Architecture
 The Course
Although Architecture may be studied at University primarily as an academic discipline, the teaching programme in the Department
of Architecture is designed to provide an education suitable for
a career in the architectural profession. Studies in Architecture
at the University call for a wide range of skills and commitment
for success.
The education programme for architects
takes seven years to complete. The first three lead to the BA degree
in Architecture and this is followed by one year's employment in
an architect's office to obtain practical experience. Students then
return to university for a further two years of study known as the
Diploma in Architecture or RIBA Part 2. At Cambridge, a new Part 2 course, based around the MPhil in Environment and a year in practice, has been introduced in 2008-9. ARB/RIBA validation is expected with the first cohort of students. In the seventh year, Part 3 is further instruction, primarily in Professional Practice. This course is offered by Cambridge.
Further details of the
courses of study in Architecture at Cambridge may be found on the Department's website: University
of Cambridge Department of Architecture
Architecture is one of the subjects in which we normally base
our conditional offers on A2-level (or equivalent in other
educational systems) and interviews are of considerable importance. At Clare the normal interview procedure takes place
during the first or second week in December. Candidates will normally attend one longer interview with the College's Director of Studies and one other member of the Department of Architecture. A portfolio of work is required for the interview.
 Studying Architecture
at Clare
Teaching for the Architecture Tripos is mainly conducted in the
Department of Architecture. Even so, the College provides an overall
framework for its architectural students and a strong supporting
environment for their studies. The College has a vigorous policy
of supporting the Arts, Architecture and Design and this policy
is reflected in the continuing number of applications made for admission
to Clare to read Architecture and the generally high standard subsequently
achieved by those admitted.
Admissions requirements
Students reading Architecture come with A2 levels in a wide variety
of different subjects. GCSE or equivalent Mathematics is required, and A2 Mathematics or Physics is useful but not required. There is no formal requirement
for candidates for the Architecture Tripos to have
passed an A2 level in Art, but our experience at Clare over many
years leads us to the view that it is desirable; Design and Design & Technology A2 levels are generally poor substitutes.
A typical offer would be A*AA at A2 level or 7,7,6 (40+ overall) in the IB or the equivalent in other educational systems.
All candidates are
required to submit a portfolio of work in support of their application
for admission. Admissions (Interviews)
Interviews
At Clare the normal interview procedure takes place during the first
or second week in December. Candidates will normally have one longer interview with Clare's Director of Studies in Architecture and one other Director of Studies or a member of the Department of Architecture; they will write two separate reports. A portfolio of work should be brought
to the interviews in order to illustrate the applicant's interests,
experience and ability in the visual and material arts. As well, a small project to be completed at home and submitted before the interview may be assigned.
Normally,
drawing and painting form the basis of the portfolio but other media
such as sculpture and photography may also be included. It is usually
sufficient for three-dimensional work to be exhibited in photographs.
Examples of A2 level or GCSE art (or equivalent) may be submitted,
but creative work executed outside formal courses will also be welcome.
It is important that the majority of work be recent, from the past
year. A sketchbook with ongoing drawings is particularly desirable
and each candidate is encouraged to bring one along to the interview.
It may be in any medium (pencil, charcoal, crayon, etc.) and should
include a variety of subject matter. Applicants should be selective
in assembling their portfolio, including what they feel to be most
representative of their work, and what can reasonably be viewed
and discussed within the time of the interviews.
 Fellows in Architecture at Clare
Dr Max Gwiazda Lecturer in Architecture and Acting Director of Studies for Clare.
His research interests include the social meaning of medieval architecture, architectural phenomenology and contemporary urban studies.
Dr
Wendy Pullan (left) Senior University Lecturer in Architecture and
Director of Studies for Clare. Dr Pullan teaches the history and philosophy of architecture; her research focuses on architecture and cities of the Middle East.
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