Architecture, building, and planning

Single Honours 

• Architecture 

• Urban Planning 

• Construction Management 

• Landscape Design 

• Surveying 

Joint Honours 

• Architecture and Environmental Design 

• Urban Planning and Geography 

• Construction Management and Engineering 

• Civil Engineering with Architecture 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

 Alternative options  

• Foundation years A foundation year typically lasts for one year and equips students with essential skills required for success when starting an undergraduate degree. It’s great for students who narrowly miss out on getting the grades they need for their chosen course. 

• Sandwich degrees Extending an undergraduate degree with a ‘sandwich year’, typically taken between Year 2 and Year 3, allows students to study abroad or gain significant industry experience by getting work experience under their belt before graduating. 

• Integrated Master’s An integrated Master's degree enables you to get a postgraduate qualification at relatively little extra cost by extending your undergraduate degree by one year. 

• Degree apprenticeships These courses combine academic study with work-based training, lasting three to six years on average. Students earn as they learn, and their employers even pay for their tuition fees. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

Architecture, building, and planning requires technical knowledge, therefore it’s an advantage to hold A-levels (or equivalent) in mathematics or physics. Additionally, design skills are essential, so subjects like art, illustration and computer science are also highly relevant.  

In addition to subjects and grades, you’ll need to prepare a small portfolio of design work to show your future tutors your abilities and what you’re interested in. 

Architecture, building, and planning includes a lot of topics, like planning, construction industries, digital design, cultural context, as well as the regulatory and legal aspects surrounding the built environment.  

Some of these include: 

• Urban regeneration Urban regeneration is the process of revitalising urban areas to improve infrastructure, housing, and public spaces. Planners, architects, and policymakers collaborate to foster economic growth and build sustainable communities. 

• Sustainable construction From eco-friendly materials to energy-efficient design, it’s never been more important to go green. Architects, engineers, and construction professionals prioritise renewable energy and waste reduction to create a future that is more environmentally responsible. 

• Property management Property management oversees the operations and financial performance of real estate assets. Managers handle leasing, tenant relations, maintenance, and budgeting, ensuring properties are profitable and compliant with regulations. 

• Transportation planning Planners analyse traffic patterns, infrastructure requirements, and environmental impacts to develop systems which effectively move people and goods around urban areas. They address cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, aim to reduce congestion and pollution, while promoting accessibility for all users. 

• Quantitative surveying Mathematical and statistical methods are used to collect and interpret data related to construction projects and land ownership. Surveyors use technologies such as GPS, drones, and laser scanning to map terrain, measure boundaries and buildings, to ultimately provide accurate data for design and construction purposes. 

• Architectural design studio 

• Construction methods 

• Urban planning  

• Architectural history and context 

• Sustainability in the built environment 

• Building regulations 

• Landscape architecture  

• Building information modelling (BIM) 

• Urban transportation systems 

Through a blend of lectures, studio work, seminars and field trips, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to address complex challenges in architecture, urban planning, and construction management.  

In addition to mastering technical skills, students explore the social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of architectural practice, learning how to create sustainable and inclusive designs for a wide demography of users. 

Transferable skills are also picked up, such as: 

• Visual communication 

• Teamwork 

• Leadership 

• Essay writing 

• IT skills 

Several professional organisations in the UK offer accreditation for architects. 

• The Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA) offers chartered status for architects, and completion of an undergraduate architecture degree qualifies graduates for PART 1 status. 

• Some building and planning degrees will lead to eligibility for professional membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)  

• Building and planning graduates may be eligible to apply for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), which leads to full professional membership of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) 

If you’re passionate about design, planning, and the built environment but are considering a different route into the subject, there are several courses worth exploring. These include: 

• Environmental design  

• Art and design 

• Civil engineering 

• Set design 

A degree in architecture often includes partial accreditation which can lead to a chartered position within the built environment professions. In these roles, you’ll work alongside teams of designers, planners, and specialists to deliver projects ranging in scale from individual houses to entire neighbourhoods. You’ll develop advanced visual design, writing, and computer skills which can also set you up for careers in related creative industries, journalism, and much more. 

Potential career pathways include: 

• Architect 

• Urban planner 

• Construction project manager 

• Landscape architect 

• Building surveyor 

• Sustainability xonsultant 

• Real estate developer 

• Historic preservation specialist 

• Urban regeneration officer 

• Property developer 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in architecture, building, and planning, or a related subject.