M ARCH: Architecture

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

• An upper second class honours degree from an Architects Registration Board (ARB) prescribed course in architecture 
• Or an equivalent EU / international qualification 
• Or a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to an honours degree

And normally at least one year of relevant internship or, professional experience.

English language requirements

IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).

This course believes that the people who design the built environment should be as eclectic a group as those who use it. As such, we welcome submissions from applicants from diverse backgrounds.

We select applicants according to potential and current ability in the following areas:

• Demonstrable interest, commitment and motivation in exploring personal (research) agendas/interests. 
• Ability to creatively respond to a design problem. 
• Knowledge of the Architectural profession’s obligation to society, technology and the environment.
• Showing that your personal and professional aspirations are compatible with the aims and objectives of the course;
• Ability to effectively communicate your design ideas, processes and proposals via a range of media, including CAD, model making and presentation skills.

What happens next

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course.  If you do, you will be invited to submit a portfolio through the UAL Portal.

Portfolio review

You will need to submit a digital portfolio of up to 20 images with supporting work illustrating your previous experience and practical skills.

The only files that can be uploaded as part of the portfolio are:

• Images: bmp, gif, jpg, jpeg, png
• Audio: mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, wma
• Video: avi, mp4, mpg, mpeg, mkv, mov, wmv

Portfolio advice

Your portfolio should demonstrate creative development, whether for a college project or in your personal work. By creative development, we mean ideas that have originated through your own experience and research and progressed towards potential visual proposals. Ideas, visual research and experimentation are more important than finished design solutions and can be shown in 2D work, or through photos of 3D objects and maquettes.

It is important that the creative work you include reflects and demonstrates your thinking, initiative and personal commitment to a particular project, theme or idea.  We are interested in you as an individual, your personal interests, your creativity and initiative in finding out about your proposed area of study. We would also like to know about your favourite designers and artists, where you have seen their work at first hand and how you have acquired more information about the work that interests you.

For more portfolio advice please visit the Portfolio advice page.

Following the review of the portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process.  These applicants will be invited to an interview.

Interview

The interview typically lasts approximately 20 minutes.  As part of the interview you will be asked to choose and present one of your projects from your portfolio.  Interviews take place online or by telephone.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Portal.

M ARCH: Architecture prepares graduates for employment in architectural practice, urban design, planning, development, and public consultation. In addition, the course provides a solid grounding for continued academic development toward research and PhD study.

Drawing upon extensive industry links within the Spatial Practices Programme, the Course seeks to offer students a unique learning opportunity to engage with live projects and real clients, developing innovative approaches to public engagement and a radical reconsideration of architectural practice.

"In 10 years we probably will not call ourselves an architecture practice, it will be something else entirely" (Architect, Small London-based practice) 
From "The Future for Architects", Building Futures, RIBA, 2010.

Change is inevitable and  being prepared for change is a challenge. M ARCH: Architecture encourages students to take a radical approach to architectural practice; seeking ways in which the architect of the future can work across the industry and beyond.  The course is predicated on the reality that the practice of architecture is changing. There are increasing pressures on the profession from shifts in the way that projects are developed, as well as the changes to the global economy. How will we practice in the future?

"The invasion of the architect's role shouldn't be seen as a threat but as a natural change that can be exploited - we must find our new opportunities and education should shift to accommodate that." (Architect, Large global practice) From "The Future for Architects", Building Futures, RIBA, 2010.