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What is architecture?
The field of architecture sits at the intersection of art, science, technology, and design. It’s the art and practise of designing and constructing the built environment, from the smallest apartment to the largest megastructures. You’ll learn about history and environment and social contexts, develop hands-on design and fabrication skills, and become fluent in a variety of softwares and technologies.
Read more about studying architecture at uni.
Reasons to study architecture
1. The skills you’ll learn
In terms of gaining skills, architecture is probably one of the most versatile degree choices available. You’ll learn to research and design, be able to write fluently and creatively, and use your imagination combined with techniques like sketching, technical drawing, and working with your hands to build a wide variety of physical models while using a range of different materials. You’ll also use a lot of different types of software and digital design tools, learning to switch between various means of visual presentation, file formats, and interfacing with robotic fabrication tools like 3D printers and laser cutters.
2. The career you could have
The road to becoming fully qualified as an architect is divided into three distinct parts. Studying an accredited architecture course at a UK university is generally equivalent to completing the first of these parts and means that you’re well on your way to becoming an architect. You’re able to start working in a professional practice after you complete part one, and the type of work you’ll be doing can vary quite a bit. Some practices work with small, residence sized projects, and others work at the scale of sports stadiums or entire urban plans. Many practices specialise in materials research and development, and the implementation of new construction technologies, and some work on architectural theory and literature.
There are many directions to take with a degree in architecture, and even if you decide to pursue a career in a different field, it is highly possible that the experience and skills you develop will be applicable.
Use our Career Matcher to help you find your ideal career.
3. All the topics that get covered
Architecture spans many different topics and disciplines, and there’s a considerable amount of variance in the way the course is taught at different unis. Typically, you’ll learn about the history and context of architecture, covering different phases of history, culture and environment, and how they relate to modern design.
There’ll be technical modules, where you’ll learn about different building technologies and methods. There’s also typically extensive use of architectural software and digital visualisation tools, which allow you to transform your sketched designs into something you can easily present and distribute. You’ll also learn how to make a range of different architectural models to physically demonstrate your designs, working from loose, creative concept models through to highly precise and detailed scale models.
4. You can study all over the UK
There are architecture courses in every part of the UK, offering a wide range of different styles and approaches. According to Complete University Guide, the three top ranked courses in the UK are:
And the universities which take the top three spots for student satisfaction are:
Check out the full architecture league tables from Complete University Guide.
5. It’s something you enjoy!
For many, studying architecture becomes much more than a profession. As a subject which is both creative and technical, it allows you to explore an endless number of topics related to society and the environment, and you’ll learn to look at the world in a whole new way.
Architecture is much more than making big, square houses for people to put stuff in. You can produce buildings that explore themes in life, create environments to help people of all abilities live to the fullest, and adapt our infrastructure to the challenges ahead that societies face. Frankly, it's pretty cool.
Ready to take the first steps into this creative profession? Start searching for courses now!
