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Architecture at Cambridge
Architecture brings together knowledge and creativity from both arts and sciences. The Cambridge architecture course and examinations (the Architecture Tripos) comprise three years of study, and each of the three component parts (IA, IB and II) include both studio (design) work (which contributes 60% of the overall grade), and examined courses which address History and Theory of Architecture, Building Construction, Structures and Environmental Design; these account for 40% of the grade. A dissertation forms part of the third year of the course. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is taught within studios. All studio work and lectures are arranged by the Departmentat Scroope Terrace. Full details of the organisation of the University courses and examinations in Architecture are provided on the Department website, and summarised in the University Undergraduate Prospectus.
Architecture at Churchill
Churchill aims to take three students in architecture each year. The number of first-preference applicants in 2010 was 15. Churchill is also notable as a centre for architectural research. Several research students from Churchill work at the Martin Centre, the research wing in the Department of Architecture. In addition, we have engineers and physicists in the College, many of whom are interested in the problems of energy conservation and sustainable design. There is, therefore, a considerable community of architects, designers, and technologists in the College - an informal but valuable mutual support network.
Applying and the interview process
Candidates for architecture need to be prepared to work in a broad range of disciplines. They need to be able to understand conceptual, technical and analytical approaches to the built environment. Architectural students need to be able to draw fluently, to calculate logically and to conduct evidence-based argument persuasively.
We welcome a spread of subjects across the arts and sciences. No specific A levels are required but we expect candidates to have at least the equivalent of a good pass in Maths at GCSE. A-levels in Mathematics and Art (preferably with History of Art) are recommended. The third subject can be Physics, a language, History, Philosophy or Economics. The standard entry requirements are available here.
There are two interviews: a 30-minute subject interview with the Director of Studies and a general interview with a College Fellow in another subject. The interview with the Director of Studies aims to assess the creative potential and personal interest for architecture whilst the second interview will focus on the academic achievement and the range of their other skills.
When you come for an interview, you must bring a selected portfolio of graphic work you have done in the last year or two. The portfolio typically will contain 10-15 selected recent pieces that demonstrate the range and quality of your skills. You can include digital work. If you are not studying Art, we recommend that you have some drawing lessons or attend a life-drawing class. Do include preparatory drawings and sketchbooks, which are often more interesting than set pieces. Work done on your own initiative is likely to be more persuasive than coursework, so keep a sketchbook to record your travels - architecture cannot be experienced adequately by looking at photographs. When you visit buildings in your travels, try to discern what influences of culture, climate or construction materials give each region you visit its architectural flavour. We also require evidence of your commitment to design. There is no specific reading list for the interview but we recommended that you should study the work of one or two architects who interest you. There are no admission tests in architecture so a presentation of a good portfolio in the interview is very important. Guidance on work suitable for inclusion in the portfolio may be found in the University Department of Architecture Admissions Prospectus (BA Tripos), available on its websiteor directly from the Department: 01223 33 29 50.
Fellows in Architecture
Further Links
Architecture as a Career: advice from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
http://www.rias.org.uk/content/default.asp?page=s5_8
All about architecture: a website operated by the RIBA
http://www.architecture.com/go/Architecture/Home.html