What can I do with an Architecture and Design degree?

The Architecture and Design industries lay claim to a collection of contemporary and traditional sectors, giving graduates the chance to explore many different pathways. Many of our students continue into postgraduate study, but with design skills, problem solving, and critical thinking being key features of an Architecture and Design graduate’s CV, there are a host of exciting avenues to explore after your studies.

Architecture students working

Architecture - BA (Hons)

Start your journey towards becoming a registered architect at the innovative Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. Study in our state-of-the-art Parkside Building where we've helped over 80% of our graduates gain jobs in professional practice.

As a graduate of the course, you'll be encouraged to apply for employment as an assistant in architectural practice and, on completion of your year out, will be invited to apply for the Architecture - MArch (RIBA Part 2 exemption). We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 exemption), giving you the opportunity to undertake your entire architectural education at the School of Architecture and Design.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers with respected organisations such as Michael Hopkins and Partners, MAKE, Glenn Howells Architects, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins Brown.

Design for Future Living - BA (Hons)

Developed in collaboration with TV architect George Clarke’s Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education (MOBIE), this course places you at the forefront of the next generation of designers tackling the design and delivery of new homes. Building upon the School’s employability driven reputation and providing students with the knowledge and skills to work in industry, our collaboration with MOBIE brings a wealth of knowledge and industry connections to the course.

After you graduate, you could explore careers in range of disciplines:

  • Design: architectural practices, design agencies.
  • Delivery: prefabrication industries, house builders, off-site manufacturing industries (such as yachts or caravans).
  • Development: developers, housing associations, policy makers and local authorities.

Landscape Architecture - BA (Hons)

Covering all aspects of landscape architecture, our course is fully recognised and accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI) and supported by a leading design team in its field. Work is often sector-based, though most landscape architects work across sectors in multi-disciplinary projects, which may include residential developments, civic space (streets, parks, plazas), waterways, transport networks and so on. Large-scale UK examples include projects like High Speed 2 (HS2) and the London Olympics parkland design.

With this degree you can become a Graduate Landscape Architect, Landscape Assistant, or pursue a career in construction design, regional master planning, landscape reviewing and development proposals.

Our graduates have gone on to work with respected organisations such as Node, Camlins, Arup, Fira and Atkins, LDA Design, Atkins and Define.

Student working in workshopInterior Architecture and Design - BA (Hons)

Our Interior Educators (IE) member BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design course provides you with the skills to transform or give new life to spaces, as well as teaching you how to plan and design creative interiors. Due to our overseas interest in our graduates, progression is on an international scale, giving you the opportunity to work all over the world in Norway, Russia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Turkey, Japan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, UK and China, as well as here in the UK.

With this degree you can become an Interior Designer, Graphic Designer, Interior Architect and Designer in Residence.

Our graduates have gone on to pursue careers with respected organisations such as Hartman, DFD Design, Graffiti4Hire Ltd, and Hinton Properties.

Product and Furniture Design - BA (Hons)

The course develops skills and experience in various scales of manufacture, from bespoke, one-off and batch production to standardised mass production. You will develop skills in a broad range of working approaches, from synthesising and applying problem solving and creative thinking skills, to 3D computer modelling, where you will use the latest industry standard software.

With this degree you can become an Industrial Designer, Design Engineer, Product Designer, Furniture Designer, Research and Development Assistant, Product Developer, Exhibition and Event Designer, Furniture Contractor, Industrial Designer and Independent Designer-maker.

Our graduates have gone on to work with respected organisations such as Luma-iD, Evac+Chair, MacMaster Design, Zioxi.

Birmingham School of Architecture and Design

Find out more about our courses