Architecture Bachelors in UK

A lot of our tips talk about how you can strengthen your application, but you can build a stronger application when you’ve done the things this program values in the years prior to the application. The application itself is the communication part (in which you communicate what you’ve done to the admission committee), but this section gives guidance on the substance part (what you can actually do before you apply). In this section, we talk about what you can do in the years leading up to applying that can make you an ideal candidate. Supplement the following tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘Pre-Application’) to become a competitive applicant. 

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Subject Requirement: 

Students interested in applying for Architecture in the UK usually do not need to take specific subjects to be eligible for the degree. It is useful for you to take Mathematics, Art, and Physics at A Level (or equivalent) because they will help you in the degree, but you typically are not required to take them. Note that some schools will indicate a preference for Art at A Level. All in all, it is recommended to have a mixture of arts and science subjects, as this will show the admission committee that you are well-prepared for the multidisciplinary degree.

Coursework and Transcripts: 

You should typically have three A Levels (or equivalent) with five IGCSEs/O Levels (or equivalent). In your O Levels, you need to have English and Mathematics and three other subjects with C grades or above, but since admission is competitive for international students, you should aim for As and A*s in your O Levels and try to do at least seven subjects. 

For A Levels, upon acceptance, you will usually get a conditional offer. The most common offer type is AAB and AAA, which means you will have to get A’s in either two or three of your A Level subjects. Also, note that the best universities (such as Cambridge) usually require you to get at least one A*. Make sure to check each university’s requirements when applying, and note that some universities are stringent with their conditional offers while others are not. Some universities have easier conditional offers. The University of East London, for example, requires 120 UCAS points, which equates to a BBB conditional offer.

If you are doing the IB, you are typically required to have achieved a minimum of 34 points. Once again, make sure to check specific university requirements. Older institutions such as Cambridge, Manchester, or UCL will ask for points in the range of 37-39.

• Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on transcripts (under the tab of ‘transcripts’).

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

This is not a requirement for this program.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Specific professional experience is not a requirement for this program but is recommended if you can relate it to your passion for Architecture or to the field in your personal statement.

• Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on building a resume (under the tab of ‘Resume/CV’).

VOLUNTEER WORK

This is not a requirement for this program, but any experience that can be linked to Architecture (in your personal statement, for example) can help make your application better. 

OTHER EXPERIENCE

• Getting involved with Art clubs or societies in your school could help your application, so try to actively find these opportunities. If your school does not have these sorts of clubs, you should still try to take part in extracurricular activities that you can relate to why you are a good fit for further study and this type of program.
• Try to work on projects or research that you can relate to Architecture and your interest in the subject. This can be at school or outside school. Speak to an Arts teacher for ideas if you are stuck.

This section provides an overview of general guidelines pertaining to the application process. It also delineates the key components of the application process.

GENERAL ADVICE

To apply for Architecture, you will have to apply through UCAS. You will be required to enter the following information into your application:

• Your education history
• Your predicted grades
• Your employment history (you can leave this empty if you have no experience)
• Your personal statement
• One reference letter

Note that you can only apply to 5 schools/programs in one application cycle. Most schools will also ask for a portfolio of visual work that you have previously made.

Refer to the Program Selection Section for further information.

COMPONENTS

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on the overview (under the tab of ‘overview’).

Pakistani applicants suffer the most because of inadequate information — or wrong information — about essays and personal statements. This section will address those inadequacies specifically in relation to applying for this program. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘essay’) to craft a stellar personal statement. 

BASIC INFORMATION

You will be required to enter a personal statement into your UCAS application. You get a character limit of 4,000, which is roughly around 500-600 words. It is recommended that you use as much of this space as you can. You have to send the same personal statement to all your five choices in the application, so make sure to create it accordingly.

Your personal statement should cover why you want to study Architecture, why you are a great fit for it and what you have done to explore your interest in it so far. 

ACTION-STEPS/ RESOURCES

Which resources should I make use of?

• Read the following links before you start planning your personal statement:
  • https://university.which.co.uk/advice/personal-statements/personal-statement-advice-architecture-building-planning-students 

TIPS ON GOOD AND BAD STATEMENTS

What is essential in the statement:

• You have to outline your reasons for wanting to study Architecture. Try to make these compelling but cohesive.
• How have your current and previous studies helped you prepare for a degree in Architecture? Talk about your subjects in high school and how they have helped you.
• Make sure your statement is well written and you have articulated things well in it. This can be how you write about your previous life experiences, job placements, studies, etc. Mostly, make sure it is written clearly.
• Make sure you have included all your relevant experience and activities (such as job placements, voluntary work, projects, organizations, etc).

What are some elements of exceptional statements:

• According to Which? University, it can be helpful to try to answer the following questions through your personal statement:
  • “What prompted your interest in architecture?
  • Are there any buildings and/or places that you particularly like? Explain why – don’t just list where you’ve been.
  • What architects have you heard of, and do you know / like any of their work? What stands out and why?
  • What do you like doing and/or what have you done well academically that you think is relevant to studying architecture?”
    Don’t just try to force information in with these questions, but focus on aspects that you feel strongly about and can write about with confidence.
• It is important to show your creativity. If you can present yourself as a unique applicant while showcasing the real you, it will go a long way in your application. Try to focus on what sets you apart as an individual and present that in the most natural and enthusiastic way possible. They want to know who you are as an individual.
• Showing that you are passionate about the environment and society and how enthusiastic you are about the subject can be a huge bonus. Try to show this through any thoughtful additional reading or research you have done, but once again, make sure you are not forcing things in.

What are bad statements/ what things to avoid:

• Including non-relevant experiences and events; if you have done extra-curricular activities, make sure you can relate them to the rest of your personal statement and remain cohesive.
• Bad spelling and grammar. Make sure to have someone else read your statement and point out any mistakes you have made, or put it through a rigorous spell/grammar check. These sorts of errors can give the university an unfavorable impression.
• Do not mention a preference for a single university, and do not name any university. Since the same statement is going to all five universities that you have chosen, you need to make sure you only mention the degree you have chosen.
• Make sure to write the statement yourself, and never copy chunks of it from another source. 

This section will cover the basics of recommendation letters, which are one of the most important parts of the application process. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘recommendations’) to ensure you have strong letters of recommendation.

BASIC INFORMATION

You will need one letter of reference to apply for your Architecture degree. This letter will be input into UCAS, and you are typically not allowed to see it. The reference has the same character limit as a personal statement — 4,000 characters. 

The reference needs to showcase how you are suitable for further study and for a degree in Architecture through your referee’s assessment of your academic abilities. Since this is a vocational field, speaking about how you are fit for a career in Architecture is also important.

Good referees are your A Level or high school teachers who have taught you a relevant subject, such as Art or Mathematics. The reference is supposed to be an appraisal of you that explains why you are good enough to be considered for an Architecture program.

TIPS ON GOOD AND BAD LETTERS

What is essential in the LoRs:

• A description of your skills and abilities that make you suitable for an Architecture program. 
• A reinforcement and confirmation of the personal statement written by the student. Basically, the referee should confirm that your passion for Architecture is genuine without repeating things that you have said in your statement.
• In case you have low grades or one part of your application is weak, this is where the referee should talk about it and justify why that is so, as well as why you should still be considered despite it.

What are some elements of exceptional LoRs:

• A description of the exceptional qualities of the student.
• Speaking about exceptional qualities you have that are required in an Architecture career and degree. These are practicality, enthusiasm, creativity and discipline. If your referee can give anecdotal evidence or speak of what actions of yours make them believe you have these skills, that would be absolutely golden.

What are bad LoRs/ what things to avoid

• Duplicating the student’s personal statement and repeating the same things without adding any personal comments or elaboration.
• Mentioning a specific university or college. Since the same reference is going to a list of universities that you have chosen, you need to make sure your referee doesn’t speak about a preference or singles an institution out!
• Not having the right tone. The reference needs to be an objective and analytical appraisal; it should not be too personal or emotional.

This section will cover everything else related to the application process, including transcripts, interviews, resumes, and standardized tests.

PORTFOLIO

Basic Information:

Most schools will ask for a portfolio of visual work after you have submitted your UCAS application. Some universities may have an email where you will have to submit your portfolio before a certain deadline, while some may only require you to present it during the interview stage, so make sure to check for these carefully.

The portfolio can include drawings, sketches, photography, examples of 3D samples, paintings, or collages. These must be presented in one electronic file in the digital image, scan, or photograph form. The portfolio is supposed to “communicate your ideas, your creative skills, and your interest in the natural and built environment,” according to the Landscape Institute (Selection section). 

Each university can have different requirements and guidelines on its page for the portfolio. Make sure to carefully read about these requirements before sending in a file. Some universities may have a page limit, while some may have a file size limit or file type requirement (PDF, for example).  

Resources: 

The following links are a good way to get started but note that these are instructions from specific universities and may not apply to your chosen program, so make sure to read specific guidelines and take the following as very general advice:

• https://www.kent.ac.uk/architecture/undergraduate/portfolio.html
• https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-architecture/ba-hons-architecture-applicant-portfolio-advice

Tips:

• Make it easy to read. You can sort your works chronologically or according to medium (Photographs first, drawings second, etc). Keep in mind that you will not be present to explain your portfolio, and whoever sees it should be able to understand what you are trying to show through it.
• Show your range and diversity through the portfolio. Typically, universities want to see different types of examples in your work to see how you can observe, think, and create. 

INTERVIEWS

Basic Information: 

Some universities may evaluate your application without taking an interview if you are unable to come directly to the UK for it. 

Interview Tips:

• Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on preparing for interviews (under the tab of ‘interview’).

FINAL COMMENTS ON APPLICATIONS

• Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on final comments on applications (under the tab of ‘overview’).

See United Kingdom Country Profile | Shaheen

The following sources were consulted in developing this tip sheet and we encourage you to consult these sources for additional information and guidance on your application.

• Architecture Courses by Which? University
• Pathways to Qualify as an Architect by RIBA
• For those considering a career in Architecture by ARB
• Guide for Building and Planning Courses by UCAS
• Architecture Guide by The Guardian

Furthermore, the following sources were also consulted in developing this tip sheet: University of Manchester, The Complete University Guide, University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield, University of Plymouth, University of Kent, University of East London, University of Bath, Oxford Brookes University.

Good luck!