The Student Room Group

A-levels for Cambridge Architecture

I am about to choose my A-levels, considering my preferred future is to go to Cambridge to study Architecture. I also wanted to balance some more social sciences as part of my A-levels to add variety, so my current decision is Maths, Product Design and Psychology.

I am also considering a fourth, given we have the option at my school, but I am concerned about the work-life balance given I would probably use it for another heavy science-based subject.

Would these 3 options be enough to get me into Cambridge (provided I do well), even if I chose not to take a fourth?
Original post
by Aligal
I am about to choose my A-levels, considering my preferred future is to go to Cambridge to study Architecture. I also wanted to balance some more social sciences as part of my A-levels to add variety, so my current decision is Maths, Product Design and Psychology.

I am also considering a fourth, given we have the option at my school, but I am concerned about the work-life balance given I would probably use it for another heavy science-based subject.

Would these 3 options be enough to get me into Cambridge (provided I do well), even if I chose not to take a fourth?


Cambridge recommends (but doesn't require) maths, physics and art and design for a strong application. They don't require four A levels so just focus on three. Some colleges have different requirements:

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

It's a very competitive course to get on to so make sure you choose your other options carefully and that you would be happy to go to if you are not successful.

Reply 2

Thanks. Is Art interchangeable with Product Design, given the sketching and design-based work? I know that a few colleges prefer Fine Art, but I wanted to know if this was the general consensus. What about the extent of impact of Psychology instead of Physics?

Would these A-levels put me at a disadvantage compared to other applicants? Also, what are some other factors other than the subjects at A-level that could influence my application strength? I’m currently aware of the grades I get in A-levels, portfolio, entrance exams and interview.
Original post
by Aligal
Thanks. Is Art interchangeable with Product Design, given the sketching and design-based work? I know that a few colleges prefer Fine Art, but I wanted to know if this was the general consensus. What about the extent of impact of Psychology instead of Physics?

Would these A-levels put me at a disadvantage compared to other applicants? Also, what are some other factors other than the subjects at A-level that could influence my application strength? I’m currently aware of the grades I get in A-levels, portfolio, entrance exams and interview.

It's hard to say as they recommend maths, physics and art for 'a strong application' and then underneath they list colleges that don't require specific subjects. The most important thing is to choose subjects that you enjoy as you are most likely to get higher grades in them. Also look at the super curricular recommendations on the architecture tab on the following page:

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application

Also note that the course has changed this year from a three-year bachelors to a four-year MArch.
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

Original post
by Aligal
Thanks. Is Art interchangeable with Product Design, given the sketching and design-based work? I know that a few colleges prefer Fine Art, but I wanted to know if this was the general consensus. What about the extent of impact of Psychology instead of Physics?
Would these A-levels put me at a disadvantage compared to other applicants? Also, what are some other factors other than the subjects at A-level that could influence my application strength? I’m currently aware of the grades I get in A-levels, portfolio, entrance exams and interview.


Your set of choices is fine although I’d recommend doing physics, in advance before your application read some books on architecture, such as point and line by kengo Kuma, The architecture of happiness by Alain Boton, also watch some TedX talks from architects or other supercurriculars relevant. The upmost important thing is your portfolio, I’d recommend you start developing it now and watch some videos of previous applicants work to get a grasp on where to start. I was an applicant this year so if you need insight on it I can help out.

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.