Architecture - Prioritising A level Grades (Economics) or Subject Relevance (Physics)

Nomawoj

Deleted

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

normaw

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Nomawoj

Hey, I hope everyone's doing well!

I'm a student nearing the end of Year 12 and am torn between choosing either Physics or Economics A Level when considering applying to Architecture for uni. I study Maths, Geography, Physics and Economics for A Level and am thinking of dropping one.

My problem is that while Physics would be more relevant to Architecture, I'm unsure as to whether I'd be able to get the grades that I need/ want to apply to university. It's interesting and enjoyable to me, but my test performance isn't the best and I'm worried that my final grade in Year 13 won't turn out the way I hope.

For Economics, it's less relevant to architecture but I'm more confident that I'll be able to get the grades I want/ need compared to Physics. As far as I've been researching, there usually aren't any strict subject requirements for Architecture besides Maths for some courses with a preference for Physics for more engineering/ physics based ones (like at University of Bath), but I intend on applying to more art/ design oriented Architecture degrees. There is also the requirement of an art portfolio but not necessarily Art, so there's a possibility I will try and do an Art and Design Foundation Diploma at UAL.

But for competitive universities, I'm worried that with Maths being one of the only directly related A level subjects, if I don't have Physics it would already put me at a disadvantage.

If anyone can help me with this I'd really appreciate it - all insight would be useful, thank you! :smile:

)

You don't need physics. Architecture is a design-based degree and over 50% of the modules will be design. Any maths involved is around GCSE level. Bath offers one of the more technical courses but it states in its requirements 'maths and/or physics'. Dropping physics will not put you at a disadvantage.

Take a look at this sticky thread re entry requirements for architecture:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7361710

You don't need to take the FAD at uni - you can study it at a local further education college, which will be much cheaper.

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 2

Clearing and Applications Advisor

(definitely better places to take a FAD for architecture than UAL, even in London it wouldn't be my top recommendation....although UAL are also an awarding body/exam board offering a FAD diploma at a whole bunch of universities and colleges)

Reply 3

Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Nomawoj

Could I ask why UAL isn't a good choice? I've been told that it's one of the best art and design universities in the country, so I thought it would be good to do a Foundation Art Year there.

And expense wouldn't be an issue, as I would be under 19 (entitled to free tuition) and can stay with a relative in London for the duration of the course.

For someone without any creative A levels the chances of getting a place on the architecture specialism pathway at CSM is going to be very very low- and if you do get in then its not going to be particularly good for getting a portfolio up together from scratch in time for January. Especially considering the enormous size of the UAL foundation cohort and how overworked their staff are.

You’re more likely to have better teaching/coaching and support for applying at an FE college where they have more experience in bringing students up without creative A levels and a more supportive and less competitive and cutthroat environment than CSM. Alternatively if you have the funds or are eligible for bursaries then City and Guilds Art School could be a good choice. Rave wouldn’t be good for architecture - too digital focused.

Are you planning to put together a portfolio for applying for FAD this summer? Quite a few universities have summer schools with portfolio preparation and development support although they’re often not free.