Architectural Studies Cardiff University

Overview

The Architectural Studies course from Cardiff University  facilitates progression onto the MArch (Part 2), as well as our suite of postgraduate programmes. Students intending to become registered architects in the United Kingdom will need to complete a Part 3 programme such as our Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture: Professional Practice.

Key facts

Through a combination of design project work and taught modules, you’ll study the varied historical, theoretical, cultural, political, and geographical dimensions of architecture. You will consider how architecture is made, how it performs and how technological choices can support the wellbeing of present and future generations and care for the planet. 

You’ll explore issues around professional and ethical responsibility to reflect on the role of the architect in society and in response to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Your design studies will continually involve imaginative engagement with real-world issues and global challenges such as climate change within localised contexts.  The design studio is at the centre of our community, a place where you’ll mix with students, staff, and industry practitioners to address ethical, global, climatic and professional issues.

Career prospects

A degree in architecture opens up a range of opportunities across the world. Our ‘grounded creativity’ approach to design supports the development of graduates who are ready for professional practice, with the confidence and awareness to undertake professional responsibilities.

The program has a strong record of employability and further study following graduation. During your studies we’ll support you to prepare a professional CV and portfolio. You’ll have access to dedicated career events and opportunities to learn from active architects and industry consultants, many of whom regularly advertise for graduate positions in the school.

The program is committed to ensuring you develop the six graduate attributes; skills that the University has identified are key skills valued by industry and employers. As a Cardiff graduate you will be:

• Collaborative
• An effective communicator
• Ethically, socially, and environmentally aware
• An independent and critical thinker
• Innovative, enterprising, and commercially aware

• Reflective and resilient

The emphasis on collaborative and ethical practice will encourage you to develop a personal stance on the impact and influence of architecture on a global society.Typically, graduates go on to proceed with their training to become registered architects. Previous graduates have also found the BSc is a good foundation for entry into other creative and design disciplines, going on to roles in web design, product design, automotive design, set design, graphic design or illustration, architectural journalism, photography, architectural history and craft/maker-based disciplines.

The majority of our graduates proceed to a career in architectural practice, and are found in many eminent practices in the UK and across the world.

Graduate careers

• Architect
• Urban Designer
• Research Officer

Accreditation

• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
• Architects Registration Board (ARB)