Bath or Cardiff for architecture 2025

I'm still stuck between Bath and Cardiff for architecture and I really don't know which i should make my firm choice. I enjoy both layouts of the courses and I also like that Bath has work placement for years 2 and 3, however, the general cost of living and accomodation would be much better in Cardiff. I know the city of Bath well and I also liked their architecture department, but I was stuck on the same line of thought with Cardiff. I'm trying to build pros and cons for both unis so if anyone could tell me what both the unis are like it would be much appreciated.

Final year architecture student at Bath. I’ve really enjoyed the course. It’s very practical in that it definitely prepares you for life in an actual architecture practice, looking at structural and environmental elements of architecture as well as just design. 6 month placements can be a pain when it comes to finding accommodation but I have managed fine in both years. I was also fortunate to live at home while on placement, whilst also having a salary and still receiving student loan which can help with costs. Bath is also a beautiful city - could you get any better for architecture.

Was it easy to find a placement? When I went to the offer day they said that they help with finding practices but I'm scared for a hypothetical situation of not getting a placement. I really liked bath and I do live nearby so I may live at home after 1st year. Quick questions, what are people on the course like? And how are you dealing with the cost of the course? Because the people I met weren't very social and I was turning towards Cardiff for that reason however I do believe the placements would give me an advantage in the future

You do get help from the placement team and they post some openings (but obviously a lot of people apply for them) but mainly it’s emailing companies asking if they’ll take you so it’s about perseverance. It takes time but you will find somewhere. If you don’t get a placement obviously it’s annoying but the uni set you an “alternative to placement task” sort of like coursework so you will not fail the year . They call it a 6 month placement but you only need 12 weeks so don’t panic. Both of mine were 4/5 months. I started both of mine in April, which is very standard. The people I know on my course are very sociable. It’s a busy course so you will make friends with who you’re with in the studio. And we still go out and have fun so I wouldn’t let that put you off. I haven’t had an issue with costs on the course really. You’ll main expense will be printing. The uni has its own workshop and you can often use off cuts of material for models. The uni provides some software but the main ones you pay for yourself are adobe products ( or affinity as a cheaper alternative). I’ve purchased sketchup this year but previously just used many emails and free trials. So there are definitely ways of saving money.

You do get help from the placement team and they post some openings (but obviously a lot of people apply for them) but mainly it’s emailing companies asking if they’ll take you so it’s about perseverance. It takes time but you will find somewhere. If you don’t get a placement obviously it’s annoying but the uni set you an “alternative to placement task” sort of like coursework so you will not fail the year . They call it a 6 month placement but you only need 12 weeks so don’t panic. Both of mine were 4/5 months. I started both of mine in April, which is very standard. The people I know on my course are very sociable. It’s a busy course so you will make friends with who you’re with in the studio. And we still go out and have fun so I wouldn’t let that put you off. I haven’t had an issue with costs on the course really. You’ll main expense will be printing. The uni has its own workshop and you can often use off cuts of material for models. The uni provides some software but the main ones you pay for yourself are adobe products ( or affinity as a cheaper alternative). I’ve purchased sketchup this year but previously just used many emails and free trials. So there are definitely ways of saving money.

Do Bath not provide a free subscription for Adobe?