Architecture Degrees Gaining Popularity

The U.K. is seeing a significant leap in students applying for architecture degrees, possibly due to the rise in interest in sustainability around the world. Some worry that growing programs could impact the quality of education.

1 minute read

September 5, 2008, 5:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

"RIBA vice-president for education Simon Allford said: 'The increase in the popularity of the profession is great - it can only be a positive thing. I think schools will expand and cope with the increase. We shouldn't assume that all the people who study architecture are going to become architects. That is a fundamental mindshift which would allow the degree to grow as much as the universities want it to grow.'

Kate Heron, head of architecture at Westminster, added: 'These application figures show that architecture is a very popular and healthy subject, which is fantastic.'

But external examiner and former Architectural Association professor Tim Ronalds said a lack of resources coupled with higher intakes by many schools could result in a drop in standards.

'This is factory farming and it is likely to produce tasteless chicken,' he said."

FULL STORY: Architecture degrees leap in popularity

Thursday, September 4, 2008 in bd

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