Architecture BA(Hons): What our students say

"I have always been interested in art and design, especially when it comes to architecture. My previous studies have made me aware of this and given me a solid foundation to build upon.

"I have imagined what studying architecture would entail, and Kingston University has pleasantly exceeded my expectations. The architecture course has broadened my horizons on the society and its frames – how our surroundings affect us.

"The first year at Kingston has been mainly practical where we have been working in different mediums to communicate our ideas – model building, photography and drawing have cooperated with tutorials. This way of learning through working appeals to me a great deal and was one of the reasons why I chose Kingston University.

"In addition to this, what attracted me to Kingston University was its close proximity to London. The University actively uses London in different ways – whether it's field trips to museums or important architectural structures or assignment related survey work.

"Studying architecture at Kingston University is challenging, and you meet a lot of different people from various nationalities. You form great friendships through field trips, uni work and free time. Furthermore, you are allowed to challenge your creativity and show what you are capable of."

"When I finished my A-levels I didn't know what I wanted to do, so I went travelling for a year. After working several un-fulfilling jobs I was offered a job with an architect in London. After a year I started working with another architect as well and realised architecture was what I wanted to do.

"One of the architects I worked for studied at Kingston and highly recommended it. Coming from a creative background (I originally applied for sculpture courses when I left school), the course at Kingston is ideal. It's very design based, with the technical side taught during and alongside the studio work.

"My first year has been a great experience. The field trips into London and the main one to Vienna encouraged great friendships while exposing us to some amazing architecture, inspiring many great projects. I've found the work fun and really interesting; even if the workload sometimes means not seeing daylight for a while!! The way you're taught means one minute you'll be learning about sustainable technologies, the next trying to find the best material to simulate bricks at scale. There's always something new to learn.

"The course is a fantastic chance to be inspired by other students and driven by the tutors to discover what's out there, and what's in you to design. I can't wait to see what happens in second year!"

"I applied to Kingston as a mature student, whilst still employed as an in-house lawyer working in the financial services industry. I enjoyed the intellectual rigour demanded by my work but had always craved a more creative outlet. After many years practicing law, I began to realise that I was fascinated by architecture and, as I began to explore this interest, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to retrain as an architect. People have said that this was a brave decision, but I felt it would have been harder to continue with my legal career once I knew that my future lay elsewhere. The decision to return to university was easy compared to the years of trying to work out what I wanted to do with my life!

"I attended an open day at Kingston University and was very impressed by the studio and workshop facilities. The library seemed well stocked and well used by students, and the lecturers I met were inspiring and passionate about their subject.

"As the first day of term neared I was a little apprehensive about how the other students would perceive me, given I was so much older than many of them. However I was really pleased to be so readily accepted and I have made some good friends. I hadn't anticipated the importance of your peers when working in a creative discipline, but you learn so much from your interactions with other students that forging these relationships is key to getting the most out of the course.

"I don't think university is easier second time around. Full-time study is very demanding and requires real commitment. However I think the work ethic and organisational skills you bring to your studies as a mature student do stand you in good stead for juggling all of the demands on your time.

"Having made the change I don't regret it for a single moment (although the pay isn't up to much!) and I feel that the welcoming and dynamic atmosphere at Kingston University has eased the transition back into student life."

"I chose Kingston because the course is studio based. This means you get to spend a lot of time with other students and have lots of face-to-face time with your tutors. All of the tutors have been really supportive and the variety of teaching methods, be it a formal review, a seminar or a tutorial in the student bar, mean you get a lot out of your studies.

"My time here so far has been really fun as there's a great atmosphere in the studio. The last few years have really boosted my confidence and I feel much better at communicating with others, which I'm sure will help forward my career. In fact, architecture at Kingston is a great basis for any career in design, so I will be looking for creative jobs that will challenge me."

"Architecture has always interested me.  I like its cross-disciplinary nature and the many factors that go into making up a building – social, philosophical, scientific and artistic. I chose to study at Kingston University partly because of its location, but also because of the reputation of the Architecture BA(Hons) degree and the fact that it is in a faculty with art and design.

"On the course I have particularly enjoyed the broad range of modules and the speculative approach of the tutoring. The teachers are excellent. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment are a real inspiration. I think the history and theory classes have interested me most. I have always felt that an understanding of these subjects is crucial to developing a critical attitude towards design.

"The trips in the second and third year have also been excellent experiences. We have been on two – one to Copenhagen and the other to Barcelona. We worked hard and played hard and this added to the enjoyment.

"I joined this course after a three-year study gap and Kingston has been great in this respect. There are quite a few older students on the degree and I have made some very good friends. There were moments of frustration in the first year. I think this is because it is partly about breaking down preconceptions of what architecture might be and preparing the groundwork which you can build on (forgive the architectural pun). Also, there was the added worry about whether I was making the right decision.  As an older student I was very aware that I didn't have time to mess around.

"However, the initial uncertainty soon passed and my long term ambition is now to get my RIBA* part 3 and become an architect. I'm also interested in furthering my studies and am looking into doing an MPhil. The nice thing is that I have the next four or five years set out for me, and that's a relief rather than a concern."

* Royal Institute of British Architects

"Architecture has always fascinated me and I applied to study at several universities in and around London. I received five offers and chose Kingston because the course contained the elements that interested me most, it had a good pedigree and I felt at home on the campus.

"On the course I have enjoyed the studio-based structure, the preference for model-making and the level of interest shown in the context that one designs in. The lecturers are friendly and always have time to assist students during, and even after, the tutorials. Initially I struggled with essay writing and the various architectural computer packages. The lecturers were very helpful and hard work and perseverance helped me overcome the difficulties, although I am still learning. 

"So far I have been on two field trips - one in Denmark and the other in Holland. The highlights were visiting various buildings from different periods and understanding their relationship to culture and context. During the second year I did four placements working on construction sites in the capacity of observing and taking part in very simple duties. This has helped me understand first-hand the things I have studied such as building materials and different construction methods.

"I have also liked using facilities such as the workshops and the printing room. Away from the course the University gym and the Students' Union bar are also my favoured places for relaxing and having good time.

"After I graduate my plan is to work for a few years and then come back to complete the next stage of becoming an architect. The course has made me realise that architecture is definitely my preferred profession."