Is architecture a good career option and what can I do with this degree?

If you’re creative, analytical and pay attention to detail, then architecture can be the perfect career option for you. But there are so many more skills that you’ll gain when studying this programme.

Here’s more information on why architecture is a good career option and what you can do with this degree.

• What can I do with my architecture degree?
• Which important skills will I need to use the most?
• What is the average salary for architect jobs?
• Why you’ll love being a qualified architect

What can I do with my architecture degree?

There are many different opportunities available with an architecture degree, and not all of them are architect roles.

Careers in architecture

• architect: designing buildings and supervising their construction

• landscape architect: designing outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens

• urban planner: designing and improving urban environments to help communities

• restoration architect: preserving and conserving historical buildings and monuments

• research architect: research, design and develop solutions to technical issues

• lighting architect: designing natural and electric light solutions
• extreme architect: designing buildings for extreme environments, like earthquakes

These are just some of the many architecture jobs out there. Here are even more careers you can get into with your architecture degree.

Careers in art and design

• artist
• building surveyor
• industrial designer
• construction manager
• furniture designer
• textile designer
• graphic designer
• video game designer
• photographer
• production designer
• structural engineer
• VFX artist

If you don’t want a career in design, don’t worry. It might be possible for you to enter a different type of career with your architecture degree. Some examples include:

Careers outside of design

• teacher/lecturer
• conservationist
• writer or journalist
• entrepreneur 

Other industries you can get into

• television 
• film 
• advertising 
• law 

Which important skills will I need to use the most?

You’ll gain a lot of valuable skills when you study for your architecture degree. Here are some that employers look for the most:

• numeracy 
• interpersonal skills
• teamwork
• leadership 
• taking initiative
• decision-making 
• computer literacy
• creativity 
• design skills
• legal knowledge
• communication 
• attention to detail

What is the average salary for architect jobs?

An architecture degree is very respectable. Especially if you complete your programme in the UK, as you’ll be accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). 

RIBA is a leading body in architecture. Being RIBA validated shows that you have achieved their high standards. It also allows RIBA to put you on their database for when people are looking for an architect to work with.

According to the RIBA Jobs Salary Guide 2019, which looked at over 3,000 Chartered Practices, the average salary of an architect is between £33,500 and £39,140, depending on how long you’ve been registered with the Architects Registration Board.

Why you’ll love being a qualified architect

After studying architecture at university, you’ll already know how rewarding and fascinating the subject can be. Here are some reasons why you’ll love being an architect (other than the amazing salary):

• you’ll work with designers and people who dream big
• you can eventually share your knowledge with other students and help create architects of the future
• imagine being involved in building a state-of-the-art hospital or a sculpture for a city centre
• you’ll get to see your hard work come to life. Just imagine seeing a building that you designed in person or helping to build a client’s dream home

Getting your dream job is much easier if you study at a well-respected university with amazing facilities. Architecture involves a lot of research, so it makes sense to study at a Russell Group university.

Universities like Newcastle University are part of this established group. Currently, 34% of all international students study at Russell Group universities. So why not join them in developing your career as a successful architect?

Become a successful architect by studying at a prestigious Russell Group university

At Newcastle University, we have the facilities and support to help you achieve your dreams of becoming an architect. Architecture graduates in Newcastle have higher employability rates than other universities, whether working professionally in a field related to architecture or not.