Designs buildings and spaces that are beautiful, practical and sustainable, and leads the design team.
What the job involves
- Sketching and modelling building ideas
- Producing drawings and 3D visuals
- Meeting clients and planners
- Visiting sites during construction
Useful school subjects
Graphic Communication, Design & Manufacture, Creative Thinking. Higher Maths and English help with most routes.
How to get in
A long route: usually a 4-year degree, a year in practice, then 2 more years (or a 5–6 year integrated MArch), plus a professional exam.
Scottish courses
Grades checked October 2026. Requirements change every year, so always check the course page.
University · University of Edinburgh (ESALA)Architecture
BA/MA (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K100
StandardAAAAAWidening accessABBB
- Subjects
- Maths at A, or Maths and Physics at B; N5 English
- Notes
- Evidence of artistic ability. Standard: by end of S5 preferred.
University · University of StrathclydeArchitectural Studies
BSc (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K100
StandardAAABWidening accessBBBB
- Subjects
- English; Maths or Physics; and Art & Design, Graphic Communication or D&M (standard)
- Notes
- Without an art or design subject you may be asked for a portfolio.
University · University of DundeeArchitecture
MArch, 5 yrs · UCAS K100
StandardBBBCWidening accessBBCC
- Subjects
- An English-based subject
University · Robert Gordon UniversityArchitecture
MArch, 6 yrs · UCAS K100
StandardBBBBWidening accessBCCC
- Subjects
- English-based subject; Maths or a science; Art & Design preferred
- Notes
- Without Higher Art & Design or D&M you must send a portfolio.
University · Edinburgh Napier UniversityArchitectural Technology
BSc (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K236
StandardBBBCWidening accessCCCC
- Subjects
- None listed
- Notes
- Year 2 entry with Advanced Highers BBC and N5 Maths.
University · Heriot-Watt UniversityArchitectural Engineering
BEng (Hons), 4 yrs · UCAS K131
StandardBBBBWidening accessBBBC
- Subjects
- Maths or a relevant technological subject; N5 English
Related careers