a levels for architecture?
i’m doing my gcses this year and i’ve been thinking about what a levels to pick. i want to do architecture at uni and right now the a levels i have in mind are product design, chemistry, geography and core maths. i really enjoy those subjects and i excel in them, but i keep on having doubts about not doing maths or physics. i want to study at UCL which has no specific subjects needed and even cambridge says they don’t NEED physics or maths, even though it’s preferred. i’m not passionate about physics that much and im worried i’ll really struggle in maths if i take it. should i be concerned or not??
You don't need maths or physics for any architecture course except Bath and Strathclyde as far as I'm aware.
Art however is often necessary in order to develop an appropriate portfolio (I'm not sure if any formally require A-level Art though). Product design may not entail enough creative design work (i.e. conceptual work) and freehand drawing from life exercises and the like...? Might be something to consider taking alongside your other subjects in some capacity (e.g. dropping one of the three to take art).
I don't think core maths really adds much here, personally.
Art however is often necessary in order to develop an appropriate portfolio (I'm not sure if any formally require A-level Art though). Product design may not entail enough creative design work (i.e. conceptual work) and freehand drawing from life exercises and the like...? Might be something to consider taking alongside your other subjects in some capacity (e.g. dropping one of the three to take art).
I don't think core maths really adds much here, personally.
Original post by artful_lounger
You don't need maths or physics for any architecture course except Bath and Strathclyde as far as I'm aware.
Art however is often necessary in order to develop an appropriate portfolio (I'm not sure if any formally require A-level Art though). Product design may not entail enough creative design work (i.e. conceptual work) and freehand drawing from life exercises and the like...? Might be something to consider taking alongside your other subjects in some capacity (e.g. dropping one of the three to take art).
I don't think core maths really adds much here, personally.
Art however is often necessary in order to develop an appropriate portfolio (I'm not sure if any formally require A-level Art though). Product design may not entail enough creative design work (i.e. conceptual work) and freehand drawing from life exercises and the like...? Might be something to consider taking alongside your other subjects in some capacity (e.g. dropping one of the three to take art).
I don't think core maths really adds much here, personally.
do you think an EPQ would benefit me more than core maths would?
Original post by orianemey
i’m doing my gcses this year and i’ve been thinking about what a levels to pick. i want to do architecture at uni and right now the a levels i have in mind are product design, chemistry, geography and core maths. i really enjoy those subjects and i excel in them, but i keep on having doubts about not doing maths or physics. i want to study at UCL which has no specific subjects needed and even cambridge says they don’t NEED physics or maths, even though it’s preferred. i’m not passionate about physics that much and im worried i’ll really struggle in maths if i take it. should i be concerned or not??
Alongside Cambridge, UCL is one of the most competitive courses to get on and it is a very creative course. You won't need maths or physics but you will need a very strong portfolio. Don't take maths or physics if they are not your strong subjects - you need relatively high grades for architecture so take the subjects you are best at and enjoy:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7536742
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by orianemey
do you think an EPQ would benefit me more than core maths would?
If you have a particular project that fits the EPQ marking rubric that you were going to do anyway then it's a fair choice. Just doing it for the sake of adding a qualification to your UCAS application isn't really worth much if anything.
Original post by orianemey
do you think an EPQ would benefit me more than core maths would?
Some universities don’t consider the EPQ, you’ll have to check their website.
My daughter gained a place at The Bartlett UCL (also had offers from four other RG unis) with these three A levels: Fine Art, DT / Resistance materials, Geography.
She didn’t apply at Cambridge. She graduated from UCL in June. The folio is the most important element of the application! Only Bath asks for maths or physics, and it appears you would really need to have both to have a chance.
She didn’t apply at Cambridge. She graduated from UCL in June. The folio is the most important element of the application! Only Bath asks for maths or physics, and it appears you would really need to have both to have a chance.
Original post by artful_lounger
You don't need maths or physics for any architecture course except Bath and Strathclyde as far as I'm aware.
Art however is often necessary in order to develop an appropriate portfolio (I'm not sure if any formally require A-level Art though). Product design may not entail enough creative design work (i.e. conceptual work) and freehand drawing from life exercises and the like...? Might be something to consider taking alongside your other subjects in some capacity (e.g. dropping one of the three to take art).
I don't think core maths really adds much here, personally.
Art however is often necessary in order to develop an appropriate portfolio (I'm not sure if any formally require A-level Art though). Product design may not entail enough creative design work (i.e. conceptual work) and freehand drawing from life exercises and the like...? Might be something to consider taking alongside your other subjects in some capacity (e.g. dropping one of the three to take art).
I don't think core maths really adds much here, personally.
Im in the same situation as the girl, and im conflicted about picking physics. If i pick something else with it, and get strong grades, does that mean i would need to make my application stronger than what i would've planned to do if i picked physics? Because the uni i'd like to go to is a bit competitive so i feel like i should go with physics, but i really dont know.
Original post by yanyan :3
Im in the same situation as the girl, and im conflicted about picking physics. If i pick something else with it, and get strong grades, does that mean i would need to make my application stronger than what i would've planned to do if i picked physics? Because the uni i'd like to go to is a bit competitive so i feel like i should go with physics, but i really dont know.
Which uni? If the uni doesn't require or prefer physics, then picking physics won't make your application more competitive.
Original post by yanyan :3
Im in the same situation as the girl, and im conflicted about picking physics. If i pick something else with it, and get strong grades, does that mean i would need to make my application stronger than what i would've planned to do if i picked physics? Because the uni i'd like to go to is a bit competitive so i feel like i should go with physics, but i really dont know.
As above if it's not required then it won't make a difference.
Some architecture courses do indicate they like to see a mix of arts and sciences but you could just as well take another science if physics isn't required.
If the competitive architecture course you're referring to is Slade or Cambridge I suspect the portfolio will make much more difference as both are very "art-y"/conceptual courses.
Original post by normaw
Which uni? If the uni doesn't require or prefer physics, then picking physics won't make your application more competitive.
Cambridge is the uni im aiming for!
Original post by artful_lounger
As above if it's not required then it won't make a difference.
Some architecture courses do indicate they like to see a mix of arts and sciences but you could just as well take another science if physics isn't required.
If the competitive architecture course you're referring to is Slade or Cambridge I suspect the portfolio will make much more difference as both are very "art-y"/conceptual courses.
Some architecture courses do indicate they like to see a mix of arts and sciences but you could just as well take another science if physics isn't required.
If the competitive architecture course you're referring to is Slade or Cambridge I suspect the portfolio will make much more difference as both are very "art-y"/conceptual courses.
Thats very helpful, tysm!
Original post by yanyan :3
Cambridge is the uni im aiming for!
In that case you need to consider physics and/or maths and you need to be very confident of getting the top grades. Architecture is one of the most competitive courses at Cambridge - there are nine applicants per place. From Cambridge's website:
Minimum offer level
A level: A*AA
IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
Subject requirements
While we don’t ask for any specific subjects to apply to Architecture at all Colleges, we’d recommend certain subjects for a strong application:
Mathematics
Art & Design
Physics
If you apply to some Colleges, they may ask that you’ve studied particular subjects:
If applying to Selwyn, you will need Mathematics or Physics
If applying to Sidney Sussex, you will need Mathematics or Physics
If applying to Churchill, you will need to achieve: A Level: A* in Mathematics and/or A* in Physics
IB: 7 in Higher Level Mathematics Analysis and Approaches and/or 7 in Higher Level Physics
You can find more information about the subjects our typical entrants have studied below.
What Architecture students have studied
Most Architecture students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2018, 2019 and 2023) achieved at least A*A*A. The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 43 points overall.
Almost all had studied at least one of the subjects recommended above. Around 90% took Art & Design, plus either Mathematics, Physics or both.
This information shows some of the common subjects our applicants have studied. Although these are common subject combinations, this doesn't mean they're favoured.
When you're choosing your post-16 subjects, it's most important to check whether any subjects are required for your course. You can also check our guidance on choosing your high school subjects for more information.
However, if you are not confident in physics or maths then taking these subjects just for Cambridge could jeopardise your application to other courses, a lot of which require high grades. It's best to choose subjects you enjoy and will do well in.
Original post by orianemey
i’m doing my gcses this year and i’ve been thinking about what a levels to pick. i want to do architecture at uni and right now the a levels i have in mind are product design, chemistry, geography and core maths. i really enjoy those subjects and i excel in them, but i keep on having doubts about not doing maths or physics. i want to study at UCL which has no specific subjects needed and even cambridge says they don’t NEED physics or maths, even though it’s preferred. i’m not passionate about physics that much and im worried i’ll really struggle in maths if i take it. should i be concerned or not??
If you're aiming for architecture, your current choices seem solid, especially since you enjoy and excel in them. While maths and physics are often preferred for architecture, they're not always required, especially at places like UCL. Focusing on subjects you’re passionate about can actually benefit you more, as you'll likely perform better. Consider adding a math-related subject like Core Maths to keep some mathematical background without overwhelming yourself. Ultimately, choose what aligns with your strengths and interests.
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