How to write a great UCAS personal statement for a architecture degree

UCAS personal statements have changed. Instead of writing one long essay, you’ll now answer three specific questions, each designed to make it clearer on what you should write. 

This new UCAS personal statement format helps you to show off your creativity, share your inspirations and highlight all the experience you have up until now.  

Remember, universities aren't just looking for a list of your qualifications; they'll see that on your application. Your personal statement is your chance to express who you are and let everyone know why an architecture degree is the natural next step for you.

Each answer must be at least 350 characters, but that’s only around 75 words. Make sure to take advantage of the total 4,000 character limit (700-800 words) that UCAS gives you to answer all the questions. 

We know that for some people it can be tough to write about yourself. To help, we’ve put together a guide specifically for architecture applicants on how to answer each question in the UCAS personal statement, including some examples for each. 

UCAS Personal Statement Question 1: 
Why do you want to study this course or subject? 

This question is where you can show your passion for architecture and explain what got you into it.

Admissions tutors want to understand what excites you about the subject, and why you think an architecture degree is your next step. Think about: 

• What sparked your interest in architecture? Perhaps it was a building, a city or a documentary. For some it may even have been a video game. 
• Are there certain architects or specific styles you admire? Don’t just name-drop, but explain what exactly makes their work stand out to you. 
• What do you want to do with your degree? Whether it’s designing sustainable homes, shaping the next generation of city skylines or exploring digital architecture, universities want to hear about your vision for your future. 

The key is to be specific and authentic. Avoid vague statements like “I’ve always admired the design of buildings” and instead explain why. Think back to those lessons at school: point, evidence, explain!

Looking back, building houses on The Sims is what first sparked my interest in design and planning. I realised that instead of just building for fun, I was creating layouts that considered how the characters would move through and interact with the space.
Architecture example answer for question one of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 2: 
How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? 

Question two of the UCAS personal statement is where you should share your academic achievements and, where possible, connecting them to architecture. 

Don’t waste precious word count on listing all the subjects you’ve studied and the grades you’ve achieved; remember those will already be in the application you submit. Instead, focus on what you’ve learnt and how it’s helped you build the skills you’ll need for an architecture degree. 

Consider including: 

• Subjects that relate to architecture: have you studied art, design, maths, geography or physics? What specific projects or topics within these subjects helped you understand space or structure? 
• Skills you’ve developed: research, analysis, sketching and presenting will all valuable during your degree in architecture. Explain how your studies up to this point have given you these skills. 
• Cross-subject connections: If you've studied other subjects, consider how they could connect to architecture. For example, perhaps English helped you express ideas clearly or history gave you an insight into architectural styles of a specific time period. 
• Independent learning: have you explored architecture outside of school? Maybe you’ve attended workshops or taken part in online courses related to architecture. 

Studying Design & Technology at A-Level taught me how to take an idea from concept to prototype. That process helped me understand the importance of iterating ideas and developed my ability to problem solve. I believe both of these skills are essential for architects.
Architecture example answer for question two of the UCAS personal statement

UCAS Personal Statement Question 3: 
What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? 

Now it’s time to show that your passion for architecture extends beyond the classroom. 

Universities will want to see that you have an active interest in the subject and have taken opportunities to explore it independently. This could be: 

• Work experience: if you’ve ever shadowed an architect, visited a studio, or taken part in a design workshop explain what you learnt from the experience. 
• Personal projects: do you sketch buildings, create models or experiment with design software in your spare time? If so, talk about what you do and how you’ve benefitted from it. 
• Cultural experiences: discuss any times you may have visited architectural landmarks, exhibitions, or cities iconically known for their architecture. 
• TV and film: talk about any architecture documentaries or other shows that you watch and think are relevant. Perhaps there are design channels on YouTube that you could link to your interest in architecture. 
• Related hobbies: photography, writing or even gaming can be relevant if they’ve helped you think about space, design or storytelling. 

 

During the summer I started sketching buildings around my hometown and researching their history. It helped me understand how design choices evolve over time and how local culture can impact decisions that are made.
Architecture example answer for question three of the UCAS personal statement

Final tips for strong answers 

• Be specific: avoid general statements and make sure you include an explanation for every point you make 
• Show your personality: this is your chance to showcase the real you. Admissions tutors want to get a sense of who you are, not just what you’ve done. Let your passion and creativity shine through your writing. 
• Make use the space available to you: you may not need to use exactly 4,000 characters, but sticking to the minimum won’t allow you to share your full story. Make the most of what’s available to you. 
• Reflect, don’t just list: it’s not about listing achievements. It’s about showing what you learnt how it connects to your desire to study architecture.  
• Stay relevant: focus on things you can relate to architecture, design or creativity.  
• Draft and edit: the first thing you write won’t be perfect. Write freely to begin with – even if you go over the character limit - then you can refine your answers. 
• You’re not alone: ask for feedback from teachers, family and friends. 
• Stay true to yourself: your personal statement should sound like you and be an honest reflection of who you are. Don’t just write what you think universities want to hear. 

More advice for architecture applicants  

• How to make a perfect architecture portfolio for university
• What careers can you do with an architecture degree?

Want more support about UCAS personal statements? Meet the UCA Admissions Team at one of our upcoming Open Days.

Related courses

• Architecture BA (Hons)