Architecture or Engineering?

I am going into y13 and thinking about subject choices for university. I am stuck between engineering and architecture. I am not set on either as engineering seems very mathsy and physicsy and architecture seems more Englishy and artsy. Another choice I have is architectural engineering. Has anyone done any of these or thinks that one is not what I think?

Reply 1

Chris2892

Architecture is extremely dull and not what you might think. 99% small jobs like extensions and affordable housing with not enough budget to be creative.

Engineering is versatile and covers multiple industries as long as you don’t constrain yourself by your degree choice. Architectural engineering is just a branch of civil engineering focussing more on buildings, which is just a branch of mechanical engineering without covering dynamics.

You could study mechanical and choose to place focus on architectural engineering, keeping the employment versatility that a mechanical degree offers should your interests change.

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 2

Lucy Alexander

Original post by Kitty.lightfoot

Your options will partly depend on what you're currently studying- if you're looking at engineering courses most of these will require at minimum maths and physics, and some architecture courses will require some kind of design subject such as art or DT as well as either maths or physics.

To pursue architecture as a career is also a serious commitment in terms of time to become qualified, including a 4-year BSc, a 2-year Masters, and minimum 2 years professional experience before a final exam (more detail about different routes can be found on the RIBA website, but all will take a long time). There are many routes to becoming a chartered engineer, but the time spent at university will most likely be between 3-5 years before you can start working and depending on your career goals chartership is not always a requirement. Working out how long you're willing to commit to studying is a huge part of the decision making process.

I would also say that if you're set on buildings/infrastructure then civil engineering courses would be worth looking at, but if you're not sure and would rather keep your options open then general engineering courses that allow later specialisation do exist and could be a great option for you. See league tables for such courses here to find universities that offer this so you can do some more research: General Engineering Rankings 2025 (thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk) .

As for more clarity on the differences between architecture and engineering I would look at specific university courses and see for yourself the difference between the modules described. For example, the Bath university courses linked here: Architecture BSc (Hons) including placements (bath.ac.uk) , Civil Engineering MEng (Hons) (bath.ac.uk) .

Also worth looking at the websites for different institutions as these can give a lot of clarity on the disciplines and careers in the different fields: Civil engineering explained | Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) , Pathways to qualify as an architect (architecture.com) . As a civil engineering student myself I know more about the ICE, and they definitely hold talks and events both online and in person about civil engineering careers and other info so definitely worth looking into any that may be happening for students in your area!

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Kitty.lightfoot

Architecture is a design-based degree with around 50% of modules being design, and the other 50% split between architectural humanities and architectural technology modules. Most courses don't have any subject requirements (around 5 of the 50+ courses available require/prefer maths or physics) but they will require a portfolio of creative work as part of the application process. If you've not been to any open days, have a look at the ARB and RIBA websites for more information.

It takes a minimum of seven years to train to become an architect (three-year undergrad, a year in a professional practice, two-year masters, another year in practice and then a final exam), the degree is intensive and the job isn’t particularly well paid. RIBA’s 2023 salary report will give you an idea of potential earnings:

Architectural Assistant (part 1 (degree)) – median £23,824
Architectural Assistant (part 2 (degree + masters + < 2 yrs experience)) – median £29,000
Architectural Assistant (part 2, (degree + masters + > 2 yrs experience)) – median £31,000
Architects (parts 1, 2 & 3 (min 7 yrs training and experience)) – median £34,125

Recent stats show that architects’ pay has regressed over the last 15 years:
“While the Foundation reported a stalling in pay progression across the broader workforce, architects’ pay has actually regressed. For example, a 38-year-old architect today earns £48,500, whereas five years ago, an architect of the same age would have earned £50,000 (in today’s prices, adjusted for inflation), and 15 years ago, nearly £65,000 (again in today’s prices).”