What GCSEs Do You Need to Be an Architect?

If you’re interested in architecture as a future career, and you’re in the middle of making your subject choices for GCSE, then you might be wondering: “What GCSEs do you need to be an architect?” 

While GCSEs won’t make you an architect straight away, thinking carefully about which GCSEs to study can help you build the skills and knowledge needed for further study and, eventually, a career in architecture.

This article will guide you through the essential GCSEs that most universities expect, as well as additional subjects that can help develop useful skills for architecture.

We’ll start by looking at the must-have subjects, then explore options that could give you an advantage. Finally, we’ll share some helpful tips to prepare you for the next stage of your journey. 

Whether you love design, problem-solving or maths, this guide will help you make informed choices about your GCSEs and take your first steps towards a career in architecture.

Essential GCSEs for Architecture

Some GCSEs are really important for architecture because universities expect you to have them. Doing well in these subjects will keep your options open. We’ll go into more detail on these essential GCSEs below.

Maths

If you want to be an architect, having good maths skills is really important. Architecture isn’t just about designing cool or beautiful buildings – it also involves making sure they are safe, stable, and functional. This means using maths to measure angles, calculate areas, and work out proportions, so everything fits together perfectly.

Topics like geometry and trigonometry help architects create accurate shapes and understand how different parts of a building connect. Algebra is also useful for working out costs and solving structural problems. Plus, many architects use computer software that relies on mathematical calculations to create 3D designs.

Most universities expect a good GCSE grade in maths because it shows you can handle the technical side of architecture. Since maths is a compulsory GCSE subject, it's not about choosing whether to take it, but about achieving the highest grade possible. 

A strong maths grade will make you a more competitive applicant for architecture courses. Indeed, some of the top universities for architecture, such as Bath University, express a strong preference for maths at A Level as part of their entry requirements.

If you want to improve your maths skills, check out our GCSE Maths revision resources on Save My Exams to help you get the best possible grade.

English

When people think of architecture, they often focus on design and technical skills, but communication is just as important. Architects need to explain their ideas clearly, whether they’re writing reports, creating project proposals, or presenting designs to clients. A strong grasp of English helps you express complex concepts in a way that others can understand.

Good writing skills are also essential when applying for university courses and jobs. Personal statements, cover letters and project summaries all require clear and professional writing. Architects also often work in teams, so being able to communicate effectively, both in writing and in conversation, is a huge advantage.

Most universities require a pass in GCSE English Language to study architecture, so it’s a subject you can’t afford to overlook. 

Since it’s already a GCSE that you need to take, it makes sense to aim for the highest grade possible. Our GCSE English Language revision resources can help you sharpen your skills and achieve top results.

Science

Science plays a bigger role in architecture than you might think. Buildings need to be strong, stable, and built from the right materials. This is where science, and physics in particular, is especially important. It helps architects understand how forces act on structures, how materials respond under pressure, and how to make buildings safe and efficient.

Since science is a core GCSE, everyone studies it in some form – whether that’s the double award science or separate sciences. 

If you’re aiming for a top university, taking A Level Physics alongside Maths can strengthen your application and make some of the more technical aspects of architecture easier to grasp.

Even if you don’t take it at A Level, a good GCSE Physics grade is still valuable, so it’s worth putting in the effort now. To help you get ahead, make use of our GCSE Physics revision resources to work towards excellent grades.

Optional GCSEs for Architecture

Some GCSEs aren’t essential for architecture, but they can still be really useful. They help you develop extra skills that could make your university application stand out or give you an edge in certain areas of architecture. We’ll explore some of these helpful subjects in more detail below.

Art & Design

While not essential, Art & Design is one of the most useful subjects for future architects. 

Studying art helps you develop key skills like sketching, visualising ideas, and experimenting with different materials. It also encourages creativity, which is essential when designing unique and innovative buildings.

Although they don’t require a GCSE in art specifically, many architecture degree courses require a portfolio of creative work to showcase your design skills and artistic ability. For example, the Architecture BA at The University of Sheffield requires evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio.

Having an Art & Design GCSE can help you to build up a portfolio that shows you have an eye for aesthetics and strong creative abilities. 

Design & Technology

Design & Technology (D&T) is closely linked to architecture, as it teaches practical skills in designing and constructing models, understanding materials, and problem-solving. 

Architects need to consider both aesthetics and functionality, and D&T helps develop the ability to think critically about how things are built.

Although it’s not an essential subject, a GCSE in D&T can help demonstrate your technical and design skills, making your application more competitive. It also introduces concepts like CAD (computer-aided design), which architects use to create digital models. 

You can revise for your D&T exams by working through our past papers.

Geography

Having a background in geography helps architects think about urban planning, sustainability, and the impact of the environment on construction. 

Learning about different landscapes, climate conditions, and how people interact with spaces can be a great advantage when designing buildings that are both practical and environmentally friendly.

While Geography GCSE isn’t a compulsory subject to become an architect, it can make your university application stand out, especially if you're interested in sustainable architecture or urban development.

Studying geography can also help develop research and analytical skills, which are useful for coursework and future projects. 

Our GCSE Geography revision resources are there to help you with your studies. 

Best GCSE Combinations for Architecture 

The good news is that some of the most important subjects for architecture – Maths, English, and Science – are already compulsory at GCSE. Since universities expect strong grades in these subjects, it’s worth putting in the effort to do well in them. 

Beyond the compulsory subjects, picking options like Art & Design, Design & Technology, or Geography can help you develop extra skills that will make your university application stand out.

Choosing a mix of subjects that play to your strengths and interests will set you up well for a future in architecture.

Advice From an Actual Architect

We asked professional Elizabeth Edge, a senior architect, what advice she would give to a student in the process of choosing their GCSEs and this what she had to say:

“The path to a career in architecture can be accessible to students from various educational backgrounds. While there are no strict GCSE subject requirements for studying architecture at university, the subjects you choose can significantly impact your future success.

Courses in Design Technology (DT) and Art are particularly beneficial as they help develop the creativity and technical skills essential in architecture. However, subjects such as History, Geography, Business, and Media Studies can also contribute valuable perspectives and knowledge, enhancing a student's overall skill set.

The most important advice is to select subjects you are genuinely passionate about, ultimately leading to better grades. Focusing on your strengths and interests will lay a solid foundation for your future in architecture.”

-Elizabeth Edge BA(Hons), MArch, MRes, ARB

How to Choose Your GCSE Subjects for Architecture

Pick Subjects You Will Enjoy

Choosing subjects that genuinely interest you makes studying much easier and more enjoyable. You're also more likely to achieve strong grades, which will help when applying for architecture courses in the future.

Showcase Your Creativity and Artistic Skills

Many universities look for a portfolio of creative work, so picking subjects like Art & Design or Design & Technology can help develop your drawing, model-making, and design skills, which are important for architecture.

Build a Strong Skill Set for the Future

Architecture requires a mix of technical, problem-solving, and design skills. Choosing subjects that complement architecture can make your university application stand out.

Loughborough University prefers potential architecture students to have a mixture of science, art and humanities A Levels, so picking a variety of subjects at GCSE could help you later on.

What Happens If I Don’t Choose These Subjects?

There’s no exact subject combination you must take to become an architect, so don’t panic about picking the ‘right’ set of GCSEs. 

The GCSEs essential to study architecture later are already compulsory. This leaves you free to select options that reflect what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. 

Although a creative portfolio is usually a requirement for an architectural degree course, you can still build this up independently even if you don’t choose to study for a GCSE in Art & Design.

Improve Your Grades With Save My Exams

At Save My Exams, you’ll find revision notes, exam questions, past papers and flashcards to aid your revision. 

Our resources are written by experienced teachers and examiners. That means our revision notes, exam questions and flashcards only contain what you need to know for your specific exam. 

As a result, you can walk into your exams confident and prepared. In fact, 91% of students who use Save My Exams report getting better grades.

Explore Our GCSE Revision Resources

References

Course requirements may change. Required grades as stated are correct as of February 2025.

1. University of Bath - Architecture BSc (Hons)

2. The University of Sheffield - Architecture BA

3. Loughborough - Architecture BArch (Hons)