Can I get into Architecture with these A levels?
Hi everyone, I am currently in year 12 studying Graphic Design, History and English Literature and an epq ,with predicted grades of ABB. I want to study architecture at university and was wondering if that is possible with the subjects I have chosen. Would the lack of a science a-level put me at a disadvantage in the course? And, What universities would concider my grades and subjects?
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by Snagroll
Hi everyone, I am currently in year 12 studying Graphic Design, History and English Literature and an epq ,with predicted grades of ABB. I want to study architecture at university and was wondering if that is possible with the subjects I have chosen. Would the lack of a science a-level put me at a disadvantage in the course? And, What universities would concider my grades and subjects?
Hello there,
That information is freely and easily available online. I suggest you check out UCAS for an exhaustive list of architecture courses and then check the entry requirements there. For specific A level requirements then check the university's course website
Details vary depending from uni to uni, but as far as I can see, yes, you can study architecture with those A levels and those grades, although there are some courses that prefer you take at least one science and many ask for a "portfolio". No clue what this would entail for architecture, but a good idea to start researching and compiling one!
(edited 1 year ago)
a levels for architecture
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7361710
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7361710
Original post by Snagroll
Hi everyone, I am currently in year 12 studying Graphic Design, History and English Literature and an epq ,with predicted grades of ABB. I want to study architecture at university and was wondering if that is possible with the subjects I have chosen. Would the lack of a science a-level put me at a disadvantage in the course? And, What universities would concider my grades and subjects?
There are 104 providers of Architecture-related degrees in the UK, and the list which would be happy with your A level subjects would be a long one (as it would include most of them). This is because most state no subject requirements, or even preferences.
Occasionally, you'll find one which stipulates Maths (e.g. University of Leeds), and you might find those which expresses a preference for a range of subjects (e.g. University of Manchester: "A mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.").However, if you were hoping to reduce the number of universities or courses to look at by excluding those for which your subjects don't meet the requirements, then you'll be disappointed.
One thing which many will ask for (and which your Graphic Design will likely help with) is a portfolio of work, as Architecture has a strong artistic / creative element to it.
Original post by Snagroll
Hi everyone, I am currently in year 12 studying Graphic Design, History and English Literature and an epq ,with predicted grades of ABB. I want to study architecture at university and was wondering if that is possible with the subjects I have chosen. Would the lack of a science a-level put me at a disadvantage in the course? And, What universities would concider my grades and subjects?
Hope that helps!
Original post by Snagroll
thank you so much! Did you include any pieces of work from gcse time period / school led pieces, not on your own initiative?
Yes it is fine to include some pieces from school work, but also include other projects completed in your own time. Google manchester architecture blogger if you want to see some examples of what students have submitted.
Original post by Snagroll
thank you so much! Did you include any pieces of work from gcse time period / school led pieces, not on your own initiative?
I do a-level fine art so honestly I used a lot of my coursework (paintings, lino prints etc.) If you have good quality school work definitely include it. I did put a few GCSE works in but my alevel work was significantly better so more alevel than gcse content. However I did put a lot of sketches (from personal sketchbooks) and some architectural photography. Each universities portfolio requirements are quite different, (for example- Sheffield asked for a specific amount of photography and drawings as well as an open assignment where i had to represent 'my street' in a medium of my choice.) Its worth checking what the portfolio requirements are for each uni (although some dont disclose exactly what they want until you submit an application).
I managed to secure work experience through my parents but be aware that work experience is totally not necessary. (most unis recognise some have the privilege such as myself to find work experience easily whereas it can be much harder for others)
However It is 1000% worth emailing local architecture practices as many do support work experience. Even like a day or two in an architectural studio or practice can really help your personal statement application. I also wrote an essay for my schools equivalent of an EPQ about architecture in a particular area.
In terms of other extra curriculars, i talked about my love of art outside the classroom, visiting new places, etc. Sports asw although im not very sporty at all. My friends who also got similar offers talked about books they had read and buildings and architects that had inspired them.
Ive put my guide to the personal statement and portfolio below (from another thread) if that helps.
A lot of the personal statement is not really about you personally more why and what makes you interested in architecture and what you have done to show you are passionate about it.
Personal Statement:
-Its roughly 70-80% about WHY you want to study architecture and WHAT you have done to show that you have a proper interest in architecture (think work experience, books, essays, competitions). You can include architect's work which has inspired you etc.
-The other 20-30% is about you as as person i.e hobbies, sports, extracurriculars - stuff you hope to expand upon at university. As well as what personality traits make you well suited to an architecture course (organised, punctual, creative etc...)
(i was told this structure by someone who got into Cambridge and it definitely works)
Portfolio:-A bit trickier as each university has its own unique portfolio requirements
-Basically you want to show your best work that shows you have observational drawing skills but also are creative and inventive
-In general want to see a wide variety of media such as
ainting, drawing, ink, collage, sculpture, photography, prints, digital modelling (if you know how to do that- i dont) etc..
-Some unis specifically for an example of 3D work or photography and some set assignments such as Manchester which asks for a secondary statement (answering specific questions) or Sheffield which asked for a creative assignment entitled 'my street'.
-You have normally a few weeks/ a month of two to prepare a portfolio after receiving a portfolio request from the respective uni.-Just put your strongest work forward. There needs to be a bit of focused on architecture but most of my portfolio was figurative with some sketchbook pages of buildings and a tiny bit about my work experience.
-Some unis even specify they dont want to see anything architectural in your portfolio (i.e they dont want to see elevations, plans or 3D cad) but it varies.
-To Summarise: In your portfolio, show them the skills they cant teach you - creativity and the ability to capture the world around you on paper or whatever medium.
However It is 1000% worth emailing local architecture practices as many do support work experience. Even like a day or two in an architectural studio or practice can really help your personal statement application. I also wrote an essay for my schools equivalent of an EPQ about architecture in a particular area.
In terms of other extra curriculars, i talked about my love of art outside the classroom, visiting new places, etc. Sports asw although im not very sporty at all. My friends who also got similar offers talked about books they had read and buildings and architects that had inspired them.
Ive put my guide to the personal statement and portfolio below (from another thread) if that helps.
A lot of the personal statement is not really about you personally more why and what makes you interested in architecture and what you have done to show you are passionate about it.
Personal Statement:
-Its roughly 70-80% about WHY you want to study architecture and WHAT you have done to show that you have a proper interest in architecture (think work experience, books, essays, competitions). You can include architect's work which has inspired you etc.
-The other 20-30% is about you as as person i.e hobbies, sports, extracurriculars - stuff you hope to expand upon at university. As well as what personality traits make you well suited to an architecture course (organised, punctual, creative etc...)
(i was told this structure by someone who got into Cambridge and it definitely works)
Portfolio:-A bit trickier as each university has its own unique portfolio requirements
-Basically you want to show your best work that shows you have observational drawing skills but also are creative and inventive
-In general want to see a wide variety of media such as
ainting, drawing, ink, collage, sculpture, photography, prints, digital modelling (if you know how to do that- i dont) etc..-Some unis specifically for an example of 3D work or photography and some set assignments such as Manchester which asks for a secondary statement (answering specific questions) or Sheffield which asked for a creative assignment entitled 'my street'.
-You have normally a few weeks/ a month of two to prepare a portfolio after receiving a portfolio request from the respective uni.-Just put your strongest work forward. There needs to be a bit of focused on architecture but most of my portfolio was figurative with some sketchbook pages of buildings and a tiny bit about my work experience.
-Some unis even specify they dont want to see anything architectural in your portfolio (i.e they dont want to see elevations, plans or 3D cad) but it varies.
-To Summarise: In your portfolio, show them the skills they cant teach you - creativity and the ability to capture the world around you on paper or whatever medium.
Original post by Snagroll
Hi everyone, I am currently in year 12 studying Graphic Design, History and English Literature and an epq ,with predicted grades of ABB. I want to study architecture at university and was wondering if that is possible with the subjects I have chosen. Would the lack of a science a-level put me at a disadvantage in the course? And, What universities would concider my grades and subjects?
Only two architecture courses require a maths or science A-level to my knowledge - Strathclyde and Bath. As above though this will be clearly stated on their webpages if they do require it! Fundamentally architecture is a creative design degree, not an analytical science degree. So you should be fine
(The Leeds course note above also is one I see now, but it's a bit unusual in that it appears much closer to some kind of joint/combined honours course in architecture and engineering than a "pure" architecture degree. Which may well be appealing to some, but need not be!)
(edited 1 year ago)
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- How could I get into design in the engineering or architectural sector?
- Please Help Me!!!! Choosing my A levels
- I want to do Architecture but I think it’s too late
- Architecture work experience
- Do I really need Art A-Level for Architecture at University of Cambridge?
- Architecture or Engineering?
- What A Levels would help me in creative marketing or interior design / architecture?
- a level choices
- Cambridge Architecture
- Computer science vs Architecture
- a level + uni advice
- Thinking of A-level choices
- Best A-levels for UCL Architecture BSc
- a levels for architecture?
- A level choices for architecture
- Is Further Maths, Maths, Physics and Fine Art worth it for A level?
- Cambridge Architecture students advice
- A level options
- Do I need maths for architecture?
- A level product design or textiles?
Latest
Trending
Last reply 5 days ago
I’m Y1 Bath Architecture, Ask me anythingLast reply 2 months ago
Architecture at the University of York [UPDATE]Last reply 2 months ago
Do I really need Art A-Level for Architecture at University of Cambridge?Last reply 2 months ago
If the entry requirements are AAA and I get A*A*B, could I still keep my place?Last reply 3 months ago
Architecture at Birmingham City University
