Thinkarchitecture

Contact

We hope you have found this information bookletuseful. If you have any specific queries then pleasecontact the Education Department at:

Royal Institute of British Architects66 Portland PlaceLondonW1B 1AD UK

info@riba.orgwww.architecture.com

Printed on paper sourced fromfully sustainable managed forests.

Front cover: Welsh School of Architecture © Kieran Ridley

Didyouknow...

‘The art of architecture can be practised by people with a wide range of skills – if I had to have maths or physicsI wouldn’t (and probablycouldn’t!) have become an architect.’Sir Terry Farrell, Architect

‘Studying architecture gives you the opportunity to learn multiple skills – including crafting, drawing,photography, graphics and 3D modelling. Architecturealso teaches you to be muchmore investigative as you are constantly looking for inspiration for your work.’Pascal Bronner, Student

‘The best thing about an architectural education is the breadth of skills and depth of thought thatis developed and whichwill always be with you.’Tim O’Callaghan, Graduate

‘I’m glad I’m completing mydegree at this point in my life. I’m getting so much moreout of the process now as I understand where the ideascome from and I have a massive drive to succeed.’Dave Wilson, Student

‘Architecture is a fascinating,wonderful, tough profession. If you want to do it, go for it.The boundaries between life and architecture are very fine – that’s what I loveabout it.’Amanda Levete, Architect

‘A career in architecture is challenging but rewarding in many ways; it is a career that allowsyou to express your creativity and to shape the world in which we live.’Sherief El-Salamani, Graduate

Contents

1 A career in architecture2 Studying architecture3 The route to qualification4 Applying for architecture5 Paying for your course6 The portfolio7 Find out more8 FAQs

London Metropolitan University

Welsh School of Architecture

Welsh School of Architecture

Acareer inarchitecture

Architecture is a phenomenon, mirroring the people itserves. Architects and the clients they work with constantlyredefine the way our buildings and civic spaces will be; thatis an amazing challenge. It is also right to see architectureas a social art, a cultural idea, and a profession catalysedby new technologies, innovation, and a strong sense ofconviction. So if you want to add to this list of possibilities,architecture could well be the white knuckle ride your lifeand career needs.

Be aware that a career in architecture will probably combineinspiration, perspiration, frustration, and elation in equalamounts. But if you have a restless nature, worry about the city and sustainability, are obsessed with beauty in all things, need to draw to finish your sentences effectively,and don’t mind meeting some of the most interesting andmaddening people on the planet you are in the right place.

Architecture is an extraordinary thing – it can improve people’s lives. It appears every society has decided weneed it, and that we measure our civilisations by it. All thismeans that you are about to enter one of the biggest andmost passionate debates humanity can get involved in;just look out of your window for confirmation.

Don’t sit on the fence. Right here, right now is where youcan make a difference, shaping the future with architecture.

David GlosterDirector of EducationRoyal Institute of British Architects

All images © Niall McLaughlin Architects

On the tracing paper:

Conception to Completion

The Bandstand, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill on SeaNiall McLaughlin Architects / 2001

The design process started with a piece of papermade into a simple shape. It was later given a waved profile to break up the sound waves. The materials chosen were a combination of plywood and fibreglass that could be assembled inthe builder’s workshop. Although the canopy is ofrelatively traditional construction, the detail designused advanced computer modelling techniques. The final shape is a practical shelter for bands.

Allianz Arena, M

unich, Herzog & de Meuron © Robert Hösl

TOD’S Omotesando Building, Tokyo, Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects © Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Maggie’s Centre, Kirkcaldy, Zaha Hadid Architects © Nathaniel Lee

Dance City, Newcastle upon Tyne, Malcolm Fraser Architects © Morley von Sternberg / 2007 RIBA Award Winner

The Tree House, London, Constructive Individuals © Laura Broderick

Westminster Academ

y, London, AHMM © Tim Soar & AHMM / 2008 RIBA Award Winner

Studyingarchitecture

Introduction

Architectural studies differ from many othersubjects and courses. Most of your studies willbe based in the studio for design work, tutorialsand ‘crits’ (critiques). The crit, a common term inart and design education, is where you presentyour design project work to tutors (and otherstudents) who provide feedback. You will alsoattend lectures and computer aided designtutorials, have essays to write, site visits to go onand visits to buildings and places of interest.

Some schools provide opportunities for hands-onbuilding projects; others offer specialist areas of study or have developed strengths in particulardisciplines, for example: sustainability, townplanning, technology, or management. Skills inproblem solving and team working are alsodeveloped through project work.

The approach to architectural education differsbetween schools so you should thoroughlyresearch the available courses to see what suitsyou and your interests, as well as yourqualifications, before applying. Try to attend theopen days or the degree shows (studentexhibitions) of the universities you areinterested in. Open days are a great time to askcurrent students and tutors lots of questionsabout the course. The degree shows allow youto examine the work of graduating students andusually take place from late May to early July.They will give you an excellent idea of the focusand orientation of work in a particular school.

The typical route

The typical route to qualifying as an architect in the United Kingdom is a combination ofacademic studies at a university and practicalexperience. It involves training for five years atuniversity and a minimum of two yearsexperience before final qualification. This includesthree key stages of study on recognised coursesvalidated by the Royal Institute of BritishArchitects (RIBA), the first stage being a threeyear undergraduate degree which will providestudents with a graduate qualification even if they do not continue with architecture as aprofession. Studying on recognised courses isthe most straightforward route to becoming afully qualified architect.

The reason why the path to becoming anarchitect is so long is that architecture is a wideranging discipline based on a large body ofdesign, technical, and professional knowledge, in which students develop a high level of skill.This prepares students to make soundprofessional judgements in difficult, oftenpressurised situations. It is a long coursebecause turning knowledge into ability, throughsuccessive design projects over the duration ofthe course is a lengthy – and exciting – process.

The diagram overleaf illustrates this studyprocess.

Other routes

Whilst there are no distance learning coursesavailable in UK schools of architecture, there areoptions for those who are unable to study full-time, or have previously gained other relatedqualifications and work experience.

A number of schools offer part-time validatedcourses so students can train in architecture whileearning a salary, though it will take longer toqualify via this route. The RIBA Examination forOffice-Based Candidates offers an establishedroute to qualification for mature candidatesworking in architectural practices who are unableto attend courses in schools of architecture.

Some schools offer entry with advanced standingto applicants with related qualifications or maygive some exemptions from parts of their coursein recognition of related subjects already studied.This is strictly at the discretion of the school ofarchitecture concerned.

Even if you don’t have the usual admissionsrequirements some schools are happy to judge amature student on other grounds, especially theirportfolio. Other universities and higher educationcolleges run foundation courses and accesscourses to enable you to acquire the necessaryknowledge and skills.

The RIBA recognises many schools ofarchitecture overseas. However, if you havestudied or qualified as an architect outside the UK(even at an RIBA recognised school), yourqualifications will need to be assessed forequivalence to those in the UK by the ArchitectsRegistration Board (ARB). The RIBA recognisesARB recommendations at this stage. You will thenhave to undertake a Part 3 qualification once youhave met the required criteria.

Useful links

A pdf list of RIBA Validated Courses and informationon the RIBA Examination for Office-BasedCandidates can be downloaded fromwww.architecture.com

Architects Registration Board (ARB)www.arb.org.uk

RIBA President’s Medals Student Awardswww.presidentsmedals.com

Professional Education and DevelopmentResource (PEDR) www.pedr.co.uk

RIBA Appointmentswww.ribaappointments.com

Part 1

The route toqualification

University undergraduatedegree e.g. BA or BScThree years full-time / developa broad range of skills andarchitectural understanding

You are eligible for free RIBAStudent Membership from yourfirst year of study

Some UK architecture coursesrun exchange programmeswith universities abroad for upto a year of study (e.g.Erasmus programme).

Some part 1 graduates gainfurther qualifications inspecialist related fields such asplanning, urban design, orconservation.

Other part 1 graduates moveon to work in somethingdifferent with the skills theyhave developed at this level.

Stage 1Practical Experience

Paid practical experience –typically one year in duration

Students record theirexperience on the PEDRwebsite, monitored by aProfessional Studies Advisor(PSA) from their University, andan employment mentor fromtheir practice.

The RIBA provides modelcontracts for students andemployers on the PEDRwebsite, and encouragesstudents to gain experienceeither under the supervision ofan architect, or anotherqualified construction industryprofessional at this stage.

Some students choose to workfor longer than one year– tosave money or gain a widerrange of professionalexperience. Other studentstake time out to work in thewider construction industry; towork overseas; to volunteer, orto travel.

Stage 2Practical Experience

Paid practical experience – 24 months experience in totalis required to sit the part 3examination, of which 12months minimum should beundertaken in the EEA,Channel Islands or the Isle ofMan, under the directsupervision of an architect.

At this stage, graduates will begiven more responsibility onprojects and begin studyingaspects of practice,management and law on a part3 programme.

RIBA Associate membershipoffers a range of services andbenefits appropriate to theneeds of graduates at thisstage of their career.

The RIBA encourages post-part 2 graduates to contacttheir RIBA regional office andget involved with variousprogrammes.

Others may join, or wish toestablish, a young practitionerspanel or similar network in theirlocal area.

ArchitectHaving gained the parts 1, 2 & 3 qualifications you canregister as an architect with theArchitects Registration Board(ARB); the title architect isprotected by law, so that thepublic can always be sure that they are dealing with aproperly qualified architect.

At this point you are eligible tobecome a Chartered Memberof the RIBA. This gives youaccess to a wide range ofservices and benefits, andentitles you to become part of,and an influence on, a nationaland international network ofarchitects.

Part 2University degree – varies from school to school e.g.BArch, Diploma, MArch Two years full-time / enhancedarchitectural knowledge andproject complexity

Students are still regarded asundergraduate students in thearchitectural educationprocess but should seekclarification on fee status atindividual schools.

Students may choose to returnto the school where theycompleted part 1, or apply tostudy for part 2 at anotherschool.

There will be opportunities forstudents to carry out specialiststudy and research, possiblyabroad.

Part 3The final qualifying examinationin professional practice andmanagement is taken at anRIBA validated course provider

Candidates will be assessedon the following elements:

• 24 months of practicalexperience recorded on thePEDR website

• Professional C.V. and careerevaluation

• Case study

• Written examination

• Final oral examination

From

left to right: Newcastle University; W

elsh School of Architecture © Kieran Ridley; Kent School of Architecture; Welsh School of Architecture; Niall McLaughlin Architects; John McAslan + Partners.

Entry Requirements

Many subjects studied at school and college arerelevant to architecture giving you the flexibility tochoose the subjects you are strongest in andenjoy. Ideally you should have gained a broadsecondary education encompassing a mixture ofarts and sciences. Although it is not alwaysnecessary to study art, you should enjoy drawingfreehand and have an interest in design andmaking 3D work: most schools will require you topresent a portfolio at interview.

Schools of architecture will express their offer interms of the UCAS tariffs, but typically you willneed at least two subjects at A level or one A andtwo AS levels. In addition you must generallyhave passed at least five GCSEs which normallyinclude English Language and Mathematics.

Many schools of architecture also recognise otherfurther education qualifications. If you are a maturestudent it is worth remembering that even if youdon’t possess the usual admissions requirementsmost schools are happy to assess a maturestudent on other grounds, especially your portfolio.

The RIBA currently validates, and the ARBprescribes, courses at over 40 schools ofarchitecture in the UK. The entry requirementsand the format of the courses vary from school toschool. You are advised to contact individualschools of architecture to ascertain their specificentry requirements, as well as their coursestructure. That way you will be able to find outwhich schools are most suitable for you to applyto, and which schools have the greatest appeal.

Once you have applied, you may or may not beinvited for interview. Many schools of architectureask to see a portfolio of work. However, someschools make conditional offers on the basis ofthe information you include on your UCAS form.

This is most likely to be the case when your Alevel subjects are seen to be particularly relevant.In the absence of an interview, an open day is anopportunity for you to find out about the school’sapproach to architectural education before youmake your final decision.

Preparing for interview

At interview university tutors will ask questionsand discuss your portfolio with you. This is tohelp them determine your skills and interests. It istherefore important to have researched the worldof architecture and to feel confident and happytalking about the work in your portfolio. Somesample questions might be:

– Why do you want to study architecture?

– Is there a particular architect or specific buildingthat you admire?

– Why do you want to study at this school?

Applyingfor architecture Payingforyourcourse

Architecture is a long course of study. While it isworth remembering that, due to the format ofarchitectural education, you could be working andearning a salary for at least two of the seven yearsbefore you complete your qualifications, the realityis that it is a long commitment and requires aconsiderable investment. Many students willaccumulate significant student debt.

On top of tuition fees and living costs you will alsohave to budget annually for printing, materials,travel for site visits and field trips. The costs ofthese additional materials and activities can varyconsiderably from school to school, so it is worthasking current students and staff at the schoolsyou are considering, so that you can factor thisinto your budget.

UK students may be entitled to non-repayablegrants from their local authority to meet themaintenance costs and tuition fees for the full 5years of recognised academic study. The financialsupport you receive will depend on your family’sfinancial circumstances. You must apply for all 5years when making your initial application.

UK students can also apply for full or partial loansto cover the cost of their tuition fees andmaintenance costs. These loans accrue interestand the repayments are contingent on your futureincome. Again, you should declare your intentionsto study for 5 years when making yourapplication. This ensures that you are classified asa continuing undergraduate student even aftertaking a year (or up to 3 years) between yourparts 1 and 2. You may also be eligible for supportwhilst working in practice between parts 1 and 2,depending on how your course is classified. Youruniversity should be able to provide you withinformation about this.

Some universities operate bursary schemes fortheir students. You should therefore research theoptions available at universities you intend toapply to. Additionally, some architecturalpractices, especially larger ones, may sponsorstudents of architecture – for example,contributing to the part 2 course fees of a studentwho has worked for the practice between parts 1and 2. Sponsorship may be tied in to anemployment agreement with that practice ongraduation. The RIBA also offers bursaries forarchitecture students, full details of which are onthe education pages of the RIBA’s website.

For information on funding and avenues toexplore visit:

The funding section of the RIBA’s Educationpageswww.architecture.com

Universities and Colleges Admission Servicewww.ucas.com

The Student Loans Companywww.slc.co.uk

DirectGovwww.direct.gov.uk

University of Plymouth

Theportfolio

If invited for interview at university you will beexpected to present a portfolio of your work, andfor many schools this is an important factor inoffering you a place on an architecture course.

The portfolio is a tool used throughout a careerin architecture, and at entry level stage shoulddemonstrate a broad mixture of your work,especially drawings, although it can includeanything you think is relevant such as photographs,life drawings, paintings, models or collages.

Drawing is the essential skill of architecture, andyou will be taught at university how to masternecessary drafting and CAD skills, so you donot need to learn these beforehand. Schoolsare not looking in your portfolio for highly skilledarchitectural work, but for evidence that youhave the potential to benefit from an architecturaleducation.

The images are from various student portfoliosand illustrate the type of work produced at variousstages of study.

ThomasPhilipStudentIn my opinion, architecture isan assortment of life’sexperiences and observations,that are presented to the world,to be engaged with, to add agood experience to life, and toinspire better living.

KumikoHirayamaPart 1 GraduateI have wanted to be an architectsince I was five! It is a challengingand satisfying subject, though I didchange my career pathway once asI thought that it was not achievable.However, nothing is impossible andI am now very glad to have theopportunity to study architecture.

AngelaHopcraftPart 2 GraduateAn appetite for the arts and a deepinterest in the perception of spacewere my initial reasons for embarkingon a career in architecture. What Inow realise and relish is that I havebegun a lifelong journey, exploring,experimenting, and being creative inan ever-evolving design field.

Images © Angela Hopcraft

Images © Thomas Philip

Images © Kum

iko Hirayama

Findoutmore

To learn more about careers in the builtenvironment and to read case studies

Construction Skills (www.bconstructive.co.uk)

Construction Industry Council (www.cic.org.uk)

Homes and Communities Agency(http://skills.homesandcommunities.co.uk/theme/careers)

For information on equal opportunities in architecture

Architects for Change (AfC), the RIBA’s EqualityForum that includes representation fromindependent groups such as Women inArchitecture, Archaos and the Society of BlackArchitects (www.architecture.com)

SKILL: The National Bureau for Students withDisabilities produces a guide entitled ‘IntoArchitecture’ which is an informative publicationlooking at the various options for people withdisabilities considering a career in architectureand related areas (www.skill.org.uk)

The University of Sheffield

© Julian Cow

ie Architects

© Julian Cow

ie Architects

All images, except w

here marked © Atelier Works

A day in the life of an architectural practice.

To discover more about architecture

Observe and record what you see – places youuse every day and new places you visit.

Explore the RIBA website to view a selection ofthe RIBA architectural collections, award-winningprojects and links to useful information(www.architecture.com)

Visit museums and galleries and, if you can, visitthe V&A and RIBA Architecture Gallery at theVictoria and Albert Museum in London, or searchthe online collection (www.ribapix.com)

Read architecture publications in your library andsearch for them on-line at RIBA Bookshopswebsite (www.ribabookshops.com)

Watch programmes featuring architecture on thetelevision e.g. the annual RIBA Stirling Prize and‘Grand Designs’.

To gain work experience

Write to architects in your local area. Manyarchitects will take school or college students forone or two weeks’ work experience to help incareer and university course decisions.

If you look in the RIBA Directory of Practices youwill find names and addresses of practices, plus ashort description of the kind of work they do(www.architecture.com/useanarchitect)

There is no centralised list held by the RIBA ofarchitects who may be able to offer workexperience, so you need to approach practicesdirectly. Your RIBA regional office may be able toadvise you(www.architecture.com/regionsandinternational)

When you approach an architectural practice,try to make your letter stand out – you couldinclude a drawing or photograph which showsyour interest in architecture. Remember thatarchitects are very busy so it is worth givingthem plenty of notice and following up a letterwith a phone call. Ask your careers teacher tohelp you prepare a letter.

FAQs

What are the entryrequirements?Schools of architecture will typically express theiroffer in terms of the UCAS tariffs, and the offersvary between schools. It is therefore necessary to check requirements with individual schools.Many schools of architecture consider furthereducation qualifications other than A-levels, andassess mature students on grounds other thanformal academic experience.

Do I need to have aqualification in art?Whilst it is not always essential to take art as anexamination (though some schools do express a preference for Art A-level), most schools willwant to see a portfolio of visual work – drawings,sketches, photography, painting, or collage.Some universities and colleges run summercourses to help you build up a portfolio.

What salary can I expect?Will I be able to get a job?Salaries can vary enormously depending on thetype, size and geographical location of the practice.Economic fluctuations can make this doublydifficult as architecture, and the employment ofarchitects, depend very much on the buildingindustry, which in turn is reliant on the business anddevelopment economy. The RIBA Appointmentswebsite gives an indication of average salaries forthe different regions of the UK.

Do I need to be goodat maths?If you don’t feel confident in your mathematicability or grades, don’t be put off applying toarchitecture. You will need GCSE Mathematics,however a few schools may ask for Maths or Science at A level. Do check the entryrequirements of individual schools.

What are the best schoolsof architecture?The RIBA does not rank schools or issue a list of ‘best schools’. The RIBA revalidates recognisedcourses at schools of architecture every 5 years.Therefore, if a course appears on the RIBA and ARBlist, it has met the UK required standards. The bestway to find out if a course will suit you is to readthe school’s prospectus and website carefully, ask questions about course content and structure,and visit the school on an open day or at the endof year degree show. That way you can find outwhat sort of work the school produces and get asense of the place you may choose to study in.

Why is the course so long?Architecture is a wide ranging discipline basedupon a large body of design, technical, cultural,and professional knowledge, in which studentsdevelop a high level of skill. Learning to masterthe architectural process, through successiveprojects, is a lengthy process.

Royal College of Art (© Nick Grace)

Edinburgh College of Art

Royal College of Art (© Nick Grace)

University of Sheffield

Kent School of Architecture

University of Plymouth