# What can you do with an Architecture degree?

> Source: https://coursetojob.co.uk/courses/architecture/ — updated 2026-09-25. Published by CourseToJob (independent; not affiliated with UCAS, HESA or GOV.UK).

**Quick answer:** An Architecture degree commonly leads to roles such as architectural assistant (Part 1), cAD technician and urban design assistant. Five years after graduating, Architecture graduates had median earnings of £31,100 (middle half: £26,000–£38,100), and 86.7% were in sustained work or further study (DfE LEO, 2023–24 tax year). The largest employer sector for Architecture, building and planning graduates is professional, scientific and technical services (37.5% of those in work).

Architecture in the UK is a long professional path (Parts 1–3). A first degree is only the start. Official figures appear when an extract is loaded.

## What jobs can you get with an Architecture degree?

- **Architectural assistant (Part 1)**: Supports a studio: CAD or BIM drawings, site photographs, and document issue. Skills often asked for: drawings, model making, planning packs.
- **CAD technician**. Skills often asked for: detailing, revisions, layer standards.
- **Urban design assistant**. Skills often asked for: context maps, consultation boards, GIS basics.
- **BIM coordinator (entry)**. Skills often asked for: model federation, clash notes, issue logs.

## Where do Architecture graduates work?

Architecture, building and planning graduates in UK employment five years after graduating, by industry (DfE LEO industry data, tax year 2023–24; shares calculated by CourseToJob from DfE's rounded counts).

| Industry | Share of graduates in work | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 37.5% | £35,500 |
| Construction | 23.2% | £53,800 |
| Real estate activities | 7.8% | £44,700 |
| Administrative and support services | 4.6% | £39,200 |
| Wholesale and retail | 4% | £27,100 |
| Education | 3.5% | £32,900 |
| Public administration and defence | 3.5% | £36,600 |
| Manufacturing | 2.5% | £37,300 |

## How much do Architecture graduates earn?

UK-domiciled first-degree graduates in Architecture (CAH13-01-01). Source: DfE LEO CAH level 3 subject data, tax year 2023–24 (https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-catalogue/data-set/d8bc2906-419e-40ef-ad8e-9b2ccd3997dc). Each row is a different graduating cohort.

| Years after graduating | Graduated | Median earnings | Middle half | In work or further study | All-graduate median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021/2022 | £23,400 | £19,000–£27,100 | 86.4% | £26,400 |
| 3 | 2019/2020 | £27,800 | £23,100–£32,900 | 90.1% | £30,000 |
| 5 | 2017/2018 | £31,100 | £26,000–£38,100 | 86.7% | £33,700 |
| 10 | 2012/2013 | £39,500 | £29,300–£50,500 | 84.4% | — |

## Which universities have the highest-earning Architecture, building and planning graduates?

Median earnings five years after graduating, universities with at least 50 graduates measured (DfE LEO provider-level data, 2023–24). Not a quality ranking.

| University | Median earnings | Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| [Anglia Ruskin University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/anglia-ruskin-university/) | £54,400 | 125 |
| [Loughborough University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/loughborough-university/) | £49,800 | 85 |
| [Nottingham Trent University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/nottingham-trent-university/) | £49,800 | 225 |
| [University of Reading](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/university-of-reading/) | £48,900 | 70 |
| [Oxford Brookes University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/oxford-brookes-university/) | £48,700 | 250 |
| [Coventry University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/coventry-university/) | £46,800 | 75 |
| [London South Bank University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/london-south-bank-university/) | £45,600 | 160 |
| [Glasgow Caledonian University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/glasgow-caledonian-university/) | £43,700 | 175 |
| [Heriot-Watt University](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/heriot-watt-university/) | £43,200 | 55 |
| [University of Salford](https://coursetojob.co.uk/universities/university-of-salford/) | £40,600 | 175 |

## Is Architecture the right degree for you?

You may enjoy it if:
- You like studio culture, critiques, and iterating a design.
- You can work both visually and technically.
- You accept a multi-year route to registration.

It may not suit you if:
- You wanted a three-year course that fully qualifies you.
- You dislike all-nighter studio culture and critiques.
- You hoped to avoid construction technology.

## Interview questions for Architecture graduate roles

Part 1 architectural-assistant interviews usually mix a portfolio conversation with how you work in a team and on site. These prompts are editorial illustrations, not a school’s actual interview.

- Pick one project in your portfolio. What would you change if you started it now? (What it tests: Reflection, not a sales tour of every drawing.)
- A detail on a drawing will be expensive to build. How do you raise that? (What it tests: Cost, buildability, and talking to more senior colleagues early.)
- How do you keep a CAD or BIM model usable for someone else? (What it tests: Naming, layers, and not being the only person who understands the file.)
- A resident is unhappy about a proposal at a public event. How do you respond? (What it tests: Listening and not over-promising a planning outcome.)
- What information do you need before visiting a site? (What it tests: Safety, access, and what you are there to measure or photograph.)

## Frequently asked questions

### What jobs can you do with an Architecture degree?

Common starting roles include architectural assistant (Part 1), cAD technician, urban design assistant and bIM coordinator (entry). Five years after graduating, the most common sectors for Architecture, building and planning graduates in work were professional, scientific and technical services (37.5%), construction (23.2%) and real estate activities (7.8%). These are examples, not guaranteed jobs: your experience, location and further training matter.

### How much do Architecture graduates earn in the UK?

DfE Longitudinal Education Outcomes data for the 2023–24 tax year shows median earnings for UK-domiciled Architecture graduates of £23,400 one year after graduating, £27,800 three years after graduating, £31,100 five years after graduating and £39,500 ten years after graduating. Each figure describes a different graduating cohort, not one person's pay rise, and it is gross pay for those in sustained employment, not a starting salary offer.

### Is an Architecture degree worth it?

It depends on what you want to do. On the official data, 86.7% of Architecture graduates were in sustained employment or further study five years after graduating, with median earnings of £31,100. For comparison, the median across all first-degree graduates of GB higher education institutions was £33,700 at the same point. That places Architecture 100 of 146 subject groups by five-year median earnings. Earnings are only one factor: enjoyment of the subject, accreditation and the route into your target job matter too.

### Which universities have the highest-earning Architecture, building and planning graduates?

Among universities in our index with at least 50 graduates measured, the highest five-year median earnings for Architecture, building and planning were at Anglia Ruskin University (£54,400), Loughborough University (£49,800) and Nottingham Trent University (£49,800). These figures reflect entry grades, subject mix and where graduates work, so they are not a measure of teaching quality.

### Can international students study Architecture in the UK?

Yes, most UK universities accept international applicants, but entry requirements, recognised qualifications, English-language evidence and overseas tuition fees depend on the university and programme. Check the university course page and international admissions team, then check visa requirements on GOV.UK.


Apply for undergraduate courses on UCAS: https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/courses?query=Architecture