What A-levels will i need to study Architecture in uni?

At the moment for my GCSE’s I’m doing math, all science, Spanish, bussiness and geography and I need to pick my A-levels soon but Im not good at art, will i need an Art A-level for University?

Reply 1

Camer0nR

My mate has a mate doing Architecture at Cambridge with Maths, Physics and Art. I don't know what unis hold as compulsory but I'm 99% confident Art wouldn't be compulsory. Architecture is more about structural engineering than art so Maths and Physics would probably be essential. Art I imagine is helpful as you get an idea for what looks good and the subtleties of that stuff, but the Art involved in drawing or painting is very different to the Art involved in designing buildings. Check on uni websites but I'm sure you'd be fine without Art. Might be worth considering DT at A level though if you want practice in design.

Reply 2

McGinger

Have a look at the 'Entry Requirements' for relevant courses at some different Universities - both A levels and any specific GCSEs :

Manchester - BA Architecture (2025 entry) | The University of Manchester
Sheffield - Architecture BA | Undergraduate study | The University of Sheffield
Edinburgh -BEng Structural Engineering with Architecture
UWE Bristol - Architectural Technology and Design - BSc(Hons) - UWE Bristol: Courses

How to become an architect | Prospects.ac.uk

Reply 3

ilovespareribs

Original post by Rellaz

At the moment for my GCSE’s I’m doing math, all science, Spanish, bussiness and geography and I need to pick my A-levels soon but Im not good at art, will i need an Art A-level for University?

Maths art and a third subject

Reply 4

Camer0nR

I see from the links above that art/design A levels are preferred in conjunction with science A levels. Obviously there are loads of different A levels that woold meet these requirements but if you don't consider yourself very arty I'd go for something like DT or a B tech and 2 A levels. I see that for Sheffield a portfolio is also required, which is worth looking into to see what kind of work they expect.

Reply 5

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

You don't need physics or maths except for Strathclyde and Bath and...there was another in the north, I forget which. There aren't a lot that require it, although you may want to consider it if you enjoy and/or do well in those subjects otherwise to give you more options. A portfolio is required for most and so while even if A-level Art isn't required directly, it's probably going to be a lot harder to develop a portfolio without it on top of your other subjects so ti's a pragmatic choice (also fundamentally architecture is a design subject).

Reply 6

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Rellaz

At the moment for my GCSE’s I’m doing math, all science, Spanish, bussiness and geography and I need to pick my A-levels soon but Im not good at art, will i need an Art A-level for University?

Around 50% or more of the modules of an architecture degree are design and you will be required to submit a portfolio of your creative work as part of the application process. An art/design A level will definitely help. Architecture isn't engineering (as mentioned above) and only five of over 50 courses require maths or physics. Most unis don't require any specific subjects. You could consider geography A level if you enjoy it at GCSE. Some of the A level content (sustainability and sense of place) are useful for the humanities modules in architecture.

Have a look at the following thread on A levels for Architecture:

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

If you are 'not good at art', you might need to reconsider your choices. I think you do need to enjoy art/design to do a degree in architecture.