Unsure if I want to study architecture or fine art at Uni

As someone who graduated from architecture a little while ago who has been working in practice for a couple of years, I would say that architecture at university is enjoyable, although you have to sacrifice a lot of the more conventional aspects of university life. For example nobody on my course who was involved in any societies got firsts, and very few people with 2.1s did much outside of architecture, most people who were in society's or did sports failed before finishing the course or scraped 2.2s). Also, by second year, people doing architecture were doing well to be going out once a month, whereas all of my friends from outside the course were still going out twice a week.

That's university, but what's important is what it gets you long term, and that is where architecture really falls down as a good career/life choice. Unless you are literally at the most senior level (i.e. having your own practice or a senior partner of a bigger practice) you will have essentially no real creative input (you might get to help pick the finish of a door or the height of a skirting board, if that turns you on?). To get to that senior level you need to be in the right place, at the right time, and do an awful lot of brown nosing and long hours. So, if you do make it to that level, before you're 40 odd, well done, enjoy your 60-70 hour week and being shafted from all angles by contractors, clients and people above you. Oh and the pay is rubbish too, and even then only 5% of your time will be spent on design, the rest will be spent going to dull meetings with project managers, and dealing with endless bureaucracy and admin.

This all said, I think doing art a university is pointless, and for someone as clever as yourself is clearly not going to be stimulating, logical or academically rigorous enough for the most part.

Hi,

Architecture is an amazing course however you need to have a love for it. If you think its great for money when qualified you are mistaken. However is you love practical design then its great.

Though the 7 years sounds long, it doesn't have to be like that, to get a Ba or Bsc it is still only 3 years and then you have that qualification and can get a job. It normally then entails working for one year and then if you want to do your Masters then it is a further 2 years and then one more year working, a final exam then you can call yourself an architect. So yes, its a long time however if after 3 years you decide it isn't for you, you still have a prestigious degree.

If you can get any work experience or even see an architects office then that will help you make your mind up of is it for you. Studying includes lots of hours of work however the work is normally enjoyable and you can work with music on or with a group of friends as it is normally more on the arts side. I love architecture, if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask.

Thank you! I have done 2 work experiences which were completely varied. A few questions....
1) how much art influence is there within architecture
2)where did you study
3)how big are your classes
4) advice for creating a portfolio?
5)any additional readin you recommend

Sorry there is a lot

i don't mean to be rude but genuinely i'm struggling to see why someone would spend £9,000 a year to study art at university?

In response to your questions

1) it depends where you study and i think the difference between a Ba and a Bsc will change the art influence slightly. I enjoy the art side more so i try to bring that within my work and for that reason all places i applied to were more on the arts side being all Ba's or Barch.
2) i currently study in Nottingham however am moving in a few months to either the Architectural Association, Glasgow, Newcastle or sheffield. Depends on finance.
3) classes vary, however normally about 100 are in a year group but it depends where you go. Do you have any ideas yet?
4) Be as creative as possible. Have some a few drawings of buildings in there, maybe a few 3D models if you have any. My portfolio was heavily architecture based however i know others that are much more conceptual art. If you would like to see my one for the entry into the first year then send an email and i will send it across.
5) I don't know many books hugely to recommend, i read anything i can get my hands on. I would suggest getting a few on areas of architecture you are interested on, but try to know your architects and architecture that you like for when it comes to interviews, and know the course inside out.

Please ask anything you wish to

yeah fair enough. I enjoy it a lot but dont think it will get me any where honestly

you would literally be throwing money away

As someone who graduated from architecture a little while ago who has been working in practice for a couple of years, I would say that architecture at university is enjoyable, although you have to sacrifice a lot of the more conventional aspects of university life. For example nobody on my course who was involved in any societies got firsts, and very few people with 2.1s did much outside of architecture, most people who were in society's or did sports failed before finishing the course or scraped 2.2s). Also, by second year, people doing architecture were doing well to be going out once a month, whereas all of my friends from outside the course were still going out twice a week.

That's university, but what's important is what it gets you long term, and that is where architecture really falls down as a good career/life choice. Unless you are literally at the most senior level (i.e. having your own practice or a senior partner of a bigger practice) you will have essentially no real creative input (you might get to help pick the finish of a door or the height of a skirting board, if that turns you on?). To get to that senior level you need to be in the right place, at the right time, and do an awful lot of brown nosing and long hours. So, if you do make it to that level, before you're 40 odd, well done, enjoy your 60-70 hour week and being shafted from all angles by contractors, clients and people above you. Oh and the pay is rubbish too, and even then only 5% of your time will be spent on design, the rest will be spent going to dull meetings with project managers, and dealing with endless bureaucracy and admin.

This all said, I think doing art a university is pointless, and for someone as clever as yourself is clearly not going to be stimulating, logical or academically rigorous enough for the most part.

Hiya,

I've wanted to study architecture for a while now but am afraid that within university I might decide that it's not for me (seeing as it is 7yrs at uni).

I have A*s in Geography, Maths, Fine Art and all three sciences from GCSE -and doing Geography, History, Fine Art and Maths at A level.

I have heard that it is a hard course and a lot of preparation is needed in order to study it.

Any advice on how to prepare for architecture at uni or the positives of studying it, much appreciated.

Thank you

Hi guys! Im currently studying architecture in Sheffield (3rd year). Do any of you know when is the best time to apply for part 1 year out? and how does the application process look like? Im starting to get really stressed about my next year and our uni fails a bit at explaining stuff thanks for help!

When you say "apply for part 1 year out" are you talking about the live office at Sheffield? Otherwise the "year out" is getting a job as a Part I Architectural Assistant position at an architectural practice. Some practices start recruiting at the start of Easter for graduates to begin in May/June. Most start after Easter, but you have to be in a position to go to interview at short notice, so don't send out your CV until you know you have an interview-ready portfolio. It doesn't have to all be complete work - they will understand that you are working on your final project - but the portfolio should be well presented and show a range of work and skills. Remember though, Part I Architectural Assistant is a JOB, not work experience. You should be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, but at the end of a three year degree you should be earning more than just the legal minimum...