Architecture
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Architecture influences every aspect of the built environment and, by extension, society and the individual. Architects have a sense of purpose and care about the environment and the people that live and work within. Architects work across a number of areas and with people from a variety of industries. No two jobs are the same and each architects’ description of their role would be completely different from the next. Because of the responsibility architects have, an education in architecture is a lengthy one. It takes a minimum of seven years to train to become an architect.
The most important thing to remember when looking for architecture courses at university is to choose a course which is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This ensures that the education you receive is of a high quality and allows you to practice as an architect in the UK upon completion. The training is structured as a sandwich course, integrating practical experience with academic study. The professional programme in architecture is divided into four sections: a three year BA Honours degree in Architectural Studies (recognised as fulfilling RIBA, ARB Part 1 criteria); a one-year Certificate in Architectural Practice; a two-year Bachelor of Architecture with Honours (recognised as fulfilling RIBA, ARB Part 2 criteria); and finally, a two-year, part-time postgraduate diploma (recognised as fulfilling RIBA, ARB Part 3 criteria).
The BA in Architectural Studies (Part 1) will differ in nature according to which institution you choose to study at. At Newcastle University programmes are modularised into Stages, with each Stage corresponding to one year. In Stage 1 you are introduced to the design process and encouraged to develop your own opinions and make your own design decisions. Students are encouraged to experiment and projects involve a great deal of drawing and model making as a means of exploring design ideas in the studio. Stage 2 develops insight into the complexities of architectural design and investigates the contrasting theoretical approaches of different architects, and the ways in which these have influenced their buildings. There is also a European study visit which allows you to experience and learn from architectural examples in another country. At this point you will begin to think about your dissertation. In Stage 3 most of your time will be spent on design projects and the completion of your dissertation, as you grow in competence and are encouraged to develop your own design approach.
With a vocational subject such as architecture, the main employment pathway is into the profession as an architect. Although you may find after your three year BA that you don’t want to continue with the professional qualifications required, in which case you emerge from your undergraduate degree equipped with a range of transferable skills highly attractive to potential employers: numeracy, interpersonal skills, team-working, initiative, decision-making and computer literacy. These skills, an integral part of an architecture education, mean some graduates of the BA go on to gain employment in various sectors, such as media, public relations, design, and business.
If you do continue to study towards professional accreditation you spend a year in employment working towards the Certificate in Architectural Practice, which involves gaining practical work experience and attending educational seminars at your place of study. You then return to university to study for the Bachelor of Architecture (Part 2).
The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a two year programme which builds on your experience in practice. The BArch at Newcastle is designed as a vocationally oriented programme which requires you to demonstrate your ability as a thoughtful and competent designer.
In parallel with the core modules you are encouraged to develop individual interests, such as urban design, conservation, or planning, for example. The options offered depend on the institution but each should be able to offer specialist postgraduate courses relating to the built environment. This opportunity to study a different, though related, aspect of the built environment contributes to your architectural education and allows you to specialise if you wish.
Lastly, during your first two years of employment as an architectural assistant you complete the Diploma in Professional Practice and Management (Part 3). This is the start of your professional career as an architect and during this period you need to gain experience in management, administration, building contracts and supervision, and to understand the architect’s legal responsibilities.
At the end of this lengthy - although hopefully rewarding - road you are able to call yourself an architect, and go out to make your mark on the world. Good luck!
Useful information:
www.riba.org
www.arb.org
Related Links:
Civil and Structural Engineering
