An Architecture degree from the UK can be hugely rewarding as it can give the skills useful for a range of careers. Careers in architecture are much more diverse and flexible with options to work as self-employed professionals or consultants, as partners in small firms or on fixed salaries in large corporations. The type of work varies depending on the area of specialisation and interest.
See: Architecture Subject Guide
An architecture degree helps to learn organizational and managerial skills in addition to good visual and verbal communication. The study of architecture essentially provides technical, visual and planning skills making you ready for a creative, design based career.
Learn more about the top five career paths to consider as a licensed architect below and find out which universities are the best for architecture in the UK.
If you wish to apply to UK universities, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today to get expert guidance and 100% free assistance on university application submissions.
Five Career Options for Architecture Graduates
1. Architect
As an architect you design new buildings or undertake extensions or alterations to existing structures using the technical and creative architecture skills. Landscape architects on the other hand focus on planning, designing and management of outdoor spaces, for example car parks or wind farms. Architects are responsible from the start to end for delivering projects matching the clients requirements and taking into consideration functional, safety and economical aspects.
Architects need good design and drawing skills, strong imagination, good analytical and communication skills. Apart from a recognised degree programme, registration with statutory bodies is required in most countries to work as a licensed ‘Architect’. Architects can work with private practices, small, medium and large corporations other than working for planning departments of the central and local governments.
2. Urban Designer
Urban design is a relatively new field which has been growing rapidly over the past few years. A career as an urban designer offers good opportunities for progression and to work in an interesting, varied environment. Urban designers work as part of a bigger team and create viable environments which are useful and enjoyable through architecture and design technology. Analysing the current use of buildings and making recommendations for future is a major responsibility.
Urban Design work is highly specialised and generally architecture professionals work in any one of the specialised areas such as urban environments including towns and cities, rural environments including villages and spatial environments such as parks and open landscapes. Urban designers also work on projects as diverse as airports or hospitals. Urban designers are employed both in the public and private sectors and work experience and professional qualifications are highly valued by employers.
3. Town Planner
An architectural planner or town planner generally works with a central government of local authority and at times even with private development and regeneration companies. A town planner is involved in the management of towns, cities, villages and countryside and works towards planning policy, environmental planning and transport planning.
This career involves close interaction with local communities and business to balance the conflicting demands and securing the right balance of development in a place. Therefore, strong communication skills and problem solving abilities are required. Town planners are employed by government authorities, local authorities, environment agencies, private consultation forms, surveyors, property builders as well as water, gas and electricity companies.
4. Architectural Technologist
Those specialising in the technology of architecture can work as architectural technologists. They are responsible for durable and sustainable constructions with a focus on use and performance of the buildings. Architectural technologists use creativity and design innovation for refurbishment, alteration and other constructions. Architectural technologists can work as self-employed on an hourly basis or as salaried employees.
Many UK universities offer architecture courses with CIAT (Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) accreditation which is recognised not only within the UK but also internationally. An architectural technologist needs to have an eye for detail and design, with the ability to visualise objects in three dimensions (3D). Relevant work experience is highly valuable for an AT and UK universities offer opportunities to study architecture courses with placement year or take up work placements with industry partners.
5. CAD Technician
A CAD technician uses CAD softwares to create technical drawings and plans for designing 2D and 3D images for products and parts, buildings and machinery used in the construction and manufacturing industry. They are also referred to as draughtsperson and they work with architects and design engineers creating technical drawings used at all stages of a project.
Computer-aided design (CAD) technicians use their engineering, IT and mathematical knowledge to create high-quality technical drawings which are compliant with industry, health and safety standard protocols.
Top Five Universities to Study Architecture in the UK
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- University of Bath
- Cardiff University
- University of Nottingham
Study Architecture in the UK
Studying architecture in the UK can help you prepare for diverse careers and learn the essential theoretical and practical skills and knowledge required in the related fields. Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK to learn more about architecture entry requirements and application at UK universities.
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