Architecture is a unique subject that blends artistic flair and ability with scientific knowledge. To be an architect at Sidney Sussex requires a creative mindset as well as strong academic ability and drawing skills.
Important Note Concerning Interviews for 2024
Please note, all undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
Whilst Architecture is a small subject, Sidney Sussex still strives to create a passionate community of architects that are able to share ideas, encourage their creativity and develop their skills.
Undergraduate Study
In the first year at Sidney we cover a broad range of subjects, including theory, history, drawing and site visits.
Financial support is available to help Architecture students with the purchase of drawing and modelling materials: the College will reimburse 50% of expenditure each year, up to a maximum of £200.
- Written work
We will not ask you to submit any written work as part of your application.
- Portfolio
We ask candidates invited to interview to submit a portfolio demonstrating their artistic skills. The portfolio is an essential part of the application. Our advice would be to edit it well, but make sure there is plenty of content, including sketchbooks and life drawings if you have them. There should be no 3D objects in the portfolio— only pictures of sculpture and other 3D work.
- Admissions assessment
If you’re shortlisted for interview, you will need to take a written assessment. You will not need to register in advance and we will provide details directly to you. For more information please see the College admissions assessments page.
- Interviews
- All undergraduate admissions interviews at Sidney Sussex for the 2024-25 admissions round will be held online. Further details regarding interview platform will follow.
- One interview. This will be subject-related, including discussion of the portfolio and analysis of some architectural images.
- We will ask you to bring along your portfolio of creative work (e.g. drawings, paintings, sculpture, photos) to interview.
- Subject requirements
- Learn about our standard entry requirements for Architecture on the University website.
- In addition to the standard entry requirements, at Sidney we require either Mathematics or Physics at A-level or IB Higher Level. We would encourage applicants to also consider taking an essay-based subject at A-level or IB Higher Level. Please note that Art is not essential at Sidney but applicants should be maintaining a sketchbook and a portfolio of their own artwork.
- Please note that offers are set on an individual basis using all of the information available to us in context of the entire field of applicants.
- Beyond the syllabus
Are you excited to learn more about the subject by delving beyond the school syllabus? Explore our Beyond the syllabus resource hub to discover interesting websites, podcasts, videos, and books related to the subject you love!
Typical intake
2 - 3
Typical A-level offer
A*AA
Typical IB offer
41-42 points overall, with 776 at Higher Level
Postgraduate Study
All University of Cambridge applications for postgraduate study are processed centrally by the Postgraduate Admissions Office. The application form and supporting documents are submitted electronically via their website and the online self-service system, though academic decisions on applications are made by the Faculty or Department.
- Funding
There are many funding opportunities at Cambridge from a wide variety of sources including the Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and central University funds. You can use the Postgraduate Admissions' Cambridge Funding Search to find out which type of funding you might be eligible for, and how and when to apply. They also operate a Postgraduate Funding Competition to co-ordinate some of these funding opportunities and make the process easier for you as an applicant.
To find information about the funds available for postgraduate students at Sidney, visit our Studentships and funding page.
- Useful links
Course directory | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Funding | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
How do I apply? | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
International students | Postgraduate Admissions | University of Cambridge
Opportunities to work, travel, and study
The College is able to offer financial support for a number of student pursuits including:
- Professional and research internships
- Study awards
- Vacation travel
- Arts and music
- Sport
While it will not be possible to provide support in all cases, current students are strongly encouraged to apply if they have a project which would benefit from financial support.
Discover more on our Opportunities to work, travel, and study page.