Architecture application for UCAS 2025

3

Hey everyone! 😊

I hope you’re all doing well! I'm a Year 13 student currently studying A Level Psychology, PE, Chinese, and a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science, which is equivalent to one A Level. After Year 13, I'm planning to take a gap year.

My predicted grades are A* D (which counts as an A) and BC. My original choices for university were York, Oxford Brookes, UAL, UCL, and NTU. However, I've just found out that UAL doesn't accept deferred entry applications, so I'm on the lookout for some good alternatives to replace it!

Also, I've heard from many people that I'm pretty good at art, even though I’m not taking A Level Art. This makes me a bit anxious about creating a strong portfolio. Do y'all think universities would still consider my application without GCSE or A Level Art?

Thanks a bunch for your help! 🙏🏼

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

bztfad

6

Original post

by lmaoidkman

Hey everyone! 😊
I hope you’re all doing well! I'm a Year 13 student currently studying A Level Psychology, PE, Chinese, and a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science, which is equivalent to one A Level. After Year 13, I'm planning to take a gap year.
My predicted grades are A* D (which counts as an A) and BC. My original choices for university were York, Oxford Brookes, UAL, UCL, and NTU. However, I've just found out that UAL doesn't accept deferred entry applications, so I'm on the lookout for some good alternatives to replace it!
Also, I've heard from many people that I'm pretty good at art, even though I’m not taking A Level Art. This makes me a bit anxious about creating a strong portfolio. Do y'all think universities would still consider my application without GCSE or A Level Art?
Thanks a bunch for your help! 🙏🏼

You would need to check the entry requirements for the degrees you are applying to. There would usually be specific requirements listed but if you're not sure, you can always ask them via email.

Reply 2

54321nen

7

Do u have a portfolio ready? Universities don't necessarily require A levels Arts but nonetheless u would still have to prepare a portfolio to hand in after you apply and most art students already have prior work done that they could put it in the portfolio. Plus, if you already have a quality portfolio ready, i think unis might even appreciate more the fact that you don't take Arts but still am able to devote your own time time and produce the same quality of work

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by lmaoidkman

Hey everyone! 😊

I hope you’re all doing well! I'm a Year 13 student currently studying A Level Psychology, PE, Chinese, and a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science, which is equivalent to one A Level. After Year 13, I'm planning to take a gap year.

My predicted grades are A* D (which counts as an A) and BC. My original choices for university were York, Oxford Brookes, UAL, UCL, and NTU. However, I've just found out that UAL doesn't accept deferred entry applications, so I'm on the lookout for some good alternatives to replace it!

Also, I've heard from many people that I'm pretty good at art, even though I’m not taking A Level Art. This makes me a bit anxious about creating a strong portfolio. Do y'all think universities would still consider my application without GCSE or A Level Art?

Thanks a bunch for your help! 🙏🏼

How far have you got with your portfolio so far?

Reply 4

lmaoidkman

OP

3

Original post

by normaw

How far have you got with your portfolio so far?

i would say my portfolio is around 20% complete plus every uni have quite different requirements, I don’t know if I have to make a portfolio for each uni

Reply 5

lmaoidkman

OP

3

Original post

by 54321nen

Do u have a portfolio ready? Universities don't necessarily require A levels Arts but nonetheless u would still have to prepare a portfolio to hand in after you apply and most art students already have prior work done that they could put it in the portfolio. Plus, if you already have a quality portfolio ready, i think unis might even appreciate more the fact that you don't take Arts but still am able to devote your own time time and produce the same quality of work

not really, but ive started to making a portfolio! thank you for your advices!!

Reply 6

lmaoidkman

OP

3

Original post

by bztfad

You would need to check the entry requirements for the degrees you are applying to. There would usually be specific requirements listed but if you're not sure, you can always ask them via email.

thank you for your advices!! some universities needs alevel maths or physics for architecture but some don’t require specific subject. I have also emailed them for some further information😃

Reply 7

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by lmaoidkman

thank you for your advices!! some universities needs alevel maths or physics for architecture but some don’t require specific subject. I have also emailed them for some further information😃

There is a list of all RIBA-validated architecture courses and the entry requirements here:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7536742

UCL (and UAL) are both very creative courses and put a lot of emphasis on the portfolio, and UCL is probably one of the most (if not the most) competitive courses to get on. York is a new course this year and isn't yet listed as having RIBA candidate status.

Try to get your portfolio at least 80% ready before you submit your application. Unis can ask for your portfolio quickly and, on average, give you around three weeks to submit it. You probably will need to tweak it for each uni according to their specifications, but the majority of the pieces can be used for all unis.

Have a look at the advice in the following thread about developing a portfolio:

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

The alternative is to consider taking an Art & Design Foundation Diploma (FAD) at a local college during your gap year:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5017684

Reply 8

OxfordBrookesDan

Official Rep

5

Original post

by lmaoidkman

Hey everyone! 😊
I hope you’re all doing well! I'm a Year 13 student currently studying A Level Psychology, PE, Chinese, and a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science, which is equivalent to one A Level. After Year 13, I'm planning to take a gap year.
My predicted grades are A* D (which counts as an A) and BC. My original choices for university were York, Oxford Brookes, UAL, UCL, and NTU. However, I've just found out that UAL doesn't accept deferred entry applications, so I'm on the lookout for some good alternatives to replace it!
Also, I've heard from many people that I'm pretty good at art, even though I’m not taking A Level Art. This makes me a bit anxious about creating a strong portfolio. Do y'all think universities would still consider my application without GCSE or A Level Art?
Thanks a bunch for your help! 🙏🏼

Hi, I hope you are well!

Oxford Brookes has a strong Architecture programme that could be a great fit. The course is highly ranked – QS puts Brookes in the top 10 UK for Architecture & Built Environment (2023 data), and the Guardian ranks it 12th in Architecture (2025 data). All the grade information is listed on the course page. Although I did Biological Sciences, I think I did the same Applied Science course - it was not an issue when applying to Oxford Brookes, and the Architecture course page says “ We welcome applications from candidates with alternative qualifications”.

The portfolio is a big part of the application, but it is a brilliant opportunity to show off your creative work (sketches, models, designs, photos, etc.). The course page states they want to see your creativity, not whether you did Art A-level. Their selection notes say the interview will look for “motivation, general creativity and breadth of interest” and that any artwork may be shown, "including artwork where no formal course has been followed.”. In short, not having an Art GCSE or A-level should not be a hindrance.

As an overview of the Architecture course itself, it is often taught in small classes (about 20–25 students each) led by practising architects who emphasise an “open studio” culture, meaning you’ll see and learn from classmates’ projects as they develop. First-year modules like Architectural Representation teach drawing and modelling skills, so you’ll build on any art skills you have. With your background in Psychology, PE, Science, and Chinese, you’ll fit right in – the staff know creativity comes from many subjects and they’ll help you turn it into good design work.

By having a strong architecture course, there is a stronger likelihood of industry connections. Oxford Brookes gives students lots of professional exposure from day one. You’ll get RIBA mentoring, office/site visits, project reviews, etc. There’s also an annual graduate exhibition: each year, you showcase your portfolio of work to employers, friends and family. This makes a great addition to your CV and helps you network with local architects.

To summarise, Oxford Brookes has a top-ranked architecture programme, they explicitly encourage applicants from non-traditional backgrounds, and they’ve got plenty of support to get your portfolio up to scratch.

Hope this helps and good luck with your applications!

Architecture application for UCAS 2025

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