If results day comes and you don't quite make your grades, don't worry. Many students - like Chloe here - have successfully found architecture courses through Clearing...
Updated: 14 Jan 2026
If you’re hoping to study architecture at university, it’s important to be prepared for every eventuality. If your SQA, BTEC or A-level results day comes around and you don’t quite make your grades, you need to have a backup plan so you can tackle the Clearing process and secure a place on a course you like the look of.
In the run-up to results day, it might be a good idea to do a bit of Clearing preparation and start making a list of things to look out for, in case you miss out on your first two choices and need to search for alternatives.
To help get you started we interviewed Chloe Lockhart, who is currently studying architecture at Nottingham Trent University. She’s given us the inside scoop on her own experiences, as well as some things you might want to think about when looking for architecture Clearing courses.
WU: When you were deciding which uni to go to, to what extent did the facilities vary from place to place?
Chloe: Some of the departments lacked space, which is crucial for an architecture student. Not only because it's a big part of our profession, but also because making models, keeping them safe and laying out printed/hand drawn design ideas for a tutorial requires a lot of room (for yourself as well as others).
An inspiring space in a studio is also important because it’s where you spend a lot of time with other architecture students, bouncing ideas around and learning from each other. Having somewhere close to buy materials is very helpful too when you're nearing a deadline!
WU: How important do you think a fully equipped workshop is for an architecture student?
Chloe: The better practise you have with your hands through model making and sketching, the more creative and explorative you can be. Therefore a good workshop with necessary access and education on how to use relevant woodwork and metalwork machines is a huge bonus.
Your models could wow everyone in time! In terms of presenting your designs, a computer lab with Adobe Photoshop, CAD and rendering software is essential unless you want to buy it for your own computer (and they’re expensive)!
WU: What advice would you give to prospective architecture students who are deciding which uni to pick?
Chloe: The quality and standard of work is what sold Nottingham Trent University for me, as well as the positive feeling given by the tutors from the department.
Also remember to make sure you get a good vibe from the studio space – you'll probably be spending a lot of time in there. However, you want a good all round balance – the general vibe of the university is just as important as the architecture department.
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