How to get onto Architecture with no art?

Hi, I was thinking if any of the student reps could help me with this?
I've recently thought that I'd like to study architecture (most likely at sheffield hallam) but my a levels I've chosen are in psychology, drama and English literature and I've got no gcse in art. I was wondering how it would be best to make an application when I've not got a background in art, I know that there's no a levels specified but they do ask for a portfolio and I don't know what I would be able to send that would actually be any good. For context I'm in Y12 right now.

Thanks : D

Reply 1

Thisismyunitsr

20

You could do an art foundation course

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by Thisismyunitsr

You could do an art foundation course

I've had a look into those, usually they want a level art, do you know anywhere that doesn't need that?

Reply 3

Thisismyunitsr

20

Original post by Anonymous

I've had a look into those, usually they want a level art, do you know anywhere that doesn't need that?

I don’t think you need one, it’s recommended but not essential.

Reply 4

normaw

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

19

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, I was thinking if any of the student reps could help me with this?
I've recently thought that I'd like to study architecture (most likely at sheffield hallam) but my a levels I've chosen are in psychology, drama and English literature and I've got no gcse in art. I was wondering how it would be best to make an application when I've not got a background in art, I know that there's no a levels specified but they do ask for a portfolio and I don't know what I would be able to send that would actually be any good. For context I'm in Y12 right now.

Thanks : D

My son is studying architecture without having done art at A level or GCSE. However, he did take DT at GCSE. He had to put a lot of work into producing a portfolio for the admissions process, but he got four out of five offers.

This thread contains a lot of good advice from an architecture lecturer on developing a portfolio:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7133652

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by normaw

My son is studying architecture without having done art at A level or GCSE. However, he did take DT at GCSE. He had to put a lot of work into producing a portfolio for the admissions process, but he got four out of five offers.

This thread contains a lot of good advice from an architecture lecturer on developing a portfolio:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7133652

Thanks for telling me that, it eases my mind a bit.

If you don't mind me asking, what grades did your son get and which unis did he apply to and get places for? What did he have in his portfolio? Did he draw in his spare time and was good at it?

Again thank you for your reply and the link, very helpful :biggrin:

Reply 6

normaw

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

19

Original post by Anonymous

Thanks for telling me that, it eases my mind a bit.

If you don't mind me asking, what grades did your son get and which unis did he apply to and get places for? What did he have in his portfolio? Did he draw in his spare time and was good at it?

Again thank you for your reply and the link, very helpful :biggrin:

From what I recall, he had offers of AAA to ABB (some also with an A or B in EPQ) for Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Lancaster and Oxford Brookes. But bear in mind that offer levels might have changed due to recent grade inflation.

My son did draw in his spare time, but cartoon-style images, manga, etc. He did start sketching more once he had decided to apply for architecture. Try the art section of your local library - we found books on how to develop drawing skills and a book on drawing for architecture. YouTube is also a good resource.

For his portfolio, he included some pencil drawings, paintings and graphics, and 3D work in the form of origami, a small scuplture and his final GCSE DT piece. Also, some of his portfolios contained photography. Every uni requested something slightly different so be prepared to adapt as the requests come in. Make sure that your portfolio is pretty much ready before you submit your UCAS application - requests for your portfolio can start coming in straight away and, on average, you will have 3-4 weeks to submit it.

Take a look at some portfolios that have been shared to TSR from previous applicants (I think they were for UCL):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B54...ZxOVNweDQ/view
https://georgiagreen.carbonmade.com/
https://hyarchi.carbonmade.com/
https://sabrahislam.carbonmade.com/
https://zfangportfolio.carbonmade.com/
https://devhalai.carbonmade.com/
https://gemyerst.carbonmade.com/
https://francescopasquino97.carbonmade.com/

Also, if you Google manchester uni architecture portfolio blogspot, you will be able to see examples of portfolios submitted by undergraduate applicants.

Plymouth uni has some portfolio examples on its website:

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

This is a link to the guidance issued by Nottingham uni:

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/Engineering/Departments/ABE/Portfolio-Guidance.aspx

Reply 7

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by normaw

From what I recall, he had offers of AAA to ABB (some also with an A or B in EPQ) for Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Lancaster and Oxford Brookes. But bear in mind that offer levels might have changed due to recent grade inflation.

My son did draw in his spare time, but cartoon-style images, manga, etc. He did start sketching more once he had decided to apply for architecture. Try the art section of your local library - we found books on how to develop drawing skills and a book on drawing for architecture. YouTube is also a good resource.

For his portfolio, he included some pencil drawings, paintings and graphics, and 3D work in the form of origami, a small scuplture and his final GCSE DT piece. Also, some of his portfolios contained photography. Every uni requested something slightly different so be prepared to adapt as the requests come in. Make sure that your portfolio is pretty much ready before you submit your UCAS application - requests for your portfolio can start coming in straight away and, on average, you will have 3-4 weeks to submit it.

Take a look at some portfolios that have been shared to TSR from previous applicants (I think they were for UCL):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B54...ZxOVNweDQ/view
https://georgiagreen.carbonmade.com/
https://hyarchi.carbonmade.com/
https://sabrahislam.carbonmade.com/
https://zfangportfolio.carbonmade.com/
https://devhalai.carbonmade.com/
https://gemyerst.carbonmade.com/
https://francescopasquino97.carbonmade.com/

Also, if you Google manchester uni architecture portfolio blogspot, you will be able to see examples of portfolios submitted by undergraduate applicants.

Plymouth uni has some portfolio examples on its website:

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

This is a link to the guidance issued by Nottingham uni:

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/Engineering/Departments/ABE/Portfolio-Guidance.aspx

Thank you so much this is really useful for me :biggrin:

Reply 8

University of Kent Reps

Official Rep

16

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, I was thinking if any of the student reps could help me with this?
I've recently thought that I'd like to study architecture (most likely at sheffield hallam) but my a levels I've chosen are in psychology, drama and English literature and I've got no gcse in art. I was wondering how it would be best to make an application when I've not got a background in art, I know that there's no a levels specified but they do ask for a portfolio and I don't know what I would be able to send that would actually be any good. For context I'm in Y12 right now.

Thanks : D

Hi!
I'm a second year architecture student at the University of Kent and if you are struggling with putting together your portfolio, I can tell, just as many have correctly said, that you don't need to exclusively present artwork.

As other have said in this tread, the portfolio should basically show what's your architectural interpretation or application of what you are currently studying or of what you observe on a day to day basis. You can even include one of your projects (academic or not) and show how you have developed it, showing how you'd potentially develop and architectural project/idea.

Because the submission will potentially be digital, you are free to use a format that would best convey your persona through your porfolio. As other have already suggested, you could start off by doing some research on the format you would want, and narrowing it down to the layout and style you want. Aim for your portfolio to be consistent in colours, fonts and text size so it looks uniform and it's easier to digest. Also you can incorporate text to explain your work, what you are exploring and how it all ultimately relates to the course.

Here is some advice given by the university along with some examples: https://www.kent.ac.uk/architecture-planning/undergraduate/portfolio-advice

I hope this helps, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

Tracy
UKC Rep

Reply 9

Anonymous #2

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, I was thinking if any of the student reps could help me with this?
I've recently thought that I'd like to study architecture (most likely at sheffield hallam) but my a levels I've chosen are in psychology, drama and English literature and I've got no gcse in art. I was wondering how it would be best to make an application when I've not got a background in art, I know that there's no a levels specified but they do ask for a portfolio and I don't know what I would be able to send that would actually be any good. For context I'm in Y12 right now.

Thanks : D

Hi

I'm in y12 and in the exact same boat as you. I study psychology , sociology and maths but I'm looking at courses such as architecture , animation , fine art and art therapy. Im considering Sheffield Hallam as a university so I emailed them asking what my options are to get onto any art course without art as an a level and they said that I can create my own portfolio and send it in. So I've decided that this summer im going to focus on creating one , especially since I will be applying for unis soon.
I think Im either going to do a few different pieces in different materials and stuff , ill probably go out and take some pictures and work from them. Or like start with an artists work and use my own ideas and show the development of them through a few pieces and then a final piece. I think its best to show that you are capable of a lot of different things but also show that your ideas are original and make sense. Also , if your college offers any clubs like mine, its definetly a good idea to join an art club if they have one. Ive been thinking about doing it recently but I haven't signed up yet.

How to get onto Architecture with no art?

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