If you choose an architecture or planning degree or apprenticeship, you’ll plan, design, and oversee the development and construction of the buildings or public spaces we live in. You’ll learn to combine innovative ideas with practical requirements, using the latest design technology to curate and share your ideas.
As a popular subject to study, jobs are expected to grow by 1.33% over the next eight years, with many routes to choose from and plenty of jobs on offer outside of becoming an architect, thanks to a wealth of transferable skills. After studying, you could choose to work as an architect, architectural technologist or technician, planning officer or surveyor, among other roles.
- Shape cities of the future, regenerate urban areas, or design eco-friendly buildings or towns.
- Push for new ways of doing things, like making buildings or the industry more sustainable.
- Bring innovative design into everyday life, impacting people’s day-to-day experience of the environment around them.
- History and theory of architecture
- Building structures and construction
- Design and design communication
- Architecture and the built environment
- Technology and digital built environment
- Graphical and modelling techniques
- Urban, town or regional planning
Chat to a current architecture and planning student
Chat to a current architecture and planning student using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
Chat to students
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Higher Technical Qualifications
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees.
They have been specifically designed with employers to ensure learners get the skills that employers have said they need. They are a quicker and cheaper alternative to a degree and can lead to higher wages early in a career.
- 3D modelling software
- Agile methodology
- Building codes and laws
- Project management
- Communications
- Planning
- Leadership
- Presentations
- Innovation
What is a…. conservation architect?
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study architecture and planning at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from architecture applicants.
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RIBA Architecture on YouTube
Follow RIBA for competitions like House of the Year, hear discussions around things like disability in architecture education, and find out about other relevant exhibitions and culture. -
The Planner
The Planner online magazine includes articles on things like redressing gender imbalance in public spaces, and how to design urban areas to cope with high temperatures. -
Instagram
Follow architectanddesign to see some of the most innovative new buildings globally, or follow the accounts of architects you admire.
- Really think about why you want to study architecture or planning. Can you articulate what interests you about the subject, and what you hope to do with it afterwards?
- Do you have any particular hobbies or interests that draw you to this subject? Maybe you’re passionate about sustainability and want to ensure future buildings and urban areas work with our environment? Or maybe you love art and design and want to use those skills to create beautiful and practical spaces?
- Demonstrate you know a bit about the industry. Mention what you've been reading, or critique a building or architect you admire. What is it you like about that building or person? How would you evaluate their work?
- What subjects have you enjoyed at school, and how do they feed into your interest in architecture or planning? Maybe you did a project in DT that has inspired you or a geography field trip changed how you feel about our built environment?
- What about your softer skills? What have you learned through part-time jobs or work experience that may be relevant? Consider technical skills but also the ability to work well independently and as a team or your ability to take on a project and see it through to completion.