I want Architecture, please advise

May 20, 2007

I must commend you for thinking about what you want to study at university before you fill in your application forms. However, you should have thought about this earlier, before choosing your subject combination.

Dear Jamesa,
I am in S6 and trying to make a decision on what course to do at university. I am uncertain about whether to do Architecture or Civil Engineering. My sister is totally against Architecture because it is very stressful. She says Civil Engineering is the way to go. I am all for Architecture because from what I have heard, there is a lot of chemistry in Civil Engineering, which I am trying to avoid. Architecture has a lot to do with art, which I think I can handle. Please help me out.
L.M

Dear L.M,
I must commend you for thinking about what you want to study at university before you fill in your application forms. However, you should have thought about this earlier, before choosing your subject combination.

Career choice is a fundamental life decision that should not be subjected to trial and error. Your subject combination at A’ level lays the foundation for your future career.

You have not mentioned the subjects you are taking, but gauging by your scope of career interest, you must be taking a science-based combination.

From what you have described, it seems to me that you are torn between Civil Engineering and Architecture. Although your sister has a strong inspirational influence over your decision, you need to take responsibility for your future. Your sister can advise you, but the ultimate decision rests with you.

Your preference for Architecture seems to be based more on rumours than facts.
A career decision should not be based on other people’s opinions because different people perceive different careers differently.

You are different from your sister and the fact that she finds Architecture ‘stressful’ does not mean you too would find it stressful. You need to get factual information regarding these programmes from a career counsellor.

Knowing your academic strength is a principal step towards success in your career. Do you have a passion for designing buildings?

Then Architecture would be fulfilling for you. It is one thing having a career and another having a fulfilling career that gives you satisfaction.

A fulfilling career is more than just a means to earn a living. It is a life mission or vocation that makes your life complete. It is like finding your rightful position in the world.

The best way to live a fulfilling life is by doing what you love rather than doing what others feel is good for you. Let us share some information that would pave your way towards a career in Architecture:

Training
Makerere University, Faculty of Technology, Department of Architecture offers a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree programme.

Skill
The following are some of the skills offered by a Bachelor of Architecture degree programme:

Architectural design fundamentals

Building technology and services

Design portfolio

Environmental building science

Construction management

Landscape design

Building design economics

Interior furniture design

Computer aided design

Theory and design of structures

History of Architecture

Requirements
The essential subject that you must pass is Mathematics. Other desirable subjects are Fine Art, Technical Drawing, Economics, Geography, or Physics.

Career opportunities
The construction industry has greatly expanded in the past few years and professional architects are needed to play key roles in various construction projects.

Like quantity surveyors and construction managers, graduate architects can work in either private or government firms. In government, they are mainly absorbed in the Ministry of Housing as well as in Local Government.

The starting salary for graduate architects ranges from sh1m to sh1.5m, depending on the construction company.

Using their skills in project management, graduates of Architecture can also team up with other construction professionals to set up their own construction firms.

Compiled by by Jamesa Wagwau,/b>

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Education Vision, P.O. BOX 9815, Kampala, or jwagwau@newvision.co.ug
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