International College

Study 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 the best place to study architecture in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2019). 

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

International Foundation Year students can progress to degrees including: 

Related degrees

*This degree is for progression from the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering, Biological and Life Sciences pathway. 

Pre-Masters students can progress to degrees including: 

Related degrees

*This degree is for progression from the Pre-Masters in Science and Engineering. 

Architecture rankings

World Top 50 for Architecture
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021

96% of graduates
are employed within 6 months of graduating
Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey 2016/17

5th in the UK
for Architecture
The Guardian University Guide 2022

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. 

Entry requirements

International Foundation Year 

  • 2 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 with minimum 5.0 in writing (minimum of 4.0 in other skills)
  • 1.5 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.0 in all skills)

Pre-Masters

  • 2 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)
  • 1.5 semester programme: Academic IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in all skills)

Why study architecture?

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Should I study architecture?

Guilio from Indonesia
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