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, will be 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) alone. In subjects which adopt this approach, the average number of offers per place is necessarily lower than in those subjects which require STEP papers as well as A2-levels; consequently interviews have an increased importance in these subjects. 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.

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 Wendy Pullan, 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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        Dr Wendy Pullan