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Architecture Degrees
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Combining both sides of the brain and promising graduate career prospects that are both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding, architecture degrees are a highly popular and competitive choice. Blending art, science and technology, the subject requires the development of an interdisciplinary skillset – drawing on elements of mathematics and engineering, combined with creativity and an understanding of modern technologies, social issues and cultural trends.
What is architecture?
Architecture is the art and science of designing and engineering large structures and buildings. Those who choose to study architecture will have enthusiasm for both the sciences and the arts, and architecture admissions requirements typically consider both artistic ability and mathematical proficiency.
how long is an architecture degree?
Architects design structures fit for human use and therefore are largely responsible for the safety and reliability of these structures, so students must be prepared to study for a relatively long period before becoming a fully fledged, licensed architect. Although regulations of architecture licensing vary from region to region, often you will have to commit to at least five years of study (bachelor’s and master’s degree levels) and two years of practical work experience.
If asked to answer the question “what is architecture?” many people might simply say that architects design buildings. However, architecture careers often involve a much more varied workload. Much of the time, a practicing architect at a small- to medium-sized firm will also be involved in planning, budgeting, handling financial accounts, negotiating with contractors, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations on site, and preparing specifications for materials and workmanship.
What are the types of architecture degrees? How long is an architecture degree?
Undergraduate architecture degrees will teach students everything from how a beam works to how to accurately draw 3D designs, both by hand and using computer programs. The bulk of your studies are likely to be based in a studio for design work, combined with tutorials and critique lessons. The critique sessions, otherwise known as ‘crits’, are sessions in art and design education where a student presents work to tutors and fellow students, and then receives feedback on that work.
Students of architecture courses will also attend lectures on history, theory and technology as well as computer-aided design tutorials, which aim to provide students with proficiency in various design programs to help them complete individual projects. Essays are also a staple of architecture degrees, as are frequent site visits to important buildings and places of architectural interest.
Those who study architecture at undergraduate level will graduate in three to four years with a BA or BSc depending on the program. In the UK this bachelor’s qualification will usually include the ARB/RIBA (Architects Registration Board/Royal Institute of British Architects) Part 1 examinations, which you need before taking the Part 2 examinations (often included within a Masters in Architecture) and Part 3 examinations (a further postgraduate degree or relevant experience). These ‘parts’ are the official ARB/RIBA requirements which all training architects are required to gain in addition to practical experience.
After completing all the necessary stages in your country, you’ll be a licensed architect with a BArch or DipArch qualification depending on the course.
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What are the types of architecture specializations?
A typical architecture degree will start with core architecture courses designed to give you essential grounding in the history of architecture and current trends, as well as introducing you to key research methods, laws and regulations, conservation and sustainability issues, and modules to hone your analytical and numerical skills.
From the second year onwards, you will be given more opportunities to focus on your specialized interests, choosing one or more architecture topics on which to focus. The possible specializations will vary depending on your institution, but some common options include:
1. Architectural technology
2. Architectural engineering
3. Architectural design
3. Architectural history
4. Interior architecture
5. Landscape architecture
6. Urban planning
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Architecture careers are much more diverse than they might initially appear. Many practicing architects choose to work for themselves on a self-employed basis, or within a partnership (similar a law firm), although some do work for larger companies on fixed salaries.
Depending on you’re the architecture topics you chose to specialize in, architecture careers can provide a highly varied workload. You may choose to focus on residential builds or specialize in commercial designs, be involved in the design of large public projects or work for several different smaller clients at a time. The variety of projects you take on means that every day of working life will be a little bit different and your time will often be split between your studio or office and visits to construction sites and working environments.
In a smaller firm, architects will often provide a range of services, beyond just design. These services may include handling your client’s finances, hiring and negotiating with contractors, planning, budgeting and generally ensuring the smooth running of the entire project. Some architects will choose to focus on just specific aspects however, and architecture careers within larger companies provide opportunities for more specialized focus.
Landscape architecture careers
Architectural planning careers
Other careers with an architecture degree
Although most graduates of architecture will go on to become licensed architects and practice professionally in the field, there are many other alternative career paths to consider – particularly roles which require creative and visual skills, technical ability and knowledge of buildings. These career options include roles in spatial design, graphic design, set design for stage and film, building surveying, housing policy and planning, construction, and conservation and environmental work.
Management-level careers within these fields are also often within grasp for those who have undertaken postgraduate study and/or gained professional experience. Journalism is another route which might appeal; specialist journals and publications relating to architecture or the construction industry will often seek out architecture graduates.
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Key Skills
What skills do you learn on an architecture degree?
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