- guardian.co.uk, Thursday 1 May 2008 01.09 BST
One of Daniel Libeskind's designs: this time for the V&A. Photograph: PA
What will I learn?
Fancy becoming the next Philippe Starck or Daniel Libeskind? No? Well, that's ok, because the beauty of becoming an architect is that you'll be able to use your imagination to create the sorts of buildings you'd want to live, work or play in.
But it comes at a price - about five years of study and a couple of year-long internships.
Part of the reason for the long academic road is because your degree will touch on a wide range of subjects, including history, law, IT, technology and management, as well as a hefty design element.
You'll also be better placed to understand what politicians mean when they talk about renewal and regeneration, as you'll be exploring housing design and urban planning, and looking at how communities are shaped and developed. Your understanding of the construction industry should improve too. Some courses actually offer a combined architecture and planning course.
A flair for geometry and three-dimensional form will be an advantage, but maths and physics A-levels are not prerequisites for a degree in architecture.
Time should be set aside on the course for work experience in an architectural firm. If not, it's vital you spend some of your holidays seeing how things are done.
What skills will it give me?
Your awareness of design and your practical abilities will leave you suitably equipped to tackle the placements, the rigorous study and the final exams that will qualify you to become a bona fide architect.
You'll be able to demonstrate an eye for detail and have developed a deeper appreciation for what can be done with some bricks and mortar.
You should have learned the history of the profession and be able to discuss trends in design, as well as form your own opinions of what worked and what did not.
Practical experience will not only allow you to put your theoretical skills to the test, it will also help develop your communication skills - vital if you want to sell an innovative design to sceptical town planners or the public.
What job can I get?
A degree in architecture will set you up to become a registered architect, which, as mentioned before, is not a short, or easy route to take. But if after a degree you don't fancy the continued slog, you could put what you've learned to good use in local or national town and country planning departments, in other areas of the construction industry or in the conservation and environmental sector.
What will look good on my CV?
· The ability to conceptualise and develop the design of three-dimensional objects and spaces
· the ability to research and respond to briefs
· the ability to form considered judgments in developing sustainable design
· For the full range of skills you can develop through a degree in architecture click here (pdf).
