Architects design and plan buildings, structures and landscapes. They also help clients understand planning regulations and building codes.

Despite being highly desirable, architects are facing difficulties in getting work due to the skills shortage.

Students studying to become an architect often end up with high student debt after the years of study and on top of that, they have to live away from home in a new city.

Entry requirements

Every year thousands of students from India, Canada, Spain, Malaysia, and other countries apply to study Architecture in the UK. The country offers top architecture courses that are recognized globally.

To become Birmingham architects, you need to have a degree from a UK university and two years of professional practice experience. You can also get a Part 3 apprenticeship in architecture, which provides a practical route into the profession.

In order to get into an architecture degree you need to have a high standard of education, including good GCSEs in English language, maths and a science subject. Some universities will require you to have A levels in subjects relevant to the course.

During the first year of an architectural degree you will work with professional architects to learn how to plan and design buildings. You will also take design studios and lectures in the areas of environmental and technical studies, history and theory. You will also have the opportunity to attend construction site visits and take part in mentoring activities.

Qualifications

Architects have a range of qualifications, including degrees, apprenticeships and work experience. The minimum qualifications required are RIBA Parts 1 and 2 and registration with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

It takes seven years to become a fully qualified architect. This is made up of five years of studying, followed by two years of professional training and practical experience.

Universities offer a wide range of courses in architecture, covering the technological, design, cultural and historical elements of this fascinating industry. Architectural theory and history are taught alongside technical drawing, art and 3D modelling skills.

Students can start with a three-year undergraduate degree BArch or BSc Architecture, which will give you the core knowledge of architectural practice and design. Alternatively, you can choose to study a Postgraduate degree, such as MArch or MSc Architecture.

Work environment

If you’re looking to build a career in architecture, the UK has a wide range of opportunities. You can work for a large or small practice, and you can find jobs with public sector employers such as local authorities and housing associations.

Architects often have to deal with complex regulations and paperwork, making this an interesting and challenging career. You’ll be responsible for ensuring projects are compliant with health and safety laws, as well as following all relevant statutes and permissions.

There are also a wide range of different types of projects you could work on, and your choice of specialisation is likely to depend on your interests and background. You might choose to specialise in healthcare, retail, public housing, event management or technology.

The construction industry in the UK is booming, which means that there are plenty of new buildings to be built. This, in turn, has led to a demand for architects.

Salary

An architect’s salary will vary depending on their level of experience. As a Part I architectural assistant you could expect to earn PS15,000 to PS22,000, while as a Part II architectural assistant, your salary will rise up to PS23,000 to PS35,000 and as a senior associate, partner or director, you can earn between PS45,000 and PS70,000.

In the UK, architects can work in private practices, engineering and construction companies, central and local government and in a wide range of commercial or industrial organisations. Many also choose to set up their own practice and become self-employed.

An architect’s salary can be influenced by a number of factors, including the sector and size of their employing organisation. For instance, a senior architect’s salary can be much higher in London than in other parts of the country.