Blog - designed to give Students and Entrepreneurs the information needed to successfully Design & Build their career and creative businesses so they can reach their goals and build a life they love.
As someone who began their career studying interior design and went on to work as an architect and university lecturer, I’ve seen the built environment from multiple angles. Whether interior design, interior architectural design, architecture, or architectural technology - all offer unique opportunities, but choosing the right path depends on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals.
Read MoreWhether you have decided you want to study architecture, are starting to look at colleges, starting your first year of architecture or work placement - this blog post is for you.
Read MoreAs someone who has spent over 15 years immersed in architecture as a practising architect and a university lecturer, I’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of students through their interior and architectural education. In my opinion, becoming an architect is one of the most rewarding journeys you can undertake but it also demands a lot of time, hard work, caffeine, creativity, resilience, determination and strategic planning.
Read MoreI’ve launched a monthly newsletter. It’s a way to connect with you, and my community, and serve you with exciting things like posts, stories, motivational quotes, links, offers, and so much more. I want to share my downloads; wins, struggles and lessons learned. But imposter syndrome kicked in, and I started to overthink it so it had been living in drafts. But no more…
Read MoreMy path to studying architecture wasn't traditional, but through the UK's university clearing system, I found a way to turn my dream of studying architecture into a reality. Here's how I did it and how you can too.
At the end of my sixth year, I left school with a National Record of Achievement folder filled with certificates and glowing references but I was lacking in grades.
I knew my exam results weren't that of an architecture student the big dream of architecture wasn’t realistically on my mind when I left school.
I loved Art & Design and interiors so I applied and was accepted, to my local college to study for a diploma in Interior Spatial Design. It was in that course that I truly learned about architecture.
My Diploma gave me the tools to take on interior projects from hands-on lessons in drawing and model making to experience in project presentation. I gained a deeper understanding of design principles and was eager to learn more.
With my new skills, I also grew in confidence and was ready to aim higher - I wanted to prove I could.
I graduated was an Advanced Diploma in Interior Spatial Design.
When it came time to apply to university, imposter syndrome hit - I wasn't sure I'd get in. I spent the summer mulling over my options and missed the UCAS deadline. But I plucked up the courage and figured I had nothing to lose. I went all in applying to pretty much all the Architecture courses on the Clearing list.
After a few weeks of phone calls and train journeys up and down the country with interviews and portfolio reviews - to my surprise, I was offered direct entry into the second year of the BA Hons Architecture program at my first choice school. This meant I could bypass the first year entirely because of my Diploma and experience in Interior Design.
I had done it, I was in. And I was about to find out how much work it was going to take. I accepted the offer and enrolled on the course the following month.
Clearing is a process used by universities in the UK to fill any remaining spaces on their courses. It's typically available to students who:
Didn’t receive the offers they hoped for.
Didn’t meet the conditional offers due to lower-than-expected exam results.
Are applying late, after the initial UCAS deadlines.
As a Senior Lecturer, I also have experience making offers to students who have applied through clearing. These students were a great addition to the cohort and no one knew they hadn’t applied alongside their classmates.
Clearing is a lifeline for many students who want to pursue higher education but have hit a few bumps along the way. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to reassess your goals and potentially discover new pathways.
University courses use clearing to top up their numbers and add to the mix of students. It’s not just about grades but about you, your story and reason for wanting to study your subject could win you a place. Diversity in the studio is so important, especially when encouraging collaboration and group projects.
Flexibility: Clearing offers a second chance to apply to university courses that might not have been available to you initially. It’s an opportunity to apply with your actual results rather than predicted grades.
New Opportunities: You may find courses or universities that weren’t on your radar before. You might discover a more tailored program that better fits your interests and previous experience.
Direct Entry Possibilities: If you’ve gained relevant experience through college or work experience, you might qualify for direct entry into a later year of your chosen course, like my second-year entry into Architecture.
If you’re considering applying through clearing, here’s a checklist to guide you through the process:
Identify which universities still have open spots for your desired course. The UCAS website lists available courses during the clearing period.
Review the course details carefully to ensure it aligns with your career goals and interests. Feel free to pick up the phone and ask the course team as many questions as they would ask you in an interview.
Have all your exam results and any relevant qualifications to hand.
Made a personal statement.
Be ready to explain why you want to study the course and how your background makes you a suitable candidate.
For architecture and design courses, your portfolio is critical. Make sure it’s updated and showcases your best work. I always say that less is more, and remember white space is good so don’t overcrowd pages.
The clearing process can be very quick so don’t wait, contact the admissions office. Call the universities directly to inquire about available spaces. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and why you’re a good fit. Don’t be nervous, they need your information and they want to fill the spots so don’t hold back, answer the questions and sell yourself.
Finally, inquire about direct entry options if you have relevant experience or previously studied a related course. Ask questions and explain your experience.
Practice makes perfect, or as perfect as you can be, so get a head start by practising your answer to common questions. You will likely be asked about your experience, why you chose this course, your future goals, designers you love, a building that inspires you, etc.
Be enthusiastic about the course and subject. Your passion and enthusiasm for the subject can set you apart from other candidates. but don’t worry, when we talk about something we genuinely love, it shows.
Review offers and make sure you understand the terms of the offer, including any conditions. Clearing spots can fill up fast, so if you get an offer, be ready to accept it quickly. And if that’s you, congratulations.
Clearing was a turning point in my academic journey, and it could be for you too. Whether you didn’t get the grades you expected, you are realising another path might be better for you, or you want to push yourself in your higher education, clearing offers a unique opportunity to pursue your education and academic goals.
If you’re feeling unsure about the process, or if you need guidance on preparing for a clearing interview, I’m here to help.
I offer coaching calls and online tutorials to help you navigate the application process, prepare for interviews, and increase your chances of success.
Book a call with me today. Let’s make your dream of studying architecture a reality.
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Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help female Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.
Hi, I’m Sonia. I help you successfully Design & Build your career and creative business in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.
Architect & former University Lecturer turned Entrepreneur. I help Students and Entrepreneurs successfully Design & Build their Careers and Creative Businesses in Interior Design, Architecture & Urban Sketching.
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