are my uni choices too aspirational? (for architecture)
Hi everyone, I'm planning to apply to Bath, UCL, Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield for architecture. Should I be more or less aspirational with my choices?
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
Reply 1
Original post
by special-rainfalHi everyone, I'm planning to apply to Bath, UCL, Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield for architecture. Should I be more or less aspirational with my choices?
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
Reply 2
20
Original post
by special-rainfalHi everyone, I'm planning to apply to Bath, UCL, Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield for architecture. Should I be more or less aspirational with my choices?
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
Do you actually meet the entry requirements for each of these Unis without an Art/Design qualification?
Reply 3
Original post
by special-rainfalHi everyone, I'm planning to apply to Bath, UCL, Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield for architecture. Should I be more or less aspirational with my choices?
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
So first of all, you meet the grade requirements for all of your choices, which is a good start. UCL is definitely a reach, considering how competitive the Bartlett is. Manchester, Sheffield, and Bath are 50/50, whilst Cardiff is more secure. I would say that for architecture, it's harder to tell, as schools will view your portfolio differently. Overall, I would say that it's a good mix of schools, and you'll probably receive 2-3 offers.
Reply 4
Original post
by McGingerDo you actually meet the entry requirements for each of these Unis without an Art/Design qualification?
yes, they prefer the combination of art and science subjects but it is not required
Reply 5
20
With a very competitive course like Architecture, and as these are leading Unis for that subject - you need to be very realistic about your chances of an offer.
For example, Bath clearly states "The strongest applicants will study Maths, Physics and an Art or Design subject. In exceptional circumstances we may consider applicants who have not studied an Art or Design subject. You will need to demonstrate substantial evidence of exposure to Art, Design or Architecture in your personal statement." School-level 'architecture work experience' is not 'substantial exposure'.
In practice that means if you do not have an Art/Design qualification, you are going to go to the back of the queue regardless of your A level predictions. Since Unis like this do not need to be 'kind' just to fill the course, your chances of an offer are therefore fairly small. If you have 5 choices like this, you could easily end up with no offers. Having one or two choices like this is worth the risk - just be prepared for No - but your other choices do have to be far more realistic about your lack of art-design qualification/experience.
The other strategy is to take a 1-year Foundation in Art and Design course in between school and Uni - this is a very common route for anyone aiming at a design degree. This would give you exposure to a wide variety of different art-forms, and the best staff expertise/resources/facilities to devise a good portfolio for a subsequent Arch application These stand-alone courses are available at many local colleges and some Universities. Recommended. Examples :
Art & Design Course - UAL Foundation… | Arts University Plymouth
Art and Design Foundation Studies | Undergraduate study | Loughborough University
For example, Bath clearly states "The strongest applicants will study Maths, Physics and an Art or Design subject. In exceptional circumstances we may consider applicants who have not studied an Art or Design subject. You will need to demonstrate substantial evidence of exposure to Art, Design or Architecture in your personal statement." School-level 'architecture work experience' is not 'substantial exposure'.
In practice that means if you do not have an Art/Design qualification, you are going to go to the back of the queue regardless of your A level predictions. Since Unis like this do not need to be 'kind' just to fill the course, your chances of an offer are therefore fairly small. If you have 5 choices like this, you could easily end up with no offers. Having one or two choices like this is worth the risk - just be prepared for No - but your other choices do have to be far more realistic about your lack of art-design qualification/experience.
The other strategy is to take a 1-year Foundation in Art and Design course in between school and Uni - this is a very common route for anyone aiming at a design degree. This would give you exposure to a wide variety of different art-forms, and the best staff expertise/resources/facilities to devise a good portfolio for a subsequent Arch application These stand-alone courses are available at many local colleges and some Universities. Recommended. Examples :
Art & Design Course - UAL Foundation… | Arts University Plymouth
Art and Design Foundation Studies | Undergraduate study | Loughborough University
Original post
by special-rainfalHi everyone, I'm planning to apply to Bath, UCL, Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield for architecture. Should I be more or less aspirational with my choices?
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
Hi special-rainfal, 👋
These are great university choices, I'm sure you would be happy at any one of them.
In terms of Sheffield, the entry requirements do not specify any A-Level subjects so you are completely fine on that front and your predicted grades exceed the entry requirements.
I think you could use your application as a great way of outlining your interest in wanting to study architecture, that can be where you make your application stand out, especially the architecture work experiences!
I don't think you should have any issue getting an offer from Sheffield, but if you are unsure you can get in touch with the admissions team here.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the University of Sheffield and I'd be more than happy to help! Best of luck!
All best wishes,
Phoebe 😀
Student Ambassador - PhD in English Literature
Reply 7
Original post
by special-rainfalHi everyone, I'm planning to apply to Bath, UCL, Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield for architecture. Should I be more or less aspirational with my choices?
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
here are my stats:
- GCSE: 99888877755
- predicted grades: A*AAA (I didn't do any art or design subjects tho)
- I did 2 architecture work experiences
Hii xx probably a lil late but I would say go for it! I applied to a safety school and ended up already receiving an offer from a better one so don’t waste ur choices
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