Insights The ultimate guide to starting a career as an architect
A career in architecture is based on an appreciation for the urban context we’re surrounded by as well as an understanding of the history of architecture’s influence on society. In this way, such a career path blends the arts, sciences and humanities – and it’s a popular option, with approximately 51.1 thousand people employed as architects in the UK as of 2021.
Architecture offers one of the most prestigious and varied career paths available. Successful architectural candidates need to be able to utilise their meticulous mathematical and scientific knowledge to create design solutions that can express their creativity to distinguish their ideas, as well as hold up to the rigours of construction. In addition, it’s useful for architects to learn about engineering, costs, planning permissions and building regulations to excel in this field.
While this career path requires years of education and training, qualified and practising architects are rewarded with a solid career path that remains exciting and adaptable. If you’re interested in pursuing designing and planning as a career, then continue reading to discover the various paths you can take to kickstart your career in architecture.
Where do you start if you want to be an architect?
To become a qualified architectural professional in the UK, you'll likely need five years of education and two years of further training while on the job, including completing an undergraduate course in architecture that is certified by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Entry requirements vary but universities generally require five GCSEs at a high level (including maths, sciences and English) and three A-levels. These can be in any subject but to better your chances, they should aid your future career in architecture and ideally be based in the arts, maths and sciences.
On top of this, it’s good to have a portfolio of creative work or practical experience to reference at the interview stage. It is worth noting that some universities have specific entry requirements that might include A-levels in English, Maths or Art – do check these requirements as early as you can.
The current top ten British universities for architecture include Bath, Cambridge, Sheffield, University College London and Nottingham. There are also alternative routes to becoming an architect through an architecture apprenticeship or working towards the role with RIBA Studio.
Qualifications needed to be an architect
Undergraduate degree
The degree you enrol in should be validated by RIBA and these typically last between 3 and 4 years. During this course, you can expect to be taught the basics of space and design, as well as computer-aided drawing, along with essential theoretical, historical, technical and material knowledge. The course, when successfully completed, will award you a Batchelor's (or in some cases a Masters) degree and will exempt you from the RIBA Part 1 examination.
After the completion of your undergraduate degree, you’ll require practical experience lasting a minimum of a year, in which you should record your experience on the Professional Experience Development Record (PEDR) website. You will be supervised by a Professional Studies Advisor (PSA) from your university and also a workplace mentor. People often choose to spend more than a year in these placements so they can gain extra work experience and a salary before embarking on Part 2.
Postgraduate degree
After the work placement, to continue your training to become an architect, aim to complete a two-year postgraduate degree in architecture — this could be a B.Arch, M.Arch or a diploma. You should consider the type of course you wish to enrol in as they have different aims and specialities — design modules are taught in specialist studios where critiques involve presenting design work to your tutor for feedback.
Following your postgraduate degree, the usual path is to undertake a further year of work placement. This enables you to be granted more responsibility on architectural projects, as well as acquire an in-depth understanding of real-world challenges and opportunities. This placement is under the supervision of a fully-qualified architect and should be recorded and monitored on the PEDR website for it to count towards your qualification. For UK students, this work experience should take place in the EEA, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
At this time you should begin studying a Part 3 course that covers aspects of practice, management and law. This can be at the same university where you have previously studied, or perhaps at one closer to your place of work.
Final exam
You can undertake the RIBA's Part 3 or study at one of the RIBA-validated course providers, and you'll typically be assessed on the following elements:
- 24 months of practical experience recorded on the PEDR website (i.e. Part 1 Year out and Part 2 Year out, as a minimum)
- Professional CV and career evaluation
- Case study
- Written examination
- Final oral examination
Having gained the Parts 1, 2 and 3 qualifications you can apply to register as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB); the title 'architect' is protected by law so that the public can always be sure that they are dealing with a properly qualified architect. You also have the option to register as a chartered architect with RIBA. Then the fun is just beginning!
Benefits of working as an architect
Architects need a mix of artistic skills and scientific knowledge in order to design buildings that nod to both function and form.
Once established, architects can expect:
- Good career progression and high earning potential
- The ability to choose from a selection of work sectors
- The opportunity to travel
- The choice to work for an employer or freelance
- Choice in a variety of working environments
Develop a career in architecture at AtkinsRéalis
We’re looking for motivated architects at all levels to be instrumental in designing new skylines and grand buildings. To make your impact on the way the world and society are shaped, apply for an architecture job with AtkinsRéalis today.
If you're still looking for more insight, why not check out our architecture content to find out what our architects are working on?
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
Transitioning from a military career to civilian life can be a daunting prospect, but at AtkinsRéalis, veterans and reservists are met with tailored support and opportunities to thrive. Stuart
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
What is the role of mechanical engineers? Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the development of machinery and components across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing and industri
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
The journey to achieving net zero emissions requires innovative thinkers, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. At AtkinsRéalis, talented engineers like Shayakgomo are
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be constructed in the UK since the 1990s, marking a pivotal moment for energy and sustainability. As the largest infrastructure pro
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
AtkinsRéalis is proud to play a pivotal role in the Havant Thicket Reservoir, an innovative and environmentally focused project in Hampshire. Commissioned to design the reservoir and secure pl
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/18/2024
Summary
Discover how to grow your career by building on your skills and interests at AtkinsRéalis. "Over the past decade, I've worked across various innovation and transformation roles, often being boxe
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/16/2024
Summary
The Design and Advanced Technology (D&AT) team is a rich mix of professionals working across aviation, energy, water, defence, and transport—tackling everything from wastewater treatment works
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/12/2024
Summary
An engineering consultancy with career development support in India My journey at AtkinsRéalis Hi, I'm Sarang, a graduate engineer at AtkinsRealis. I've been there for two years, and I've been
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/11/2024
Summary
I'm David, the Operations Director for AtkinsRéalis' Strategic Highways projects in the UK. In Part One of my blog series , I shared my experiences building an inclusive culture at AtkinsRéalis o
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/09/2024
Summary
Explore Kevin’s day-to-day as a bridge and engineering structure inspector at AtkinsRéalis. Learn about his journey, his milestone projects and the importance of collaboration and diversity in ci
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/09/2024
Summary
Canada’s nuclear industry is growing at pace. Its nuclear workforce has grown by 17% in the last five years, opening the doors for a wide variety of roles and opportunities. As the nation looks
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/09/2024
Summary
The Indian government is dedicated to expanding its nuclear power capacity as a key component of its extensive infrastructure development program. This expansion and ambition are paving the way for nu
Related jobs
We are sorry but we currently have no jobs in this area.
Continue browsing to look at our other available opportunities
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more