Architecture Interview Preparation Guide
Do you know what to expect in your Cambridge Architecture Interviews?
How similar would the interviews be to Architecture Interviews at other Top Russell Group Universities?
Have you practised a range of University Architecture Interview Questions?
Cambridge interviews can seem daunting and hard to prepare for as you never quite know what to expect. However, they are extremely important: some candidates are successful based on interview performance alone. The same goes for other universities with Top Architecture courses e.g. Bartlett (UCL).
This is an essential Architecture interview preparation guide, prepared by U2's Cambridge Architecture tutors. We walk you through how to prepare to ensure you stand out and increase your chances of success, as well as a number of tips on how to present yourself (and your portfolio), analyse problems, and communicate during the interview itself. (N.B. this guide will be applicable if you receive an invitation to interview at any of the Top UK Russell Group Universities)
Core components of U2 Tuition's Cambridge Architecture interview preparation guide:
The first section of the our 26-page guide is dedicated to explaining the core topics on the Cambridge Architecture course, and what an Architecture degree looks like, including what to expect in a typical week. We also suggest looking in depth at the Cambridge University Architecture Department Website.
The guide then presents details on how to build evidence of wider subject exploration in your Architecture personal statement, and at interview to convey your passion and motivation for the subject. Our Cambridge Architecture tutors lead you through key course topics, what to read / explore (primary and secondary material), and how to utilise online resources available. Each resource recommendation comes with a thinking task. Note: ideally, this process should start at least a few months before your Cambridge Architecture interview takes place so you have time to explore enough resources / material!
How to prepare for personal-statement based interview questions: your personal statement for Architecture may be used as a springboard for discussion in at least one of your interviews! E.g. if you subscribe to The Architects’ Journal, you may be asked to discuss an article from the most recent edition.
What to expect in your academic interviews, including accounts from two successful Cambridge Architecture candidates. Each account will provide insight into the Cambridge Architecture interview process, and the topics / questions they were asked, including a handful of questions asked on their personal statements.
Cambridge interview preparation tips and core concepts to understand
Longer worked through past Cambridge Architecture interview questions: four in-depth practice interview questions with discussion points and further reading suggestions. These cover topics such as “Urban Forms in Cities”, “The Role of Architects”, “The Impact of Building Design”, and “The Use of Light”
Additional past Architecture interview questions for University Applicants: 40 further questions covering topics such as History questions, Contemporary / Architectural News questions, General Design questions, and a handful of general / Cambridge Architecture personal statement based questions e.g. “Why Architecture?” (N.B all of the above are the most common types of question asked at Cambridge interviews!)
Final tips for success at Cambridge Architecture interviews
Looking for an Architecture tutor to further direct your independent preparation?
Having an Architecture tutor can present an invaluable learning opportunity - U2 has a wonderful network of Architecture undergraduates, graduates and postgraduates, who would be delighted to host tutorial sessions giving you exposure to some of the key topic areas within the discipline, support personal statement writing, portfolio work, and interview preparation. We also host mock interview days in November / December. Book a free consultation on our Contact Us page for further details on our offerings and to discuss your university application.