The Student Room Group

Architecture work experience

I’m entering year 13 and I want to study Architecture at university in 2025.
I want to go to one of the better schools so I’m looking at places like Nottingham, Liverpool, Newcastle etc.
However, I’m worried that I will struggle to get into them due to having zero work experience.
Will I struggle to get in without?
No you don't need work experience to apply for architecture. Your portfolio is key - focus your time on this and be prepared to adapt it for each uni. Also, have a look at the Cambridge pre-application reading list (it's good for all unis) and pick something that interests you that you can reflect on in your personal statement.

https://www.arct.cam.ac.uk/Downloads/books-recommended-for-reading
Reply 2
Original post by normaw
No you don't need work experience to apply for architecture. Your portfolio is key - focus your time on this and be prepared to adapt it for each uni. Also, have a look at the Cambridge pre-application reading list (it's good for all unis) and pick something that interests you that you can reflect on in your personal statement.
https://www.arct.cam.ac.uk/Downloads/books-recommended-for-reading


Thank you so much, this is really helpful!
Original post by normaw
No you don't need work experience to apply for architecture. Your portfolio is key - focus your time on this and be prepared to adapt it for each uni. Also, have a look at the Cambridge pre-application reading list (it's good for all unis) and pick something that interests you that you can reflect on in your personal statement.
https://www.arct.cam.ac.uk/Downloads/books-recommended-for-reading

Hi this might be a weird question but do you have any portfolios i can access to see what level of art i need to be creating… i have not studied art at GCSEs or A-level and only recently decided to change from civil engineering to a dual degree with architecture?
If not don't worry :smile:
Original post by Issy.ae27
Hi this might be a weird question but do you have any portfolios i can access to see what level of art i need to be creating… i have not studied art at GCSEs or A-level and only recently decided to change from civil engineering to a dual degree with architecture?
If not don't worry :smile:



If you Google manchester uni architecture portfolio blogger, 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

Take a look at the following thread where there is a lot of good advice on developing a portfolio:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=96239577

Some other useful links:

https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/humanities-blog/2021/04/23/how-to-make-your-architecture-portfolio-stand-out/
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/Engineering/Departments/ABE/Portfolio-Guidance.aspx

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