Department of Architecture

This summer Architecture and Land Economy at Cambridge celebrated their joint success coming top of their unit in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) which ranks research in subjects across the UK and allots funding to Universities. Architecture in Cambridge was founded in 1912 and last year we celebrated 100 years of examinations by asking alumni to send in their student work and holding a party in Scroope Terrace, our home since the 1920s.

Nationally, the Grenfell disaster has prompted a complete review of architectural education and professional development. The two professional bodies, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British of Architects (RIBA) have both been reviewing their criteria for accreditation. What is clear is change is in the air.

The current system needs overhauling. Architects take at least seven years to qualify. The normal route is a three year bachelor’s degree, a year out in practice, a two year Masters course and then at least one and normally two or three years in practice in preparation for the final registration examinations. The extreme length of training and the relatively low pay in the profession was challenging for all and a bar to widening participation.

At Cambridge we have set up an apprenticeship which encompasses the master and final registration examinations and takes three and half years from entry to qualification. The students work throughout and the Government pays the fees through the apprenticeship levy scheme. The course is now in its third year and we have been delighted by its success. It is proving highly popular with employers who see it as a way of retaining excellent sta . A number of our apprentices did apprenticeships at degree level too, broadening the diversity of our Cambridge intake.

It is likely that the RIBA and ARB will recommend shorter degrees in future, probably opting for integrated undergraduate and Master’s degrees for most students and the option of 2-3 year Masters degrees for others changing from other subjects. We have prepared for this by founding our Master of Architecture degree (MArch). Finally architecture Master’s students at Cambridge will have their own degree ceremony along with their own distinguishing gown and hood. The first students started the course this year.

Perhaps the most exciting course on the horizon is the Design tripos. The University has given us permission and the money to create this joint degree that combines Architecture and Structural Engineering with Materials Science to produce what promises to be a exciting option for more scientifically-minded architecture students, better prepared to face the technical challenges of global warming. The Department is doubling in numbers of students (45 architecture and 45 design) and doubling in number of faculty to teach this new degree. This exciting growth is allowing the expansion of facilities with a new digital fabrication laboratory being constructed in the ground floor of the Dyson building which was opened this summer.

Looking to the year ahead we are being joined by a new Professor in February and recruiting six new sta with a further 3 next year and we are looking forward to starting a new Masters in Film and Architectural Visualisation in 2024. 110 years after its opening the Department is looking forward to a bright future, training the next generation of designers to cope with the challenges ahead.