To qualify as an Architect in the UK, you’ll need to complete a challenging process of university study and practical work experience that takes five to seven years.  

A typical route involves:  

• A degree recognised by the  (´¡¸éµþ) &²Ô²ú²õ±è;

• A year of practical work experience 

• A further two years' full-time university course like BArch, Diploma, MArch 

• A year of practical training 

• A final qualifying exam

Undergraduate degrees 

An undergraduate degree could be the first step to becoming an Architect. Universities typically ask for 112–152 UCAS points. Some courses take three years while others include a practical work placement year and take four years to complete.  

Skills you’ll need

Successful Architects often have the following skills: 

• Strong imagination  

• Attention to detail  

• Excellent drawing and design ability   

• Good mathematical knowhow  

• IT confident  

• Project management  

• Organised  

• Strong negotiator  

• Teamworking  

• Multi-tasking  

• Ability to work in a fast paced and high-pressured environment  

Finding work experience

The world of Architecture can be a competitive one so it’s a good idea to find some work experience to stand out from the crowd. This could be paid or unpaid and may involve you volunteering or shadowing someone in an Architectural department. Some firms offer internship opportunities. 

Try looking for work with: 

• An Architect firm 

• Local council  

• Construction company 

• A design company  

How to get a job as an architect

You’ll find most Architect vacancies advertised with private firms. Other types of employers could include: 

• Central and local government  

• Construction companies 

• Commercial and industrial organisations 

• Retailers and manufactures  

• Teaching and research institutions

What it's like to be an architect

Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include: 

• Preparing detailed scale drawings and specifications for design and construction  

• Submitting projects for planning approval 

• Monitoring construction work in progress to ensure it meets specifications 

• Analysing site surveys and advising clients on development and construction details  

• Ensuring proposed design blends in with the surrounding area 

• Studying condition and characteristics of site, considering drainage, topsoil, trees, rock formations, etc. 

• Liaising with clients and other professionals to establish building type, style, cost limitations and landscaping requirements

You might work in a creative studio or office and will spend some of your time on site. Generally, Architects work a 37 to 40-hour week although overtime is often needed to meet project deadlines.

On graduating you can expect an entry-level salary of approx. £22,000. An established Architect who’s been registered with the for over five years could earn £36,000–£45,000. Incomes also depend on practice size and, to some extent, location. A partner or director in a small practice may earn an average of £48,000, while those in a large firm could make £150,000 or more. 

Generally, career development in Architecture depends on gaining chartered membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Once you’ve become a Chartered Architect, a set number of hours of continued professional development are needed per year. After five years of chartered membership, you can then apply to be a Fellow of RIBA. 

Is a role as an Architect right for you?