If you are interested in art and design and how this translates into the built environment and infrastructure, then an architecture course could be a good choice. Architecture lies at the midpoint between art and science, so you must have an interest and ability in both to succeed. In this article, we guide you through what you need to know about studying for a qualification in architecture, including the types of degrees available, specialisations, where you can study, and careers.
- What is a degree in architecture and how long does it take?
- How to qualify to study a degree in architecture
- What types of architecture degrees are there?
- What jobs can I get with an architecture degree?
- What jobs can I get with an architecture degree?
- What are the top ranked universities for architecture?
What is a degree in architecture and how long does it take?
A degree in architecture is a professional qualification that prepares you for designing and constructing buildings and infrastructure. The degree combines core skills and competencies that include:
- Mathematics and physics
- Design
- Engineering
- Art
- Computer Science
- Urban planning
- Sustainability
- Construction
You will learn to translate abstract ideas and concepts into material and practical reality. Architecture incorporates both form and function when considering design, which covers everything from materials to structure. Some of the modules you may study during a degree in architecture include:
- Design principles
- Architectural theory
- Technology and sustainability
- Applied mathematics
- Urban design
- 3D modelling
- Technical drawing
Many degrees in architecture also incorporate a work placement or professional experience component so you can gain industry knowledge and experience. This can be between six months and one year in length.
It takes between seven and eight years to qualify as an architect. An undergraduate qualification in architecture takes between three and four years to complete. This is followed by a year of professional work experience before you return to study at the postgraduate level for a further two years. Once you graduate from your postgraduate degree, you will have a year of professional work before you can work professionally as a qualified architect.
In some countries, you must also pass an examination with the relevant professional accreditation association, council or board. You should also ensure that the university where you study your qualification is accredited by these organisations. Professional bodies in popular destinations include:
- The UK
- The USA
- Canada
- Australia
- Ireland
- New Zealand
Read more on how to choose a study abroad destination.
How to qualify to study a degree in architecture
Entry requirements will differ between study destinations and universities. Always check the university prospectus or website for the entry requirements. However, as a general guide most architecture degrees will require:
- Minimum of an A-Level result of AAB, preferably with mathematics, science or art as one of your subjects. This is equivalent to an International Baccalaureate score of 36 or a GPA score of 3.7 or above.
- Evidence of English language proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 or above with no band lower than 6.0.
Some universities may request a portfolio of your work to review as part of your application. In addition, because of limited spaces available, institutions might conduct admission tests and interviews as part of the application process.
Get more information about how to apply to university.
Architecture | Miranda Hornsby | Student Profile from Northumbria University on Vimeo.
What types of architecture degrees are there?
A degree in an architectural field gives you a holistic understanding of the trends, theory, methodology and legislation related to the built environment. While the general focus of any architecture degree is on finding the balance between form and function, with an emphasis on design, you can find a niche of specialisation that may appeal to you. Let’s take a closer look at some of these options.
Architectural engineering
Architectural engineering is a professional qualification concentrating on the practical and functional requirements for constructing a building or infrastructure project. You will focus heavily on mathematics, physics and engineering principles. Part of the skills and knowledge you gain will focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, safety and usability. It’s a multidisciplinary field that requires you to solve architectural, construction, and engineering problems.
Architectural technology and design
As an architectural technologist or designer, you’ll work at the intersection of architecture, art and design. This specialisation involves using technology, including 3D modelling, to create accurate representations of designs and incorporate the necessary scientific and practical requirements. To undertake this specialisation, you must be good at drawing, understand architectural principles and be able to solve complex design problems.
Landscape architecture
If you're interested in designing structures and spaces for outdoor environments or indoor environments that incorporate references to the outdoors, landscape architecture is a good choice. It’s about developing harmony between the built environment and nature. Many of the parks, gardens, streets, boulevards and nature-inspired indoor spaces were created by landscape architects. Landscape architects aim to make coherent, practical, relaxing and sustainable places for people to experience. You need to understand social, geological, and environmental factors in combination with design and engineering abilities. You’ll also get to work on many projects, from private estates to urban infrastructure projects.
Interior architecture
Not to be confused with interior design, interior architecture concentrates on the design and construction of interior spaces. The aim is to make these aesthetically pleasing, functional and safe. Interior architects work across environments, from public spaces to private homes and hospitals to commercial properties. You’ll be responsible for elements like lighting, colour, shape, and construction materials. It’s both a creative and artistic specialisation.
Urban planning
As the name suggests, this architectural specialisation deals with designing and developing urban environments, notably towns and cities. The role involves a holistic understanding of an urban environment and how all elements interact to make informed and practical planning decisions. Urban planners will recommend elements for building and infrastructure projects while being involved in smaller details like street signage and sustainable practices.
Discover more about the specialisations in architecture.
Day in the Life of a Architecture BA Student from Northumbria University on Vimeo.
What jobs can I get with an architecture degree?
Qualifying as an architect means you’ll have specialist skills and abilities that employers want. While the most likely career route you will take is as an architect, you can also work in other roles and industries. Some of these roles include:
- Town planner
- Urban designer
- Interior designer
- Health and safety regulator
- Technical drawing technician
- Artist
- Surveyor
- Industrial designer
- Construction manager
The demand for qualified architects remains stable and strong in certain study destinations. It’s useful to review the graduate employment rates when assessing where you may want to study or work:
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- 70 per cent of graduates work full-time in the UK 15 months after graduation. 10 per cent are working and studying, while seven per cent are working part-time. This means the overall employment rate is approximately 85 per cent in the UK. (Source: HESA)
- The average yearly salary for a new architect graduate is approximately GBP 34,000, rising to GBP 65,000 for a senior partner or director.
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- There is expected to be a shortage of qualified architects in Canada leading up to 2031, leading to approximately 5,400 roles opening up. Growth and prospects are expected to be strongest in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. (Source: Canadian Government)
- The average annual salary for an architect in Canada is between CAD 85,000 and CAD 100,000 per year. (Source: Indeed)
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- Jobs for architects in the USA are expected to grow by five per cent above the average up until 2032. This equates to 6,000 new positions, with 129,700 professionals expected to work in the field. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- The average yearly salary for an architect starting their career is between USD 90,000 and USD 110,000 per annum. (Source: Talent.com)
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- The graduate employment rate for architects in Australia averages just over 80 per cent for top-rated institutions. You can also qualify to work in the country via a work visa based on the Skilled Occupation List.
- The average yearly salary for a graduate architect is between AUD 60,000 and AUD 75,000. (Source: Glassdoor)
What are the top ranked universities for architecture?
If you’re considering studying architecture abroad, you’re likely interested in the top-rated institutions for architecture in some of the most popular destinations. We’ve used the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 to put together a list of the top five universities in Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA.
Australia
- RMIT University (18th globally)
- The University of Melbourne (24th globally)
- The University of Sydney (27th globally)
- The University of New South Wales (35th globally)
- Curtin University (51-100 globally)
Canada
- University of Toronto (39th globally)
- University of British Columbia (43rd globally)
- McGill University (51-100 globally)
- University of Waterloo (101-150 globally)
- Toronto Metropolitan University (151-200 globally)
The UK
- University College London (1st globally)
- Manchester School of Architecture (5th globally)
- University of Cambridge (10th globally)
- University of Oxford (28th globally)
- University of Sheffield (38th globally)
The USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2nd globally)
- Harvard University (6th globally)
- University of California Berkeley (9th globally)
- Columbia University (16th globally)
- University of California Los Angeles (17th globally)
There you have it. A comprehensive guide to studying architecture. If you want to continue your study abroad research, read our guide to applying to study abroad, our study abroad preparation checklist and how to choose a course.
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