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Study Architecture abroad

About this subject

  • About this subject
  • Is this the course for me?
  • Careers prospects
  • Studying Architecture
  • Where to study?
Architecture

As a subject matter, architecture is one which is particularly fascinating. Concerned with the study of creating structures like buildings, the term derives from the Greek word ‘arkhitekton’ and focuses on planning, design and construction, taking into account a structure’s functional, environmental and aesthetic requirements.

For as long as humanity has existed, there has been a need for shelter. However, buildings and their designs do not only have a functional purpose, but also reflect the culture of an era. From the ancient pyramids of Egypt to European Renaissance architecture, there are a number of different building styles that inspire modern-day design.

Is this the course for me?

If you’re fascinated by building design and construction, and you’re looking for a career within this particular field, then pursuing a course of study in architecture may be perfect for you.

However, it is also important that potential students have a natural aptitude for maths, drawing and history. As part of the course, you will be expected to learn about the history of design as well as using and developing plans and drawings in order to showcase your abilities in personal projects.

Architecture is a course that not only requires students to attend lectures, but also to work on individual design projects during non-contact hours. A course such as this requires hard work, self-motivation and passion for the subject from students seeking a strong grade.

Careers prospects

Most people who study architecture do so with the intention of becoming an architect upon completion of the course. Norway, Switzerland, Brazil, India, China and Australia all seem to be popular places for new architects to find work. The average starting salary for UK architects is £15,000 - £20,000, although this will increase as you gain more experience.

However, there are also a number of other careers available to architecture graduates, particularly within the construction and heritage industries. Town planning as a building surveyor is a popular career choice among graduates, as well as working for not-for-profit organisations such as the National Trust which involves the maintenance and up-keep of historical sites.

As part of your course, you will also learn about planning law, as well as cultural history, IT and management. As such, some graduates opt to pursue careers in similar fields, working as lawyers business managers, journalists and within IT departments.

Studying Architecture

Undergraduate degree programmes in architecture last for a minimum of five years and are essential to those specifically wishing to work as an architect upon graduation. Those wishing to study on this course will be expected to have high grades in a minimum of 3 A-levels or equivalent and be able to demonstrate a passion for the subject matter.

Postgraduate programmes can last anywhere from 1-4 years and will already expect students to have achieved a minimum of 2:1 in their honours degree. Similarly, those who do not speak English as their first language will have to score 6.0-6.5 in an IELTS test in order to showcase that there are no language barriers preventing their learning.

The majority of courses will expect students to attend lectures, as well as work on their own independent projects that will be assessed to showcase their progression on the course.  Undergraduate students will also have to complete a minimum of 2 work placements before graduating as part of their course, to gain hands-on experience working within the building and construction industry

Where to study?

It is important to ensure that you attend a university that is both prestigious and has strong links within the building & design industry. Many top firms cultivate relationships with certain academic establishments – these links will be useful if you need to find a work placement as part of your course, or are simply looking for some extra hands-on experience. A lot of firms will give priority when recruiting to those who have previously worked for them, or for students of specific Universities, so this will have an essential impact upon your ability to get a job post-graduation.

Irrespective of which course you decide to study, the location of the university itself should also be taken into consideration when deciding where to study. You will be studying for at least a year, so it is important that you choose somewhere you can be happy on both a social and academic level. While some students prefer to study at smaller establishments with a more communal focus, others will thrive in larger, bustling universities.
 
You should always look at the entry requirements and your own finances before submitting an application to your university of choice, particularly for a course such as architecture. There is a reason that the entry requirements are so high, and if you can’t meet them, you are unlikely to be accepted onto the course. Similarly, you should also look at your finances. If you’re planning on taking a long course of study, you should look at the fees – can you afford them? If you’re struggling financially then have you considered applying for a grant or scholarship?

What Architecture courses are there?

1

Architecture (General)

2

Architectural Design

3

Architectural History

4

Building Design

Top 10 study destinations for Architecture

1
32
Canada
16,368 Views View 30 courses
2
210
UK
14,639 Views View 103 courses
3
9
Australia
11,393 Views View 36 courses
4
211
USA
4,751 Views View 246 courses
5
114
Malaysia
3,650 Views View 28 courses
6
134
New Zealand
2,906 Views View 13 courses
7
168
Singapore
1,947 Views View 5 courses
8
154
Ireland
1,419 Views View 11 courses
9
84
Hong Kong
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10
131
Netherlands
496 Views View 8 courses