Architectural studies in the United Kingdom

Architecture as well as design itself is a very important part of British society. The words practice, education, and art go hand in hand and are inseparable. And all this using equipment and software that are used in a real environment. In the UK, practice is necessary and invaluable precisely in fields related to design, and particularly in architecture. The word "work" is very important because it results in skills that cannot be acquired through flipping through hundreds of books, or calculating the density of concrete for the thousandth time. Graduating from universities in the UK, one is not only aware of the challenges that await but is also ready for them because numerous projects and exams are organized in a way that is close to the daily work of an architect.

It is worth mentioning an organization that oversees uniform assessment at the universities under its jurisdiction, rewards students with prestigious awards, and endorses the issuance of licenses allowing to practice as an architect. This is about RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), which was founded in the 19th century and is the most prestigious and respected institution that associates architects worldwide. It offers them the possibility of contact and cooperation, as well as discovers young talents and attests to the standards offered by universities.

Most popular directions

The most popular directions related to architecture are divided into two categories - some are more related to design itself, while others focus on construction methods and technologies associated with them. These are mainly:

Architecture

This direction is the most popular because it combines both design and the science of technologies and construction. It also falls under the jurisdiction of the RIBA institution, which issues qualifications for practicing the profession of architect. The title obtained from it is respected all over the world and offers international opportunities. The course itself develops skills in design not only at the level of computer software used in the work environment but above all the pure essence that is architecture, its functions, and the responsibilities that accompany it. Students also learn about construction methods and technologies that enable them to better understand the structure of buildings and developed spaces, thus providing an unlimited spectrum of possibilities for their own design.

Landscape Architecture

This field is based on the study of designing the external world as a combination of art, utility, and the natural system. The goal is to create rich, positive experiences and to provide designed spaces that unite the user with the character and sense of place. Students work in a studio space that mimics the real world of landscape architects' creative practice. Projects are based on existing spaces. This allows students to gain confidence and proficiency in their work.

Interior Architecture / Design

Interior design develops the ability to manipulate and divide volume and space in an internal environment (whether abused, underutilized, or new), thereby building an awareness of community, social, and international problems. The course covers all aspects of interior architecture, spatial design with a focus on individual development and creativity. It typically contains many "live" projects, which can be realized. More information about this field can be found in the article about artistic directions.

Architectural Technology

This course explores the science of architecture, teaching how to turn a concept into reality, where passive design, innovation, and representation are key factors. Often one can choose to spend a year in practice. The course itself is a combination of design and production. It provides the technical understanding needed to merge these two. The four main topics are: technology, design, management, and practice. It provides the skills needed for effective practice in each of these areas and teaches how to play a key role in the design and construction process. Similar courses can be found under names such as:

• Civil & Architectural Engineering
• Civil Engineering & Architecture
• Structural Engineering & Architecture
• Marine Technology & Naval Architecture,
• Building Surveyor.

Opportunities for further learning

As mentioned above, by studying such a broadly defined architecture after completing the first degree, there is a possibility of changing the field to others - also related to design. In fact, nothing limits us, only our own imagination. Since completing the first degree, we can either continue our studies in the UK in the same field or change it, we can also start our practice in the UK or abroad, we can return to our country and continue our education here or move to a completely different country for the second degree or indeed a practice. There are many possibilities and everyone will surely find something for themselves.

Career paths after architectural studies

Considering the diversity of fields related to architecture, the range of opportunities that opens up after completing them is also wide. It's undeniable that by studying architecture alone, one can design interiors, urbanized spaces, landscapes, gardens, buildings, or furniture and everyday items. The more specific the field, the more defined the qualifications are.

Nevertheless, architecture is the most demanding field and only it is subject to the RIBA title, which is so prestigious. In this case, the accompanying BA title, meaning artistic, does not limit the architect while designing buildings or supervising their construction.

The difference between architecture and, for example, Architectural/Building Technology lies in the fact that the technology direction mainly focuses on scientific subjects, while architecture is also related to art and philosophy.

It is clear that work after graduating from Interior Design or Landscape Architecture will be related to designing such spaces. Importantly, being a student of a field under design, it is always possible to reconsider changing one's specialty at a later stage of education. Architecture graduates often steer their career towards fashion, design, photography, set design, work with film, designing websites, furniture, textiles, computer graphics, and games.

Architecture is much more than designing buildings and rooms – it's a field where art and science go hand in hand. Many architects chose to study this discipline because they didn't want to give up developing in many areas.

Earnings after graduation

The profession of an architect in the United Kingdom ranks 40th among 300 in the ranking of the best-paid professions.

To obtain the full-fledged title, namely the RIBA certificate, it takes about 7 years. This period consists of both studies and highly paid internships. 3 years of a bachelor's degree are fully sufficient to receive the position of an architect's assistant, where earnings range from £18,000 to £22,000 annually. In turn, right after obtaining the above title, earnings rise to about £30,000 annually, which depending on individual progress gradually increase – most often after 10 years amount to at least £45,000 annually.

Of course, the issue of earnings outside the boundaries of the United Kingdom is very individual and extremely varied. Finishing studies in the UK, we can try to find a job in any country in the world, because not only is the education widely respected, but we also have a confirmation of our proficiency in English, and no language exams are necessary anymore.

Requirements for architectural courses

Architecture is a quite specific field, for which the application differs slightly from the typical application for non-design fields. In the application, it's not only the exam results that count, but a personal statement as well as a portfolio and interview also play a very important role.

Requirements

The requirements for A-level exams vary depending on the university, so before applying, it's worth checking what they are for the institutions we are interested in - best to do it here; alternatively, ask Smart Prospects - they know the requirements of practically all British universities.

Regarding subjects, it's worth expecting the requirement of advanced mathematics at prestigious universities. Other universities, especially those requiring 1-2 extensions, rarely require applicants to have specific subjects.

Language exam

Most universities will also require proof of English proficiency in the form of language certificates from students whose first language is not English, which also applies to architecture programs. In most cases, the exam is IELTS with a score of 6.5. It's also worth paying attention to alternative exams to IELTS such as CAE, CPE, or TOEFL, which most universities also recognize as an adequate equivalent. Fortunately, in many cases, an extended English matriculation exam is sufficient proof of language proficiency, and other certificates are then not required.

Portfolio and interview

A portfolio is mainly required by typically architectural courses (Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture). British universities welcome diversity, through which a candidate can present their versatility of media and techniques. It's worth taking a moment to think about what you would like to convey through this relatively limited quantity of material as a candidate for Architecture. Unfortunately, we must take into account that the portfolios required by universities consist of only a few pages, in which we should select and present our works as well as possible. In the portfolio, the process of creating the works placed there is important for British universities; it helps them see if the person applying to the university has a predisposition for developing projects and creative thinking. If the portfolio appeals to the committee, you will likely be invited for an interview, i.e., a qualification discussion (by phone/Skype). You can find details about how to prepare your portfolio and how to prepare yourself for the preliminary conversation here.

The text "Personal statement" in translated to English remains "Personal statement."

An essential aspect, especially when applying for architecture programs, is also the personal statement, in which we should present strong arguments showing why we want to study architecture and why we are the "best candidates". In the personal statement, we should also present our further interest in the field and any related experience, which together with the portfolio will give the university a broad picture of our personality as a creative individual. Experience related to any creative work, designing, photography, drawing, painting, modeling, or computer graphics is something that should definitely be included in our cover letter.

Knowledge and skills – what to expect?

The first year of architecture will be a new experience for high school graduates, transitioning from an education based on working with textbooks, notebooks, or the blackboard, to pure practical and design work based on both individual and group efforts. We should expect a weekly tutorial system that allows for the gradual building of a project, supported by lectures and additional consultations. Expanding the sketchbook, which is a crucial element of our assessment, teaches us design and allows instructors to better understand our project. Practice is the guiding theme of architectural studies in the United Kingdom, which is a very important aspect in terms of future employability. Of course, we will also encounter various assessments, essays, or even exams, which again depends on the university and the modules it has introduced.

At universities that focus a bit more on the project-based side of architecture than the engineering side, mathematical and physical concepts will be encountered in slightly smaller, less significant modules. On the other hand, in the case of a more engineering-oriented approach by the university, the emphasis on these subjects may increase. Hence, it is good to familiarize oneself with the university's policy and their approach to architecture, keeping in mind one's own interests and expectations from future architectural education.

What is worth knowing before choosing a degree program?

RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and ARB (Architects Registration Board) accreditations are crucial when it comes to choosing a course and a university. They guarantee that after completing this direction (part 3), we will be fully fledged architects. Choosing a course without these accreditations is a waste of our time and money, as a diploma without these two accreditations will not be as important and respected when we look for a job after our studies.

Another important issue related to the studies themselves is the fact that architecture at many universities requires a greater financial outlay related to the purchase of various materials - for drawing, designing, and constructing models. Nevertheless, a considerable number of universities provide their students with financial support through various kinds of discounts or scholarships.

Trivia and advice

At the beginning of the year, many universities organize 'warm-up projects'. These are projects that do not take longer than a week, aimed at introducing students to university life, showing what studio work involves, and giving them the opportunity to meet their peers.

Most universities have studios open 24/7, where you can work on projects. This is very helpful, as your room might not be big enough to, for example, glue large models or simply fit all the art materials. The studios are equipped with printers and 3D printers, paper cutters, and other useful tools that not everyone has at home. It's also worth mentioning that it's harder to slack off in the studio because the colleagues around us and the atmosphere motivate us to act.

There are relatively few lecture hours at the university, about 8-14. However, depending on the university, we spend one or two days in the studio with tutors. We dedicate the rest of our free time to developing projects.

Balancing work and studying architecture is indeed possible, yet it is no small challenge. Although it may be easier in the first year, the later it gets, the harder it becomes. We must remember that it will be better when we have a flexible schedule and are organized. It is worth considering working during the holidays to have a reserve of funds when the project submission is approaching, and we are sitting in the studio from morning till night.

An important aspect is also that architecture is a very demanding and immersive field. Although students of British universities have just a few subjects a year, it doesn't mean they have more free time. In theory, one could spend less time on everything, but in reality, dedicating more time to work, we will be able to create a very good portfolio, which is a key element in applying for a position at an architectural firm, and it presents our skills.

At the end of the academic year, so-called Degree Shows are organized, which are exhibitions of the best works and the awarding of prizes to the best students. During this time, all universities are open to outsiders. Being a student, one can visit other universities to compare the level or look for inspiration.

Architectural studies in practice

Current students are probably the best source of information about chosen studies and fields. Find out what architectural studies look like in practice - through the eyes of students who once applied for their dream studies with the support of Smart Prospects.

Natalia

Studying Architecture is no small challenge and already after the second year, many people conclude that it is not the direction for them. Full commitment and significant sacrifice are something one must face. It's worth giving your all from the very first days of studies, to acquire as many skills as possible, which then develop proportionally over time, and their wide range is extremely important.

The first year showed how much work and dedication is required from Architecture students, but compared to the second year, it seems like a piece of cake. Architecture is a field of study that I sometimes describe with the phrase “Love and Hate”. Long hours in the studio, sleepless nights, driven by looming deadlines are something you can expect, however, it's important to remember how satisfying and exciting this field is. Every hour spent results in tangible progress, which is very motivating and drives further work. At the end of each hard-worked day, you can physically see the time you have dedicated.

The second year is a very good opportunity to experiment and push projects to the limits of possibility, which will then allow us to enter the third, toughest year in good shape. In the second year, it's worth investing time to familiarize yourself with various software, representation styles, or modeling, in order to make the best use of time. Hard work and dedication in my second year have been rewarded with a scholarship, thanks to which I will be able to fully dedicate myself and focus on my studies next year. It's really worth putting your whole heart into these studies and giving it your all, because it will pay off greatly in your future career, and the progress will be noticeable day by day.

Julka

The first academic year at De Montfort University required attending lectures, group activities, weekly tutorials in groups, and individually. Weekly, we had between 9 to 15 hours of classes. Although many people stopped attending the university at this point, I spent an additional 30-40 hours there every week. Since I don't work, I could afford this. The first year focuses on experimenting, showing the basics, and requires us to have an open mind, but also hard work related to various projects. Knowing that this is the easiest year, I wanted to get as much out of it for myself as possible, so I spent time in the studio, where the best students usually work, and I talked to them, asked what they were working on, and tried to learn directly from them – which REALLY helped me. The studio itself (as well as the workshops) is fully equipped, large-format printers are free, and the atmosphere encourages action. In this way, I met many amazing and talented people who shared their knowledge and skills with me. The effects of this 'living' in the studio were visible during the final presentation and were awarded the title of the best student of the year. My advice? Give as much of yourself as possible, but don't take it too seriously and don't stress over every exam. Lecturers know that you are from abroad and that it's your first year, so they are always helpful and if they see that you really care and that you are working, they treat you like a good colleague who simply wants to get the most out of their studies.

Olga

With the progress of the first semester, I have discovered that the search for oneself and one's own style is one of the most crucial elements in architectural studies in the UK. This is related to the change of tutor at the beginning of the project - each of the teachers we meet perceives space and its functions differently, so it depends on us which of the views we find correct - which of course does not mean that any of them are untrue. I was even surprised by the degree of creativity allowed by the tutors. I learned that the role of an architect can involve not only visual designing but also being the pioneer of the entire leading theme of the designed institution. Due to the diversity of topics we encounter - from a dance school to an animal shelter - we are able to learn many interesting facts in each of the fields.

Victoria

Going to study in the United Kingdom, I didn't think that just after the first year my view on architecture and the profession of an architect would change so much. At the very beginning, I was disappointed by the number of lecture hours and feared that I would get less out of these studies than if I chose a Polish university. However, besides the more than ten hours spent on lectures, we have to dedicate most of our time in the studio, workshop, or library so that our projects teach us as much as possible. One of the many things that positively surprised me about the course is the contact with tutors and the fact that they can dedicate a lot of time to developing our project and to individual conversation. Every architecture student needs enormous self-discipline not to waste free time. I won't hide that at the beginning, it was hard for both me and other students to switch to work mode after such a long vacation. Moreover, we must prepare ourselves for the fact that if we want to work part-time and study architecture, we might have very little time for ourselves and parties. However, architecture is a course that gives a lot of satisfaction, and I can't imagine studying anything else.

In summary...

Architecture in the United Kingdom is very different from what many European universities and technical universities offer us. The way knowledge is communicated and what emphasis is put on makes one think that architecture is not just forms and spaces, but a whole philosophy, and above all, WE – the people. The classes themselves, their format, and the exams are accessible to everyone, but what is really required of us in these studies is an open mind and the willingness to work. Deciding to study here in the UK, we must be aware of the spectrum of diversity and the explosion of ideas we will encounter here. Many people from different corners of the world meet here with one goal - to learn. Each with a different baggage of experiences, cultural. It gives amazing opportunities and means that by completing these studies we not only gain a prestigious diploma and real experience, but above all, we are able to look at a given problem from the perspective of many other people, cultures, and societies. Perhaps this is what makes studies in the United Kingdom valued all over the world and gives graduates the confidence that they will manage everywhere and always.

With the professional and free support from Smart Prospects, you can take the first step towards a satisfying and profitable career! Start the same way we once did – by creating an account in the Applicant Panel on their website www.sp.edu.pl, logging in there, and filling out your information. And if you have any questions or doubts, write to SP on Messenger (FB) and join the tens of their groups on FB, where you will find not only us but also other students and applicants.

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