How to prepare for your Master's degree in the School of Architecture and Design

Studying your postgraduate degree with us soon? If you’re eager to get a head start with your studies, have a look below at the different tips and resources of things you can start using right now to prepare for the course that awaits you.

Research

First and foremost, we highly recommend you formulate a career plan if you haven’t started one already. Like all plans, things may change over time, but it is important to have an idea at this stage of what your ultimate goal is.

Did you start your studies training to be a RIBA qualified architect? More interested in landscape and urban design? Want to develop your skills as a product designer? Whatever you intend to do, like most creative jobs, there is more than one way of making it in this industry – research what pathways or options you have and consider what feels best for you. Be sure to pay attention to appropriate accreditations needed to progress in your chosen area.

There are various forms of podcasts you can find online, one we recommend is the RIBA 'Future Architects in Conversation' podcast on Spotify, which talks about things relating to architecture and design on various topics. The podcast is by students, specifically made for students – so it’s a win, win situation. What’s not to like?

We also recommend you have a look at our Birmingham School of Architecture and Design blog to view the latest news regarding our faculty, staff, students and more.

Watch

If you’re looking for some relaxation whilst still seeking out ways to get inspired by architecture, streaming services are a great way to achieve this. ‘Grand Designs’, ‘Stay Here’ and ‘George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces’ are just a few shows available to watch now that will allow you to gain a critical eye for all things design related. 

Our BCU YouTube Channel features several architecture and design related videos with information on the course, as well as videos which will give you an idea of what the course is like from a student perspective.

Explore

As a Birmingham School of Architecture and Design student, you’re going to want to be surrounded by different forms of design as much as possible. Luckily for you, Birmingham City University is at the heart of the city centre, meaning there are plenty of things you can see and explore that are on our doorstep.

The city is rich in diverse forms of design, ranging from our School of Art building, to the iconic exterior of Selfridges Birmingham.

Visit

You can gain a lot from visiting our postgraduate open days. Upon arrival, you will be able to look around the facilities we have on offer, as well as speak to our expert members of staff, giving you the opportunity to get to know who will be teaching you, and to have answers to any burning questions you have regarding your course.

Network and follow

Setting up a professional social media account will be extremely beneficial for those who want to work in architecture and design. Not only will it allow you to showcase your work, it also means you can network with people alike and keep up to date with industry professionals.

Don't forget to give our '10 Architecture and Design Instagram Accounts You Should Be Following' blog a read too!

You can keep up to date with all information from your course by giving the School of Architecture and Design Twitter a follow. Our BCU Twitter account is a great way to keep up to date with all things BCU and any relevant news on a regular basis.