A levels for architecture.

[Mumski45]

DS1 originally chose Maths Physics Chemistry and Fr Maths at A level. He has recently begun to consider doing a degree in architecture and wanted to switch Chemistry for Art to keep this as an option. However the school have said he can't do Fr maths and Art as they are in the same timetable block.

He is good at Maths and was looking forward to Fr maths so doesn't really want to drop it. He would also like to keep as many options open as possible as he is not entirely sure about his degree choice.

My question is would not having Art A level be a problem if he did decide to do architecture. Also would an art EPQ fill the gap instead?

He has a grade 8 in Fine art GCSE (1 mark off a 9 so may be regraded)

I would appreciate any insights from anyone who is an architect or studying to be an architect as to whether he would be better dropping Chemistry and Fr maths to do Art or continuing with his original choices.

Your best bet is to look at uni requirements maybe?
Or, as drastic as it sounds consider changing schools if you can this late?
The only architect I know did 2maths, physics & Art and then went to Oxford Brookes.

Only know 1 architect and she did maths, physics and art. Her maths was pure+stats not pure/applied. May je outing but mid course she did HND building to be sure her designs would be practical.

Unis vary a lot with entry reqs for architecture.

Art EPQ could be a good option.

Check different Schools of Architecture for their entry reqs.

What else is he considering?

Lots of universities ask for evidence of drawing skills or an Art portfolio rather than an A level in Art. Would your son be the type to do this independently?

In case it's relevant most colleges offer a free foundation art course post A levels but pre uni, so he could take a further year to develop an art portfolio and then apply for architecture if that helps.
Can he sketch in his spare time and join an art club - or take a drawing class online?

fyi iirc Architecture courses vary quite a lot. Some are very 'artistic', some very 'structural' and some in between.

Architecture is a long time to be fully fully qualified, taking a year to build a portfolio would make it even longer.

@TeenDivided I do think a year to do an art portfolio would be too much but DS1 is quite happy to put the effort in outside of school to do a portfolio. I thought an Art EPQ might help with this.
I did think about trying to change to a different 6th form but he is staying on at 6th form connected to his secondary school and doesn't really want to move.

@Rummikub we have looked at a few uni course requirements and the ones I have seen say art a level is a good option but not compulsory. I am not sure whether this just means he will be at a disadvantage if he doesn't have A level.

A good art portfolio is needed, but a lot of universities don't need art A level. An EPQ is a great way to show interest. That and taking photos or drawing of interesting buildings or features, light shadows.

As an alternative to art would design be an option? Lots of technical drawing and thinking about consumer requirements.

@Galarunner yes he would be happy to put a portfolio together.

Can he do DT? At my school the DT department accept students who haven't done it for GCSE, although they have catching up to do. It covers materials and design, so some would argue it's more relevant than art A-level. He could go for an architectural style main project.

@SkygardenTower unfortunately I don't think the school offer design A level but from what I have read today the architecture school prefer fine art to design which is more relevant for branding and websites. He did do DT for GCSE.

With a good Art based EPQ he should be ok. Ask him to compare architecture with say civil engineering. Is it the design he is is keen on or something else? Also worth noting the time it takes to qualify.

You / he could phone uni architecture admissions too and ask their opinion. They’re v helpful.

There will be a different depending if it is a BSc or a BA, BSc tend to place less emphasis on art.

I had a student get in to architecture this year with maths, physics and can't remember the third but not art or dt. Didn't seem to be a disadvantage, he had his portfolio to show the art side.

My lad is off to do architecture at Bath in a few weeks, he has A level Art, Math & Physics. Bath didn't ask for a portfolio but his other choices did, not sure if that's because it's a BSc rather than a BA. He only submitted one piece from his school work & the rest was mostly sketches & architecture photos, however his predicted grade is probably what they based the offer on. Not sure if this helps.

I did an architecture ba with alevel art, maths and psychology. From what I recall they generally liked a nice spread of subjects between humanities, science and art but I would say art or a creative subject is most important. My degree was highly art/design based rather then technical. The emphasis was always on presentation. He could likely get away with a good portfolio as per pp. Get him googling architectural design images to imitate or learning 3d design or CAD. Blender is a good free resource for 3d modelling and well supported with online tutorials.

I know three boys who are doing architecture and two did the IB with art and the other did A levels and one was art another math (don't know third).
I think you bay need a portfolio for some degrees.
Best thing it to look at the individual unis offering it and see what their entry requirements are - and I know there's a website which says what the most popular A level and grade for the course in question (can't recall it now).
It's very competitive- the lads above, one scored mostly 9s at GCSE got excellent IB marks and still didn't get in to Loughborough or his other top choice (he's going to Cardiff).

My friend's daughter just got a place in Glasgow University for architecture with English Literature, geography and Art- her predictions were C C D she applied to Brighton Uni with foundation year and A level results she got BBB and looked at Glasgow clearing and got accepted ( entry requirement was AAB) so anything is possible

This organisation may be able to advise: arthistorylinkup.org/introduction/

There are schemes for the 13-15 and the sixth form age ranges.
It's not directed entirely towards architecture but their tutors look to be very experienced and steeped in the knowledge and leadership of relevant university departments.