Architecture BArch/BA
Study of how to design buildings and spaces that are functional, sustainable, and inspiring.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Creative visionary
Resilient worker
Design-obsessed
Problem-solver
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Architecture & Built Environment
Property & Real Estate
Engineering & Construction
Urban Planning & Development
Is this for you?
Architecture BArch/BA
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how to design buildings and spaces that are functional, sustainable, and inspiring.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is an Architecture Degree?
Architecture blends art, science, and technology to design the spaces where people live, work, and connect. It combines creativity with problem-solving, focusing on how buildings affect people and the environment.
Why Study Architecture?
Architecture is ideal if you enjoy design, drawing, and thinking about how spaces can improve lives. It allows you to be both imaginative and practical while helping to shape the world around you.
Most Architecture degrees cover:
Architectural design and drawing
History and theory of architecture
Building materials and construction technology
Environmental and sustainable design
Computer-aided design (CAD) and digital modelling
Structural and spatial design
Professional practice and communication
Later in your course, you can often specialise, for example, in sustainable design, urban planning, or interior architecture.
Degree Types
BArch (Bachelor of Architecture): A professional degree recognised as the first stage towards qualifying as an architect in the UK.
Some universities offer BA (Hons) Architecture, which is similar in content but may include more artistic or theoretical study.
Conceptual Design Skills – developing creative architectural ideas, forms, and spatial concepts.
Technical Drawing & Modelling – producing plans, sections, 3D models, and visualisations using CAD and design software.
Construction & Material Knowledge – understanding building technologies, structures, and material performance.
Architectural Communication – presenting design proposals clearly through drawings, models, and critiques.
Design Problem-Solving – creating functional, aesthetic, and sustainable solutions for built environments.
A-levels or equivalent ideally including Art or Design, with Maths or Physics helpful; a portfolio is usually required.
Show your passion for architecture, art, and design.
Mention visits to buildings, exhibitions, or cities that inspire you.
Reflect on how architecture connects creativity with social and environmental issues.
Include examples of sketching, model-making, or creative projects.
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick – A practical guide to design principles.
The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton – How buildings affect how we feel and live.
Thinking Architecture by Peter Zumthor – Reflections on creativity and design.
Sustainable Architecture: Towards a Diverse Future by James Steele – Exploring how design can shape a greener world.
Compare degrees to see which focus more on design, sustainability, or technology.
Attend open days or portfolio workshops to meet tutors and get feedback on your work.
Explore architecture magazines or online design galleries for inspiration.
Visit local landmarks and think about how they were designed and built.
Architectural Practice - Architect, project architect, senior architect, associate architect
Design Specialist - Architectural designer, design architect, concept designer, design lead
Urban Design - Urban designer, masterplanner, urban regeneration specialist, public realm designer
Conservation - Conservation architect, heritage architect, historic buildings specialist, listed buildings consultant
Landscape Architecture - Landscape architect (with further qualification), landscape designer, site designer, environmental designer
Interior Architecture - Interior architect, spatial designer, interior design architect, commercial interior specialist
Project Management - Project architect, architectural project manager, design manager, client-side architect
Academic & Research - Architectural researcher, university lecturer (with PhD), design critic, academic practitioner
Do You Need a Masters?
Yes, if you want to become a chartered architect (ARB registered) – MArch (Part 2) is mandatory.
No, if you're switching careers to graphic design, product design, project management, or non-architectural roles.
Popular Masters Options
Architecture (MArch) – Part 2 – 2 years Essential for becoming architect. RIBA/ARB accredited. Then 2 years work + Part 3 exam. £35,000-£50,000+ chartered.
Urban Design/Urban Planning (MA/MSc) – 1 year City planning, masterplanning, public realm. £28,000-£42,000.
Landscape Architecture (MLA) – 2 years Switch to landscape design. Chartered landscape architect route. £32,000-£45,000.
Sustainable Architecture/Environmental Design (MSc) – 1 year Green building, Passivhaus, low-carbon design. Growing demand.
Interior Architecture & Design (MA) – 1 year Interior spaces, retail, hospitality design. £24,000-£38,000.
Architectural Conservation/Historic Building Conservation (MA) – 1 year Heritage buildings, listed structures, conservation specialist. £26,000-£40,000.
Digital Architecture/Computational Design (MSc) – 1 year Parametric design, coding, digital fabrication. Tech-forward practices.
Real Estate Development/Property Development (MSc) – 1 year Switch to development side. £30,000-£50,000 careers.
Professional Qualifications
ARB/RIBA Chartered Architect – MArch + 2 years + Part 3 Essential to practice as architect in UK. 7 years total.
RIBA Conservation Registration – Additional specialism Heritage sector premium.
Without a Masters (Part 2)
You can't call yourself an architect, but careers available:
Architectural Assistant (£22,000-£28,000)
Architectural Technologist (do professional development, £24,000-£32,000)
Architectural Designer (unregulated, £24,000-£32,000)
3D Visualizer (£24,000-£35,000)
Project Coordinator (construction, £26,000-£34,000)
Planning Consultant (£24,000-£32,000)
Set Designer/Exhibition Designer
Money Talk
MArch (Part 2): £15,000-£25,000 (2 years). Then Part 3: £3,000-£5,000. Total investment ~£35,000-£55,000. Architect salaries start around £28,000-£35,000 post-qualification but rise to £40,000-£60,000+ mid-career and £70,000-£100,000+ senior/partner level. Long road but established profession.
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