More information about the structure of the Architecture course can be found on the University and Department websites.

Peterhouse has a long association with the Department of Architecture and has been an energetic patron of modern architecture, not least in commissioning Sir Leslie Martin and Colin St. John Wilson to design the iconic post war residential college building Harvey Court, a clever reinterpretation of the Cambridge quad and its polar opposite by the same architects, with no hint of irony, the Peterhouse tower. More recently Peterhouse commissioned Robert Adam to design a neo-gothic building to close its riverside court. Peterhouse architects thrive in this heterogenous built environment just a few steps from the Department. Our external Director of Studies is Professor Alan Short.

We do not have any previous subject requirements for Architecture, aside from being on track to meet or exceed the typical offer conditions. It is advantageous for applicants for Architecture to be studying either Physics or Mathematics alongside a practical art course such as Art, Textiles or Graphic Design. A third subject from this list of five is desirable, as is a humanities course or a language-based subject. If it is not possible to study practical art course to a high level in school, we highly recommend extra-curricular art classes. Please note it is not possible to study Architecture as an affiliated student.

We ask all our Architecture applications to submit a portfolio of no more than 6 A4 pages to demonstrate their artistic interests and ability. Files should be in a PDF format and should not be more than 15 MB in size. Any 3D work or paintings which cannot be scanned should be photgraphed in the highest resolution possible. More details about how and when to submit portfolios will be provided after application. 

Portfolios should show a range of representational skills using line, tone and colour: the work should indicate a development of these skills over a period of time. An interest in architecture should be clear from at least some of the work in the portfolio, and a study of a building or a group of buildings with drawings of both internal and external spaces is encouraged, as is the inclusion of images from any sketch books or sketch diaries the candidates may keep. 

Candidates will generally have one interview, during which they will be expected to talk about buildings they have visited or seen in books and to explain their responses to them, whether negative or positive. Some understanding of the role of the architect in society is also desirable. The interviewers may also wish to discuss the works in your portfolio. Whilst in Cambridge for your interview, candidates will be asked to sit a written assessment, which will have an essay component and a sketching component. This will be the same across all Colleges and more information can be found on the University website.

Our typical conditional offer in Architecture is A*AA at A level. IB offers are usually for a minimum of 40-42 points, to include 776 or 777 at Higher level in relevant subjects. Offers are designed to be realistic, taking into account individual circumstances, and to reflect potential and likely levels of achievement. Most of those who receive offers will attain the grades required.