of people, through the buildings, spaces, or infrastructures you will have designed.
Career Opportunities with Architecture Degree
- Architect
- Architectural Technologist
- Building Surveyor
- Interior & Spatial Designer
- Landscape Architect
- Conservation Architect
- Textile Designer
- Urban Planner
- Lighting Architect
- Industrial Designer
General Requirements to Study Architecture in the UK
Following are the general entry requirements for studying Architecture in the UK. Something to note is that most universities would require you to showcase an art portfolio and some would call for an interview to determine your motivation. However, there are universities which exempt these requirements granted you have fulfilled sufficient hours in art subjects.
Academic Entry
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
A-Levels | BBB |
IB Diploma | 32 Points |
UEC | 75% in More than Two Subjects |
STPM | AAB |
Matriculation | GPA 2.0 or Above |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | Score of 80 |
Canadian Pre-University (CPU) | 75-80% |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 6.0 |
TOEFL | 72 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 59 |
SPM 1119 | C |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
How to be an Architect in the UK
If you’re wondering how to become an Architect in the UK, here is a common pathway to take. Do take note that there may be other pathways you can take. Additionally, Architects in the UK are regulated by the Architects Registration Board, or ARB.
Ultimately, you would have to complete and pass SPM or any equivalent examinations. After, you should complete a qualifying pre-university programme permitting you into an accredited undergraduate Architecture degree.
Accreditations can be from the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) if you choose to practise as an Architect in Malaysia.
To become a qualified Architect or a Chartered Architect in the UK, you would have to go through three parts of learning and practice. Then, you can register as an Architect with ARB and join RIBA.
The three parts are as follows:
- Part 1: Is the foundation of becoming an Architect, where you complete an accredited Architecture degree which could take 3 or 4 years. Work experience before moving on to Part 2 is ideal.
- Part 2: Involves a more advanced level of Architectural learning, where you complete a Masters’ degree in Architecture (MArch) generally in 2 years time.
- Part 3: Is the final stage of becoming a qualified Architect involving 24 months of practical experience and other sets of evaluations (a long-term case study submission, a written assessment, and an in-person interview) to determine competency as an Architect.
Top Universities to Study Architecture in the UK
1. University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield was established in the year 1905 with history dating way back in 1828. The University of Sheffield marks their academic prominence through being ranked among the top 20 of universities in the United Kingdom. The University is also known to offer a comprehensive curriculum for their Architecture programme.
The Architecture BA programme offered by the University of Sheffield is fully accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) alongside a collaborative learning environment with modern facilities. Applications are accompanied with an artwork portfolio completed with ten reproductions of art or design work.
Programme Offered | Architecture BA |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fees (2024) | International Students: £29,110 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Queen’s University Belfast
The Queen’s University of Belfast, or rather, Queen’s University Belfast was founded in the year 1845. The Queen’s University Belfast is a part of the prestigious Russell Group of the UK with 15 subjects in the top 200 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023), making the university a valid choice for academic pursuits.
The BSc Architecture programme offered by the Queen’s University Belfast has accreditations from the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), as well as the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) making it a great choice for those wanting to practise Architecture in Malaysia. With sufficient art qualification, you could be opted out of preparing an art portfolio when applying.
Programme Offered | BSc Architecture |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fees (2024) | International Students: £25,300 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University has history dating back to 1865 but gained their university status in the year 1992. Oxford Brookes University offers a diverse campus community. The University has a focus on redeveloping the campus in the upcoming years as a way of ensuring students have access to a conducive learning environment.
The BA (Hons) Architecture, offered by Oxford Brookes University, is provided under the School of Architecture of the university. The School of Architecture at Oxford Brookes is known to be the largest in Britain with consistent top rankings. The programme is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM) with affiliations with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).
Programme Offered | BA (Hons) Architecture |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fees (2024) | International Students: £16,900 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.