Radiography or Architecture (is it too late to change paths)

1

Hey so I'm currently rethinking my life decisions and I feel like it's too late I've applied to do radiography at university this year September but I've been thinking about how I miss doing creative subjects and architecture seem like the perfect degree, but I don't know whether I should just continue my degree in radiography then try and find a way to get into architecture from that.

Reply 1

v3louria

8

Original post

by Tatiana197

Hey so I'm currently rethinking my life decisions and I feel like it's too late I've applied to do radiography at university this year September but I've been thinking about how I miss doing creative subjects and architecture seem like the perfect degree, but I don't know whether I should just continue my degree in radiography then try and find a way to get into architecture from that.

Hi,
I know someone who deferred their place at uni for radiography and is now doing an art and design foundation year as a kind of creative gap year. This might be a good option for you. It would give you time to decide if you want to do radiography or cancel your uni place and do a creative career.

Reply 2

normaw

20

Original post

by Tatiana197

Hey so I'm currently rethinking my life decisions and I feel like it's too late I've applied to do radiography at university this year September but I've been thinking about how I miss doing creative subjects and architecture seem like the perfect degree, but I don't know whether I should just continue my degree in radiography then try and find a way to get into architecture from that.

Are you aware that it takes 6-7 years to qualify to become an architect (you need a bachelors, masters and work experience) and it is a sector where the average salary is declining? You're likely to earn more upon graduating from a radiography course than after completing the architecture masters.

Do you have a portfolio of creative work ready if you did change course and applied this cycle? If not, as mentioned above, consider deferring your radiography place and take a gap year to work out what to do. You will use your student finance entitlement by taking a radiography degree and architecture isn't an exception course for second degree funding.

Another option is to continue with the radiography degree and use your creative skills to develop a side hustle in your free time.

Reply 3

UniofReading

Official Rep

15

Original post

by Tatiana197

Hey so I'm currently rethinking my life decisions and I feel like it's too late I've applied to do radiography at university this year September but I've been thinking about how I miss doing creative subjects and architecture seem like the perfect degree, but I don't know whether I should just continue my degree in radiography then try and find a way to get into architecture from that.

Good afternoon,

You may be able to get into another course via clearing, which will allow you to swap your subject.

UCAS has a great webpage on "What is Clearing? " to help you understand clearing, in case this is something you choose to do. It's a great alternative to gaining a space at university, and it won't change your university experience at all.

All the best,
Ella
Bsc Ecology

Reply 4

aka2008

2

Original post

by Tatiana197

Hey so I'm currently rethinking my life decisions and I feel like it's too late I've applied to do radiography at university this year September but I've been thinking about how I miss doing creative subjects and architecture seem like the perfect degree, but I don't know whether I should just continue my degree in radiography then try and find a way to get into architecture from that.

hi! i'm currently in the exact same boat as you as i have 5/5 offers for radiography but now wanting to switch to architecture. what did you end up doing?

Reply 5

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by Tatiana197

Hey so I'm currently rethinking my life decisions and I feel like it's too late I've applied to do radiography at university this year September but I've been thinking about how I miss doing creative subjects and architecture seem like the perfect degree, but I don't know whether I should just continue my degree in radiography then try and find a way to get into architecture from that.

It is definitely not too late to rethink your path, but if you are now feeling strongly drawn to Architecture rather than Radiography, it is worth looking at the entry requirements and what the course actually involves before deciding. At LSBU, BA (Hons) Architecture is a highly creative course and it is professionally accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), which is really important if you want to progress towards becoming a qualified architect. The typical entry requirement is 112 UCAS points, but one of the key things for Architecture is that you also need a satisfactory portfolio of design work after submitting your UCAS application. LSBU provides guidance on the portfolio once you apply.

So if you are thinking about switching from Radiography to Architecture, one of the biggest questions is whether you would enjoy building up a portfolio. Your portfolio does not have to be perfect, but it should show your creativity, design thinking, drawing or visual communication skills, and how you develop ideas. That can include sketching, model-making, photography, digital design, artwork, layout work, or creative projects that show how you think visually. If you do not already have a portfolio, that is something you would need to spend time developing if you wanted to apply for Architecture.

If you stayed with Diagnostic Radiography at LSBU, that is also a strong and very professional route. LSBU’s BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the Society and College of Radiographers, which means it leads directly towards professional practice in healthcare. LSBU also highlights that its Health Professions area is ranked 2nd in London overall in the Guardian University Guide, so Radiography remains a strong option if you know you want a clinical career.

So the decision really comes down to whether you feel you are having a temporary doubt, or whether you genuinely feel that creative design and architecture suits you more than patient care and clinical imaging. Radiography and Architecture are very different careers. Radiography is much more healthcare-focused, practical and patient-facing, while Architecture is creative, design-led and portfolio-based. If Architecture is where your interest now really sits, it may be better to explore that properly rather than do a whole Radiography degree first and then try to change direction later.

At LSBU, Architecture students also benefit from a strong creative environment, and the university reports 87.9% of students rated the teaching on the Architecture programme positively in the National Student Survey 2025. LSBU also has the official Unibuddy platform, where you can chat directly with current students about both the course and student life. And if you want to explore LSBU in person, there is an Open Day on Saturday 4 July 2026.

Unibuddy platform: Chat with our students.
Southwark Campus: Saturday 4 July 2026 - 9:30 to 15:00

Radiography or Architecture (is it too late to change paths)

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