Architecture
Why study Architecture at Emmanuel?
Emmanuel College typically admits two Architecture students each year which gives you the opportunity to mix with people from different disciplines as well as those who study Architecture in other years. Emmanuel is ideally located for the Architecture department on Scroope Terrace (around a ten minute walk) meaning you are never too far away from the library and studio facilities as well as being in easy reach of the varied architecture of the city of Cambridge. The Cambridge Architecture Society (ArcSoc) also provides you with ample opportunity to meet lots of architecture students from across the University and run lots of different events throughout the year.
What might a typical day be like studying Architecture at Emmanuel College?
Students at Emmanuel will join their colleagues at the department on a daily basis for studio and lectures. In all four years, students attend their studio 2 days per week (although students often work on their design projects on non-studio days too). On non-studio days, students attend lectures, which can often take up the full day.
In addition, on a weekly or bi-weekly basis students will meet with a supervisor for each of the papers in smaller groups of between 3-5 other students. A typical supervision is one hour long. It will cover information taught during the lectures, however students are required to think through and beyond the boundaries of the topic.
At Emmanuel students may be required to write essays in between supervisions, which are often discussed as a group. Supervisions are a forum for students to be challenged by and learn from their peers, while also allowing for more in depth discussion with expert tutors.
In the first year, the whole year group goes on a week long study trip to a city abroad. In the past, students have visited Rome, Venice, and Antwerp. During the trip, students visit both historic and contemporary landmark buildings where they are encouraged to develop their observational drawing skills. This is also a great opportunity to forge bonds as a year group, and get to know the tutors.
What qualities do successful students have?
The most successful architecture students are motivated and curious. They are well read and exhibit strong representational skills, which may include drawing, model making and photography. Architecture students tend to have broad interests, are knowledgeable about contemporary culture and able to work in an interdisciplinary way. A background in art is not essential, however, those who excel on the course are extremely skill full at hand drawing and have a flair for thinking in imaginative ways.
Where could my degree lead?
A degree in architecture is an entry point into a range of creative professions. Because the study of architecture addresses a number of scales from the design of a chair to the master planning of cities, graduates are able to apply their skills in many sectors. The majority of students pursue experience in practice with intent to qualify as an architect. However, because of the wide range of skills learnt, the degree is highly transferable. Recent alumni include architects but also those who work in television and film, consulting, construction, publishing, journalism, policy and academia (to name just a few).
The four year MArch course at Cambridge covers the ARB Academic Outcomes as a level seven qualification. Students who wish to register as an architect would need to meet the Practice Outcomes.