Architecture
- Number of students per year: approximately three
- Typical offer: A*AA or equivalent; we accept a wide range of
- Essential subjects: none
- Useful subjects: Art (recommended), with Mathematics, Physics, English, History, Geography, Modern Languages or many others.
°µÍø½ûÇø has an outstanding tradition of academically and financially supporting the study in Architecture since the arrival of the first Professor and Head of Architecture, Sir Leslie Martin in the mid-20th century. This tradition continues with the current Fellow in Architecture, Professor Koen Steemers (Head of the Department, 2009-2014), who is both an academic and a registered architect with international experience.
Alongside finding a welcoming community and relaxing environment, with excellent facilities and student support, there are some aspects that are of particular value to architecture students. The College currently offers architectural and academic prizes, additional financial support for architectural expenses, has a studio space with large draughting tables and equipment, runs art classes and has an up-to-date architectural library.
Requirements
Our typical offer is for A* and two A grades at A-Level or an equivalent achievement in . You don't need to take a Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP).
Architecture requires a broad background and it will help if you are studying a range of subjects at A-Level, from arts and humanities to the sciences. These might include Art, Mathematics, Physics, English, History, Geography, Languages, and many others.
An A-Level in Art is highly recommended, but practical subjects such as Technical Graphics or Design and Technology aren't specifically recommended.
Admissions assessments
As with all Colleges, applicants shortlisted for interview will need to take an admissions assessment, typically in the form of observational sketches. You can find out more on the .
Interviews
In 2024-25, we’ll be interviewing all shortlisted applicants virtually, with interviews taking place in December.
The interview process aims to assess your intellectual ability, potential, and commitment to the subject. Candidates are typically interviewed by at least three subject specialists, including the Director of Studies, and total contact time will be between 35-50 minutes in total. This could be in a single interview, or in two separate interviews. Further details will be made available to candidates closer to the time.
Portfolio
You will be asked to submit a PDF (6 A4 pages, and less than 15MB in size) of your own artwork prior to interview.
You will be asked to share a portfolio of drawings, paintings, photographs of three dimensional work, etc. in your interview. The work you included in your portfolio should be fairly recent, and not just what you did for your GCSEs.
We like to see one or more working sketch books kept over a period of time in support of the development of your work, together with between 10 and 15 other examples of work. Where possible, please include a variety of media (e.g. work in pencil, ink, and colour, and evidence of three-dimensional work such as sculpture, montages or textiles). Choose work which you can talk about with enthusiasm.
When we're assessing your portfolio we will take into account the level of teaching input and support that was available to you while you were preparing it.
International applicants
We mostly refer to A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate for our entry requirements, but we accept a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world. The University website lists the . We expect students to be on track to achieve the highest grades in whichever qualification system they are studying. See our dedicated page for international students for more information.
Deferred and post A-Level entry
We're happy to consider applications for deferred entry in Architecture. Spending time abroad experiencing different cultures and practices of architecture, and visiting major buildings can be helpful. Taking an art foundation course and gaining work experience in an architectural firm are also valued, but neither are necessary before you start your course.
Find out how to apply to study at Jesus.
