Postgraduate courses in Architectural Design

Architectural design refers to the components or elements of a structure within a building. 

An architectural designer differs from an architect as they are not licensed professionals whereas an architect is. 

Architects often oversee and are in charge of the work done by architectural designers. 

To learn more, we’ve gathered the basic information for you to help you along your way to search for the right postgraduate course for you. 

What work is involved?

In this profession your day to day duties may differ depending on what you’re working on. You may typically work in or around 40 hours a week. You may have to work unsocial hours at times such as weekends or evenings. Some of the general duties carried out by architectural designers include:

• Meet with clients 
• Discuss design requirements, wants, budgets, repairs with clients
• Compile a list of required measurements and calculations for designs and layouts
• Make recommendations to clients based on their requests in relation to budgets, trends
• Produce drawings techniques in order to assist in production of plans 
• Use software (CAD) to help produce plans
• Produce plans, budgets and estimated costs on time, cost, machinery, construction and other specifications
• Work alongside architects and designers 
• Exchange ideas and advice with other professionals
• Attend conferences and workshops
• Record all documentation, blueprints and layouts

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. Courses available include:

Interior Architecture and Design

Postgraduate courses in areas like this will put a big emphasis on professional practice and the real-world applications of art and design. Students will also gain a strong knowledge and understanding of the work of other practitioners in your field. These courses also aim to foster students’ creativity and give them experience and knowledge of working within the contemporary industrial environment and acquire entrepreneurial skills.

Architectural Design

There are a large number of postgraduate courses available in architectural design. The aim of these courses is to provide students with an understanding of the situational structure of architecture as well as an understanding of current issues in architectural design. Students will also learn how to integrate meaningful approaches to design while gaining skills in visualisation and fabrication. Specific modules covered may differ from course to course. 

Advanced Architectural Design – Property Development 

Just like the courses above, these courses will help students to gain their skills and knowledge in the world of architectural design. These courses will give students the opportunity for designers to find their own identity and develop their own distinctive specialisms through research-led design. Some modules may include Valuation and Appraisal for planning, Development Finance, Economics of Development and more. Modules may differ from course to course. 

Other courses available in this area include Art, Design and Architecture, Sustainable Architecture: Evaluation and Design and Advanced Architecture Design: Architecture and Cities, to name a few. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1. A degree in architecture is mostly required. In some cases, professional experience in the area will suffice. It is also important to have and continue to develop a portfolio of all your work. Some courses will require a portfolio submission upon applying. 

Salary 

As an architectural designer in the UK your salary may differ depending on your employment, experience and even specific projects you may be working on. It is believed that the average salary in this position is around £34,750. Salaries may start around £25,000 and reach a high of around £48,000.  

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this are include

• Strong communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• An interest in architecture
• Creative
• Time management skills
• Organisation skills
• Ability to work well with others
• Work off your own initiative
• Good maths skills
• Knowledge of CAD software (often required by employers) 
• Planning skills
• Research and interpretation skills