Studying Architecture in the UK

Are you keen to pursue a career as an architect, a landscape architect, or an urban and regional planner. Here’s everything you need to know about pursuing a career in Architecture in the UK

Introduction to Architecture in the UK

Architecture courses at UK universities help you imbibe skills and knowledge of design and mechanics behind the construction of buildings. The core curriculum mainly focuses on the design, technical, cultural as well as historical aspects of the subject. The modules related to art and 3D design helps you gain profound knowledge about the domain and guides you in creating an imaginative work portfolio and familiarity that you can carry into your profession. Architecture Programmes in the UK are designed to offer you the finest approach to learning the basics and prepares you for a smooth transition between your education and profession.

Most UK universities who offer programmes in Architecture, focus on a variety of aspects including not only the technological and design side of this field, but also the cultural and historical aspects of architecture. Modules on history and theory along with art and 3D design provide students with the best approach to learning this subject.

Although it takes a total of seven years to become a fully-competent architect, students will become members of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) on completion of their three-year undergraduate degree. You can sign up for a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) or The Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree, both have immense value on the international front. Typically a total of five years of study is required in addition to two years of practical training before taking up final exams. Nearly 19 universities in the UK have been rated as the best in the world for Architecture as per QS World University Rankings.

Why choose Architecture in the UK?

Architecture is ideal for students who are keen to tackle different types of design related problems or assembling things using their ingenious and methodical problem-solving aptitude to give artistic, purposeful and practical answers. Your job as an architect is not restricted to sitting at a corporate workplace; instead you will be involved in a variety of activities like renovating or designing houses, hotels, hospitals, shopping complexes, sports stadiums, schools, and industrial buildings among other projects. Learning architecture is indeed a first step to numerous career opportunities in this industry.

Architecture as a profession is never static and the professionals continuously deal with ideating, research, building new designs, and programming by creating new design concepts.

What will you learn on an Architecture course?

Some of the subjects covered include architectural drawing, theory of structures, architectural appreciation, art and design, building technology and materials, landscape technology, working drawings, building construction, thesis project, training and much more. As a profession, the project life cycle including ideation, brainstorming with customers, creating designs with a team and collaborating with contractors and construction companies to complete a project requires clever planning, group effort and valuable approach of communication.

You will be able to gain knowledge about the engineering and science behind fine building design including the structural facets, smart building concept, energy efficiency and sustainable structure design.

Career options for Architecture students

One of the advantages of choosing a career in architecture is that you are not limited to a particular role and this requires both vision and expression. There are many different options that you can select within the specific profession. The career opportunities for architects are soaring due to the growth opportunities in the designing and construction fields.

Some of the career options include technical architect, design architect, architecture draftsman, art director, specifications writer, project manager, interior designer, BIM manager, workplace consultant, urban planner and designer, sustainability consultant and sole administrator. The courses have a huge focus on design skills along with a larger weight on management and even ecology.

Job Options

Architect
Architectural technologist
Building control surveyor
CAD technician
Fire risk assessor
Interior and spatial designer
Town planner
Urban designer
Building surveyor
Commercial/residential surveyor
Construction manager
Estates manager
Estimator
Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
Landscape architect
Planning and development surveyor
Production designer, theatre/television/film
Structural engineer VFX artist

Employers

Large or small firms architecture/construction firms
Firms that incorporate planning, urban design or construction.
Public sector – including local authorities and housing associations
Various planning departments for housing associations or organisations
Large firms hire in-house architectural teams

Entry Requirements for Architecture in the UK
It is preferable to have studied Art and design, English and mathematics prior to applying for an Architecture programme in the UK. It will also be good to up your skills in freehand drawing. An interest in design and producing 3D work is desirable too. Many UK universities request students to submit a portfolio of work which is assessed and only then you are offered a place in the programme. International Baccalaureate requirements: Minimum 32 points. A-levels requirements: AAB, with a balance of art, sciences and writing ability. IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
English Language Requirement: If you are worried about IELTS, speak to us now and we will help you secure admission at a University where IELTS scores are not mandatory. English language scores secured in the Higher Secondary (in your country) are considered by select institutions in Britain. IELTS is therefore not mandatory for some UK Universities. Speak to us now to find out more about English Language requirements. English Language classes, delivered by the British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, are available at specific Universities for both before and throughout the programme for international students. Speak to our advisors now to know more about English language requirements.

Entry Requirements for Architecture in the UK

It is preferable to have studied Art and design, English and mathematics prior to applying for an Architecture programme in the UK. It will also be good to up your skills in freehand drawing. An interest in design and producing 3D work is desirable too. Many UK universities request students to submit a portfolio of work which is assessed and only then you are offered a place in the programme.

International Baccalaureate requirements: Minimum 32 points.
A-levels requirements: AAB, with a balance of art, sciences and writing ability.
IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.

English Language Requirement: If you are worried about IELTS, speak to us now and we will help you secure admission at a University where IELTS scores are not mandatory. English language scores secured in the Higher Secondary (in your country) are considered by select institutions in Britain. IELTS is therefore not mandatory for some UK Universities. Speak to us now to find out more about English Language requirements. English Language classes, delivered by the British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, are available at specific Universities for both before and throughout the programme for international students. Speak to our advisors now to know more about English language requirements.

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How Global Study Link can help you with your course application for Architecture in the UK?

If you are keen to pursue a program in Architecture in the United Kingdom, contact us now. At Global Study Link, we excel in helping students apply to the best Universities in the UK. We provide you with end to end service, right from application to entry level requirement guidance to visa application. Our advisors have years of experience guiding students wishing to pursue a career in Architecture. Book your free consultation with our education advisor now!

Universities

Here are some of the leading UK Universities in the UK offering Architecture. At Global Study Link, we can help you get placed not just at these institutes but across a wide range of Universities in the UK that specialise in Architecture courses. Contact the GSL education advisors now if you wish to know more about a University not listed above.

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