Study Experience

Study architecture

Students studying architecture

All types of architecture can have real-world impacts. They can fulfil housing and leisure needs, improve environmental quality, conserve historical landmarks, and respond to political agendas.

Architecture at the University of Sheffield

Sheffield School of Architecture (SSoA) is an inspiring place to study your degree. It has been named as one of the best places to study architecture in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2022). 

All architecture courses at SSoA are professionally accredited by RIBA or the Landscape Institute. Teaching takes place in the Arts Tower – the UK’s tallest university building, with stunning views over the city and countryside. Facilities include dedicated architecture studios and computer rooms. You'll also use the media unit, photography studio and reprographics studio with 3D printing.

Teaching includes theory, design and professional experience. You’ll be supported by leading academics, practising architects and passionate teachers. They'll help you to develop the knowledge, skills and industry contacts you need for a successful career in architecture. Around 96% of SSoA students are employed within six months of graduating. Many find work with top architecture practices in the UK and overseas.

Architecture degree options at the University of Sheffield

Undergraduate

International Foundation Year students can progress to degrees including: 

  • BA (Hons) Architecture 
  • BA (Hons) Architecture and Landscape
  • BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture
  • BSc (Hons) Landscape Architecture
  • MEng Architectural Engineering
  • MEng Architectural Engineering with a Year in Industry
  • MEng Structural Engineering & Architecture
  • MEng Structural Engineering & Architecture with a Year in Industry MEng

Related degrees

  • BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
  • BSc (Hons) Geography
  • BA (Hons) Geography & Planning
  • BA (Hons) Urban Studies
  • MPlan Urban Studies & Planning

Postgraduate

Pre-Masters students can progress to degrees including: 

  • MA Architectural Design
  • MSc Sustainable Architecture Studies

Related degrees

  • MSc Applied GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
  • MSc Cities and Global Development
  • MSc Real Estate
  • MSc Real Estate Planning and Development
  • MA Urban Design and Planning 
  • MSc Urban and Regional Planning
  • MSc (Eng) Environmental and Energy Engineering

Places are limited on some degree courses, so you are advised to apply and confirm your place as soon as possible. 

Degree preparation at the International College

Find your pathway to studying architecture with the International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters programme. Prepare for a degree at the Sheffield School of Architecture, developing your English language, study skills and subject knowledge.

Why study architecture?

Architecture is a fascinating and rewarding subject to study at university. Some of the benefits include:

Practical and creative

Architecture courses are hands-on. You’ll use skills such as sketching, computer modelling, 3D design and photography. You will also learn how to manage budgets, work independently and collaborate with others. Creativity is as important as practical skills, as you’ll be designing beautiful structures that could become works of art.

Make an impact

Architects can make social, environmental and political impacts. They solve problems, improve lives and enhance environmental quality. They design affordable housing, regenerate waste grounds, and enhance rural areas. Your work could have a lasting impact on cities and green spaces across the world.

Career satisfaction

Architecture is a well-paid job with excellent prospects and the opportunity to travel. The work is varied, and time is divided between the office, site visits and working with others. Architects are passionate about what they do, and they have transferrable skills that are useful in other careers.

What can I do with an architecture degree?

When you graduate from a leading architecture school like SSoA, you’ll have an exciting choice of career or further study options.

Architecture careers include:

  • residential architect
  • commercial architect
  • industrial architect
  • landscape architect.

Related careers include:

  • architectural technologist
  • interior and spatial designer
  • building surveyor
  • commercial surveyor
  • historic buildings inspector
  • planning and development surveyor
  • production designer for theatre, TV or film
  • structural engineer
  • town planner.

Architecture FAQs

What is the study of architecture?

Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and structures. It includes related fields, such as interior architecture and landscape architecture. Architecture courses focus on buildings, offices and other public and private structures. Landscape architecture focuses on outdoor spaces, which includes anything from parks or sports sites to motorways.

How can I study architecture?

To study an undergraduate degree in architecture you need good grades at GCSE and A Level. You will need to have strong maths skills and may even need to provide a portfolio of work – so typically an A Level in Art or similar can be beneficial. If you’re an international student, you could also meet the entry requirements with the International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities which will give you the necessary requirements and prepare you to study in the UK.

How much money can you make in architecture?

With a typically structured career path, you will earn more money as you gain more experience as an architect. Starting salaries for a part 1 architectural assistant are between £15,000 and £23,000, rising up to £23,000 to £35,000 when you’re a part 2 architectural assistant. Full qualified architects can earn between £32,000 and £45,000 while at senior associate, director or partner level you will be looking to earn between £45,000 and £70,000.

How long is an architecture degree?

An undergraduate architecture degree in the UK only takes three years, however, you will likely go on to study a masters degree which typically takes a further two years.

What subjects do I need to study architecture?

There are a lot of acceptable subjects to study for an undergraduate degree in architecture. However, a good subject combination for future architects is Art, Mathematics and Physics. Entry requirements are different depending on the university and many don’t specify any preferred subjects, but you will need excellent grades.

Do you need maths for architecture?

Math is used throughout architecture, so is typically required to study an architecture undergraduate degree. You do not need to be a math genius, however it’s highly beneficial to be good with geometry, algebra and trigonometry.

What skills do you need for architecture?

The skills you need for architecture include:

  • Creativity and imagination
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Communication and negotiation
  • Mathematics and logic
  • Organisation and project management
  • Design and drawing

Note: Salary information is sourced externally. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the salary ranges.