Postgraduate courses in Architecture 

On average, the growth of the Architecture industry results in a 2.2% increase annually, as of the last five years. That is extremely promising news for anyone who wishes to dive into the area and build a career for themselves. Growth, big or small, is always positive.

If this is the direction you’re hoping to go in, you will be able to express your creativity in a changing industry and learn to adapt to the new demands and expectations you’ll face throughout your career.

Like any career, there will be challenges, but at least you’ll have some great projects to show for it!

What is architecture?

Architecture is the process of planning, designing and constructing buildings and structures. Architecture is considered to be a form of art and cultural symbols. Architectural styles evolve at a fast pace.  There are many different styles of architecture, most are down to the individual architect and can be recognized by the particular styles created by architects. 

Being an Architect 

Being an architect can be quite time consuming and may require you to work under pressure and adapt to last minute changes within a project. A part of being an architect is having the ability to provide efficient designs. Building experience in architecture is important as well as creating a portfolio of work so you have it to show when applying for jobs.

 Some typical duties carried out by architects are:

• Control projects from beginning to end 
• Take briefs from clients and put together reports and plans 
• Develop ideas with the clients and their needs in mind
• Research, plan, design and administer building projects for clients
• Plan and program the layout of projects
• Utilize computer-assisted design software and equipment 
• Work on projects with others and make decisions as a team
• Assist in research and coordination of materials and products for projects

Courses

There are many courses in physical geography to choose from across the UK. Similar to most fields, a postgraduate degree in a particular area of architecture as well as experience, will increase employability chances. Examples of courses you can avail of are:

Sustainable Building Design

A postgraduate course in sustainable building design will help students to develop their practical skills and knowledge to equip them for a career as an architect. A core focu in a course like this is developing a holistic approach to reducing the carbon footprint created by buildings. Learning is centred around the three pillars of sustainability – social, economic and environment. The curriculum explores the technical tools required to successfully plan performance-based building projects in these three areas. 

Architectural Project Management

These courses provide students with the skills and be able to manage the design and construction stages of building while also dealing with the technological challenges within the industry. There is also an emphasis on sustainable design. These courses are suited to those who would like to learn and apply project management principles in an architecture and construction environment. 

Advanced Building Simulation

Courses in advanced building simulation prepare students to work in an industry that is constantly facing changes such as costs continuing to rise, clients with particular expectations of design, changes in comfort and energy features. You will also gain working knowledge of building simulation, acoustic performance and energy assessment. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements differ from course to course and university to university. However, in most cases a good second class honours degree in architecture or a related field.. In some courses, a 2.2 degree will suffice while in other courses, a 2.1 degree is required. 

Job options

Examples of jobs you can use an architecture degree for are:

• Architect

• Architectural technologist
  Provide technical building design services and are trained in architectural technology, building technical design and construction. 

• Interior Designer 

Interior designers are closely linked with architecture as they enhance the interior of a building in order to achieve a healthy, aesthetically pleasing environment. 

• Building control surveyor 

Building control surveyors provide professional advice on all aspects of the construction of new buildings including maintenance, repair and renovation.                    

Potential employers

There is quite a range of different places that architecture graduates may be employed in. They can range from small, private firms to bigger companies within construction, planning and or urban design. 

Graduates may also be employed in the public sector. Housing associations and local authorities provide employment opportunities in their planning sectors as well supermarkets and other similar organisations who may have in-house architectural groups. 

Salary Expectation

The salary expectation depends on the route you decide to take in your career. An architect can earn between £27,000-£35,000 in the UK on average, however, particular companies and projects worked on may make a difference. If you wish to take another route such as becoming an interior designer you could earn anything from £25,000 to £40,000. 

Skills and requirements

• Visual skills
• Technical skills
• Planning skills
• Attention to detail 
• Hard working 
• Good communication skills
• Works well with others 
• Can work off own initiative
• Numeracy and design skills
• Able to adapt to change
• Flexible with time and change
• Work well under pressure