architecture without art a-level?

hey everyone, i am in y11 and i’m considering architecture at uni but i don’t do art gcse, but i do aqa 3d design instead — would it still be possible for me to apply for an architectural degree at a top uni eg cambridge, ucl?

my school doesn’t allow me to do art alevel as i didn’t take the gcse, but i chose maths, further maths and physics for my alevels. thanks everyone!

Reply 1

Insouciant.

8

Original post by heartsnkisses

hey everyone, i am in y11 and i’m considering architecture at uni but i don’t do art gcse, but i do aqa 3d design instead — would it still be possible for me to apply for an architectural degree at a top uni eg cambridge, ucl?
my school doesn’t allow me to do art alevel as i didn’t take the gcse, but i chose maths, further maths and physics for my alevels. thanks everyone!

Please dont stress!

Ive done some research and there's very minimal universities that have strong opinions on what a levels you took- even Cambridge care more for the grades achieved over the subjects taken. That being said the ones I have come across are only ever favourable to maths which you have!!

Regardless what most people forget is that foundation degrees exist- even if you have irrelevant subjects if you do the additional year most times even the grades you got won't matter and after that initial year you can progress onto the same degree like anyone with desired subjects and grades.

Exams and choices are not the be-all end-all schools like to say they are. Also 9/10 colleges/ sixth forms are stricter at the beginning and before January of first term allow you to change a level choices- often to ones you weren't applicable for when first applying.

Either way you have got this!

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Many Architecture applicants take a 1-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (local college or arts-Uni) before applying for Uni. This gives you exposure to numerous different art-forms, and access to the resources and facilities, and staff expertise, to devise a good portfolio. Recommended.

Examples
UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (U4FADF) | Richmond Upon Thames College
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design | Leeds Arts University

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by heartsnkisses

hey everyone, i am in y11 and i’m considering architecture at uni but i don’t do art gcse, but i do aqa 3d design instead — would it still be possible for me to apply for an architectural degree at a top uni eg cambridge, ucl?

my school doesn’t allow me to do art alevel as i didn’t take the gcse, but i chose maths, further maths and physics for my alevels. thanks everyone!

Have a look at the following thread, which shows the current A level requirements for architecture degrees:

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

The majority of unis don't require specific subjects but most do require a portfolio of creative work to be submitted during the application process. Architecture is a design-based degree (it's not engineeering) so a creative subject taken at A level will help you during your degree and the application process. Are any other options open to you at A level such as DT? If not, you need to develop your creative skills in your own time so that you have pieces to put in a portfolio. The following thread might help:

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

For Cambridge entry requirements:

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/architecture-ba-hons

Reply 4

HilsMarie

1

Original post by heartsnkisses

hey everyone, i am in y11 and i’m considering architecture at uni but i don’t do art gcse, but i do aqa 3d design instead — would it still be possible for me to apply for an architectural degree at a top uni eg cambridge, ucl?
my school doesn’t allow me to do art alevel as i didn’t take the gcse, but i chose maths, further maths and physics for my alevels. thanks everyone!

I’m doing architecture rn and I did it but you don’t need it as long as you have some art work of your own for your portfolio for when your applying it’s fine, you just have to show your creativity

Reply 5

McGinger

20

Original post by HilsMarie

I’m doing architecture rn and I did it but you don’t need it as long as you have some art work of your own for your portfolio for when your applying it’s fine, you just have to show your creativity

Each Uni has its own requirement - and some require either a Level 3 art/design qualification or something a bit more specific than just some random 'art-work'.

Reply 6

heartsnkisses

OP

7

Original post by Insouciant.

Please dont stress!
Ive done some research and there's very minimal universities that have strong opinions on what a levels you took- even Cambridge care more for the grades achieved over the subjects taken. That being said the ones I have come across are only ever favourable to maths which you have!!
Regardless what most people forget is that foundation degrees exist- even if you have irrelevant subjects if you do the additional year most times even the grades you got won't matter and after that initial year you can progress onto the same degree like anyone with desired subjects and grades.
Exams and choices are not the be-all end-all schools like to say they are. Also 9/10 colleges/ sixth forms are stricter at the beginning and before January of first term allow you to change a level choices- often to ones you weren't applicable for when first applying.
Either way you have got this!

thank you so much for the encouraging reply!! i can only hope i do well enough in maths as the competition for cambridge must be crazy lol, and will look into foundation degrees like you said! :smile:

Reply 7

heartsnkisses

OP

7

thanks for replying! will definitely look into that :smile:

Reply 8

heartsnkisses

OP

7

unfortunately my school doesn't offer DT for alevel, i do take 3d design gcse which is quite design-heavy but i'm not sure if they would take in gcses into account at uni and my gcse coursework is definitely not portfolio-level lol. but thank you so much for the reply and info!! :smile:

Reply 9

heartsnkisses

OP

7

Original post by HilsMarie

I’m doing architecture rn and I did it but you don’t need it as long as you have some art work of your own for your portfolio for when your applying it’s fine, you just have to show your creativity

thanks for replying!! may i know what your other alevels were?

Reply 10

uygsdjh

6

Original post by heartsnkisses

hey everyone, i am in y11 and i’m considering architecture at uni but i don’t do art gcse, but i do aqa 3d design instead — would it still be possible for me to apply for an architectural degree at a top uni eg cambridge, ucl?
my school doesn’t allow me to do art alevel as i didn’t take the gcse, but i chose maths, further maths and physics for my alevels. thanks everyone!

Like others have said, it's okay if you don't do A Level Art for architecture - as long as you do extra work in your own time for your portfolio. However, it might be advisable to choose another subject to swap out with further maths or include it as an additional A Level, as the majority of universities see further maths as a 4th A Level subject, and not as one of your main three.

architecture without art a-level?

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