“Architecture is the only art that you can’t help but feel. You can avoid paintings, you can avoid music, and you can even avoid history. But good luck getting away from architecture.” – Philippe Daverio
What is Architecture?
Architecture is the art or practice of designing and constructing buildings.
While artists work from real to the abstract, architects on the other hand, work from the abstract to the real. Architecture is more than designs and calculations. Architecture requires imagination, a clear and precise communication skill, passion in human behaviour including our habitat and the natural environment, and most importantly; problem solving skills.
Other than resulting in the creation of art that provides the physical environment we live in, every work of architecture represents our society because architecture is a visual expression of the culture, strengths and technology advancement of the society. It’s a highly valuable art as it’s a permanent expression of the society values, desires, ways of thinking, ideology and so much more in a fixed point in time.
In simple words, architecture reflects our culture, our identity and our place within the society.
Why study Architecture in the UK?
Language Skills
Living in a country with English as the first language will help you develop excellent language skills. We don’t doubt the importance of English language in today’s global business area. Hence, most UK universities offer language support to international students to ensure that their graduates are able to communicate well in English.
Education Quality
Education wise, UK universities are inspected regularly to ensure that they maintain the high standards of teaching, learning and research set by the UK Government. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is the key body charged with maintaining these standards.
Cultural Diversity
Undeniably, the cultural diversity of students in UK higher education is unrivalled. From busy cities like London, Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow, to historic counties like Warwickshire and Yorkshire, the UK is a place of mixed cultures, where ancient buildings sit alongside contemporary architecture.
What are the Career Opportunities?
Architect – Architects work closely with clients and users to design new buildings or do extensions or alterations to existing ones, prioritising safety, cost and functions. Specialised architecture careers including:
- Building architecture – designing new buildings, or adapting existing ones.
- Landscape architecture – planning, designing and managing open spaces in both natural and urban areas.
- Naval architecture – the architecture of ships and marine vessels.
Architectural technologist – As an architectural technologist, referring to the name itself, you’ll use your science and engineering skills and knowledge to create tough, resilient and sustainable constructions and refurbishments.
Interior and spatial designer – Interior and spatial designers design or renovate internal spaces, fixtures and fittings, using their architectural, creative design and project management skills to create attractive and efficient spaces.
Building surveyor – Building surveyors are in charge of conserving, modifying, fixing, renovating and restoring existing buildings, They are also involved with taking precautionary measures in order to keep buildings in good condition, and to make them more sustainable.
Town planner – Town planners manage and develop the countryside, towns, cities and villages. They need to balance out the needs of the local environment, population and economy and think of innovative, sustainable solutions for developments.
Production designer – Production designers work closely with the producer and director to develop a complete visual outline for the production they’re working on. Some production designers are entirely focused on theater and stage design, or there could be an overlap between media forms.
What are the General Entry Requirements to study Architecture in the UK?
STPM/A-Level | AAA-BBC |
International Baccalaureate (IB) | 36 points |
IELTS | 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each component |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for enquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Which are the Top Universities to study Architecture in the UK? (Recognised by Boards of Architects Malaysia, LAM)
1. Robert Gordon University
“The BSc Architecture/Master of Architecture (MArch) course is a linked award that allows you to progress from Year 1 to master’s level continuously and obtain a clear pathway to professional registration..”
Program Name | Master of Architecture (MArch) |
Program Duration | 6 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £15,040 |
2. Queen's University Belfast
“Queen’s Architecture has strong links with a wide range of industry partners through teaching and research at local and global level. Students are tutored by practicing architects as well as experienced scholars.”
Program Name | Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £20,800 |
3. University of Huddersfield
“We have excellent links with architectural practices around the world and our students have found employment in a wide range of practices, from the smallest architectural firms to the largest, working on a huge variety of projects at home and overseas.”
Program Name | Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £14,500 |
4. University of Plymouth
“You will learn to think outside the box by engaging in multi-faceted and integrated processes of building design; covering subjects to do with architecture, urbanism and critical theories, to communications, sustainable systems and technologies.”
Program Name | Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £13,800 |
5. De Montfort University
“You will learn about the history of architecture and design, alongside completing technical, practical and professional exercises relating to ethical architecture in the commercial world. ”
Program Name | Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) |
Program Duration | 3 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £13,750 |
Nurul Nadira
I am an English undergraduate student who reads and listens to bands.
