What kind of A levels does a student need to study Architecture at Uni?

[indy69]

Hello,

My DD is extremely interested in architecture. She is currently year 9 however not in the top set for maths. What subjects does she need at A levels to study Architecture at Uni?
Thanks in advance.

A former student of mine is studying architecture at Cambridge. Her A levels were in Maths, Art and Music (she is a very able musician).

You need to get the booklet that shows what subjects universities ask for for different degrees.

I can't remember what it's called but the school should be able to give you a copy

Or you could just google it

www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/courses/architecture/

From the research DD has done

• Art or an art portfolio is needed (ie, seems like art a level required, but if a student decides rather late that they want to do it and don't have art a level, then they can prepare a separate art portfolio to show they have capability)
• Maths and/or Physics. By not taking maths, some unis immediately come off the list (eg Bath) However many of the others good unis only require maths or physics.

So from our research, seemed like art, maths and physics would be the strongest combination. But art and either maths or physics with a third subject would also be possible and keep plenty of options open. Not taking maths or physics looked like it limited the options significantly.

DT did not seem to be required - looks like it's fine as the third a level but not required and would not be acceptable instead of art.

Art is only required at a few but a portfolio may well be required so you have to think about how this can be prepared. Each course is slightly different and, as in most universities, there is a pecking order and differing requirement. Some courses are far less prescriptive than others. With a focus on eco houses and planning, geography is quite useful these days, plus physics and maths.

Dunno if this is helpful but, my DS was planning to apply for architecture (late switch after AS exams to another subject)- he did physics without maths and it was hell because he didn't have the mechanics maths, DT, history because our friend at RIBA recommended an essay subject and music because he loved it. There is a course at the Courtauld (I seem to remember) for aspiring architects to create a portfolio.

There are different degrees I think. One is the BA in Architecture and you don't need maths this, then there is a BSc or a BEng

Someone on here recently said her DD was told by an Admissions Tutor to simply pick subjects she enjoyed because they had no preferred A Levels. I'm afraid I always thought it was Art and Physics but it looks as if things have moved on.

Yes it was me that was told that.... Any a levels plus a portfolio by head of Architecture at our local uni. most unis seem the same. Even Bath say you should have maths or physics but then go on to say if you havent got these subjects then they will still consider you as long as you have an EPQ along with your a levels or some other thing Id never heard of. Dont think dd will make Bath anyway.

We ordered a lot of uni prospectuses and looked at uni websites for entry requirements at different places. Dd is doing product design, RS and geography A levels.

Thank you everyone. We do not live in the U.K. and mumsnet gives us a great insight. My DD is in a British school and would like to go to uni in the UK.

DS started Architecture degree last year. He did Eng Lit/ Geog/ Product Design A level
Most university's do not specify which A levels are required, except Bath which requires Maths as its a BSc rather than BA, Cambridge and probably UCL reqs Art etc
At all the others Admission Tutors require a portfolio that shows your creative flair, this doesn't necessarily have to be fantastic artistically, but to show you can draw, have perspective and demonstrate the skills reqd for the course, that they can build on.
DS didn't have Art and hadn't drawn anything artistic since Yr9, but he showed his DT work, which involved having an idea for a project, sketching those ideas roughly and developing the idea and constructing models from cardboard to demonstrate those ideas. This is what the First year at Uni has been all about actually. You are not drawing anything spectacular. you are given a brief and then you create and develop your own idea for that out of cardboard and lollypop sticks....so in reality DT is of more use than Art
University departments are just looking for that creative flair, either Art, DT or textile design. Geography is a useful subject or as above an essay subject that would in future enable you to describe your logic and design etc
DS got 5 offers and 2 unconditionals all from top 20 Uni's (but didn't apply to the top 4 as not an A* student) He chose the one he liked best from visiting ( not an unconditional ) and loves it
For Architecture anything goes....Maths and Physics is a myth (you are designing the building someone else makes sure it can stand up...they need Physics and Maths ;-) )

Please be aware that BEng is an Engineering degree and has nothing to do with architecture. It will not qualify a student to become an architect. An engineer, however, will make the building stand up!

Optisight thank so so much for this. Ds is starting yr 10 and wants to be an Architect. He has taken DT as a gcse option so your information is encouraging :)

This for example. Basically just look up Architecture for various Uni's online and they will tell you the admission requirements.

www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduate/degrees/architecture-bsc/