Help! Can I do Architecture without an Art A-Level?

Hello, new user here :smile:

. I'm currently studying Maths, Biology and Chemistry at A-Level but i'm not doing art. I got an A* in art at A-Level and also did work experience in year 10 at an architecture firm but i'm worried that becuase I don't do art i won't get in. I know a lot of universities expect a portfolio and I'm currently starting the extended project - could this suffice as an Art A-Level or act as my portfolio if i did an architecture based project? I'm predicted AAA and i am wondering what my chances are of getting in. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

Snufkin

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by thadysullivan

Hello, new user here :smile:

. I'm currently studying Maths, Biology and Chemistry at A-Level but i'm not doing art. I got an A* in art at A-Level and also did work experience in year 10 at an architecture firm but i'm worried that becuase I don't do art i won't get in. I know a lot of universities expect a portfolio and I'm currently starting the extended project - could this suffice as an Art A-Level or act as my portfolio if i did an architecture based project? I'm predicted AAA and i am wondering what my chances are of getting in. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks :smile:

Many universities don't require Art at A level but they will require a portfolio - this portfolio does not have to be part of a course, it can be independent work you've done in your own time. If you don't have any work at all to show the admissions tutors then architecture may not be for you. If you are serious about architecture then start building a portfolio, the extended project won't be enough.

Reply 2

PQ

Clearing and Applications Advisor

21

Original post by thadysullivan

Hello, new user here :smile:

. I'm currently studying Maths, Biology and Chemistry at A-Level but i'm not doing art. I got an A* in art at A-Level and also did work experience in year 10 at an architecture firm but i'm worried that becuase I don't do art i won't get in. I know a lot of universities expect a portfolio and I'm currently starting the extended project - could this suffice as an Art A-Level or act as my portfolio if i did an architecture based project? I'm predicted AAA and i am wondering what my chances are of getting in. I would really appreciate any advice. Thanks :smile:

Your portfolio isn't a single piece of work - it's a collection of your work collated and presented.

These are some of the portfolios from the 2016 applications who shared them on TSR last year:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B54FT1y_V0ASMGNEb0ZxOVNweDQ/view
https://georgiagreen.carbonmade.com/
https://theosyder.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/

Usually you'd be expected to include a substantial amount of sketching (from life of both structures and people/objects) and some 3d work (both digital or physical models are welcomed).

It's perfectly possible to build your portfolio alongside other subjects but you will need to dedicate a fair bit of time to it. You could use your EPQ to create an artifact that could be part of your portfolio but you'll need more than just that.

It would be worth applying to a few art foundation diplomas as well as architecture degrees - if you're unsuccessful because your portfolio isn't developed enough then an art foundation after you A levels is designed to give you the structure and support to build up your creative portfolio.

Reply 3

thadysullivan

OP

3

Thanks for the advice :smile:

Reply 4

returnmigrant

21

Architecture at Sheffield : https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/architecture/undergraduate/entry
Just one example, but as you will see they dont specify subjects but they do want an art and design portfolio.
This is because of the major artistic/design element in the course. If you are not doing Art A level you are going to find this aspect difficult - not just the portfolio but those aspects of the course.

If you are more interested in the structural/construction approach to buildings then look instead at courses like Brighton's Architectural Technology (https://www.brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/architectural-technology-bsc-hons.aspx) or Construction Management at Greenwich (https://www.gre.ac.uk/ug/ach/k252)

Reply 5

mattyh28

5

Start a sketchbook as soon as possible. If architecture is what you want to do, draw buildings. Draw diagrams of buildings, draw streets and maps and sketches and little details and flow charts. Draw the spaces involved in your hobbies, places you go on holiday, interesting stuff you see in museums etc. For your sketchbook don't worry about pretty finished drawings, just get it filled with stuff. Go to cities and draw what you see and feel and think. Start trying to look at architectural drawing styles and experiment with new ways of drawing, understand the basics of a plan, elevation, section, perspective etc. Maybe you then scan in some of this stuff, or redraw and stuff to it to form a portfolio, but you can quite easily get yourself this sketchbook which is really easy to do and gives you something to talk about at an interview. I did a nice little sketchbook in Amsterdam and it was just a whole load of 10-15min sketches of the views from pub and cafe windows.

Reply 6

Shirli

2

Original post by Snufkin

Many universities don't require Art at A level but they will require a portfolio - this portfolio does not have to be part of a course, it can be independent work you've done in your own time. If you don't have any work at all to show the admissions tutors then architecture may not be for you. If you are serious about architecture then start building a portfolio, the extended project won't be enough.

but the epq can be part of it or linked to it?

Reply 7

blackvoid17

16

I'm also applying for architecture without art. I'm glad I found someone else who isn't studying art or physics.
I've put together a portfolio using both some of my gcse artwork and stuff i did in my own time. They do like to see things you do outside of school so not doing art A Level can't be a huge disadvantage

Reply 8

pfugglepill

2

Original post by blackvoid17

I'm also applying for architecture without art. I'm glad I found someone else who isn't studying art or physics.
I've put together a portfolio using both some of my gcse artwork and stuff i did in my own time. They do like to see things you do outside of school so not doing art A Level can't be a huge disadvantage

would it be okay for me to see your portfolio? i havent done art gcse or a level so im massively stressing out

Reply 9

aesthetic21

6

Original post by pfugglepill

would it be okay for me to see your portfolio? i havent done art gcse or a level so im massively stressing out

i am in a similar situation, i am doing physics, economics and sociology and im not doing art a level (i have just started year 12) so i am currently checking uni's and some are saying art isnt required but some are saying that art is prefered so does that mean those universities wont accept me because i am not doing art (the ones that say they prefer art).

Reply 10

cappuchino

6

Same

Help! Can I do Architecture without an Art A-Level?

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