Benefits/Downsides to Architectural and Interdisciplinary Studies (UCL)i

3

Hi, I’m a year 12 studying maths, further maths, physics and drama. I did graphics at GCSE and have a really supportive head of art in my sixth form to help me with my portfolio.

I’ve always wanted to do a degree with a year abroad, and this AIS at UCL seems really interesting especially with how you can pick different models. I was wondering if there’s any major downsides to doing this degree instead of a straight architecture degree?

Thanks so much 😊

Reply 1

lolelsh

8

Original post

by dependent-pyrami

Hi, I’m a year 12 studying maths, further maths, physics and drama. I did graphics at GCSE and have a really supportive head of art in my sixth form to help me with my portfolio.
I’ve always wanted to do a degree with a year abroad, and this AIS at UCL seems really interesting especially with how you can pick different models. I was wondering if there’s any major downsides to doing this degree instead of a straight architecture degree?
Thanks so much 😊

A BSc is a longer route to eventually becoming an Chartered UK architect, if you’re dead set on becoming one and have a long term vision, apply for the msci which is a 4 year course with an additional placement which allows you to complete the majority of your studies into becoming an architect, whereas a Bsc is only one part of that process. I can explain in greater detail specifically with the changes to RIBA, because you’re applying for 2027 it’s very likely the top unis will be following a similar structure to the Msci at UCL or the architecture course at Cambridge.

Reply 2

dependent-pyrami

OP

3

Original post

by lolelsh

A BSc is a longer route to eventually becoming an Chartered UK architect, if you’re dead set on becoming one and have a long term vision, apply for the msci which is a 4 year course with an additional placement which allows you to complete the majority of your studies into becoming an architect, whereas a Bsc is only one part of that process. I can explain in greater detail specifically with the changes to RIBA, because you’re applying for 2027 it’s very likely the top unis will be following a similar structure to the Msci at UCL or the architecture course at Cambridge.

One of the reasons I was looking at the BSc is that it has a year abroad - would you recommend doing a MSci with no year abroad instead as I suppose I could travel after university?

Reply 3

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by dependent-pyrami

Hi, I’m a year 12 studying maths, further maths, physics and drama. I did graphics at GCSE and have a really supportive head of art in my sixth form to help me with my portfolio.

I’ve always wanted to do a degree with a year abroad, and this AIS at UCL seems really interesting especially with how you can pick different models. I was wondering if there’s any major downsides to doing this degree instead of a straight architecture degree?

Thanks so much 😊

Be aware that "This degree is not professionally accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or The Architects Registration Board (ARB). If you are seeking a professionally accredited course, you may want to consider another one". If it is not considered to be the equivalent of a part 1 architecture course, then you might find it difficult to be accepted onto a part 2 masters and you might not receive undergraduate funding for that masters (standard masters funding is a fixed amount that won't be enough to cover your fees and your living costs).

If you are intent on becoming an architect, then this course is probably not the best choice.

Reply 4

lolelsh

8

Original post

by dependent-pyrami

One of the reasons I was looking at the BSc is that it has a year abroad - would you recommend doing a MSci with no year abroad instead as I suppose I could travel after university?

If you want to travel I recommend taking a gap year and working to save money up for uni. Although I’d recommend applying for this year but just defer your entry.

The Msci course gives you actual accreditations necessary to become and architect and is respected enough to get you to work in other design related fields. So my advice is to do the Msci

Also in your final year you have a work placement and you can work abroad if you manage to find a job, although you may have to learn the language and do a test to prove it depending on where you’re going.

Since you’re in Year 12 a lot of the bachelor courses will be a much longer process to become a professional architect. Most top schools are implementing integrated masters for your year of application (2027) which is a shorter route to becoming an architect.

If you need to me explain anything further lmk

Benefits/Downsides to Architectural and Interdisciplinary Studies (UCL)i

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