Kiwi considering the UK - fellow NZers?

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to see if there are other people who went across the ditch for undergraduate study in the UK? I'm a year13 student (would be starting uni 2024) who's hoping to study architecture and was wondering what your experience of applying, moving and settling in was like? And also, what did you do in the 9 month wait between the end of the NZ academic year and the start of the UK's?
I know its still quite early in the grand scheme of things, but just wanted to reach out and a get a feel for things - any replies would be greatly appreciated!

(btw I have no idea how this thing works so hoping it reaches the right people)

Reply 1

normaw

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post by newzealandalex05

I'm not student or a Kiwi (though I did live in NZ for a few years) but I can offer a few pointers to help you with researching your course. The process of qualifying to be an architect in the UK takes around 7 years: 3-yr (sometimes 4) undergrad, a year in practice, 2-year masters followed by another year in practice before taking the final exam. That's a big commitment for international students for fees, living costs, etc. There is more information on becoming an architect on the following websites:

Architects Registration Board https://arb.org.uk/student-information/student-handbook/
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) https://www.architecture.com/

There is a list of RIBA-approved uni courses and their A level requirements on the following thread:

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

You will need to check the Entry Requirements section on the course page on uni websites for alternative qualifications such as NCEA or IB.

Also, keep an eye on the Architecture, Building and Planning forum - a thread for 2024 architecture applicants will be starting soon:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=256

And a suggestion for what to do before you course starts - interrail around Europe and fill your boots with some of the amazing architecture it has to offer:

https://www.interrail.eu/en