Hannah graduated from the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) in 2022, winning awards for her model-making at her degree show before securing a Part One Architectural Assistant position at the Manchester-based firm OMI Architects.

Q: Why did you choose to study BA Architecture at Manchester?

Hannah and her third-year atelier

I loved that the course was run by both The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, meaning you get to utilise the resources of both institutions. Also, MSA is consistently ranked as one of the top ten institutions worldwide to study Architecture, so this reputation and international recognition definitely influenced my choice. The University often brings in guest architects to come and tutor students and look over their work. I thought this was an interesting approach to teaching Architecture, as it can give good insight into the workings of the industry. Finally, Manchester itself. When I visited for my Open Day, it seemed like a bustling city with lots of different things to do and lovely, welcoming people. I also thought that Manchester, with its ongoing construction and development, would make it a great place to study architecture and learn from real-life examples!

Q: What was the social aspect of student life like?

It was great! There were loads of opportunities to meet people. In my first week, we undertook a collaborative project in groups with people from all levels of study. Not only did this help me meet people on my course, but the older students also gave good tips on what activities and places in Manchester we should check out. In general, there is lots of group work and you always had a dedicated, intimate studio group, so you get to know people quickly and make lasting friendships. Outside of university, I found that my halls of residence were great for making friends. I would say it is important to do your research and choose the right halls for you, because then you’re more likely to meet similar-minded people.

Q: What was it like studying between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University?

It may seem confusing to study between two universities. But the course is so well established that the process is seamless. Registering between the two is really easy as well. Plus, the lecturers provide help if anything gets confusing. It may also seem daunting having your classes split between two universities, but when you visit Manchester you realise that they are right next to each other, so it’s never confusing and only ever a maximum walk of ten minutes. The good thing about studying between the two universities is that you’re entitled to the resources and benefits of both. So, two Student Unions, two libraries, and two careers services. If anything, studying between two universities is better than one!

Models for the MSA Degree Show

Q: What was the process of securing your job?

The most important thing that helped me secure my job was the end of year degree show. With architects coming from across the country to view students’ work, this event is a great way of networking and presenting your design to potential employers. This is how I got my job! With the degree show being online as well as in person, I’d recommend checking out the type of work that MSA students produce to see what sort of things you could produce at the end of your degree! My tutors were also happy to look over my portfolios and provide feedback on my work, which was helpful when I was applying for jobs. Finally, I utilised the careers services at both universities to help me write my cover letters and construct my CV.

Q: How has studying at Manchester set you up for a career in architecture?

The provision of powerful computers, software and licenses from the universities really helped me get to grips with the resources I use in my job everyday, so practically the course is really geared towards setting you up for work. I also appreciated the opportunity to specialise in the type of architecture I was interested in through the third-year ateliers. These ateliers help you tailor your portfolio towards the specific practices whose work you are interested in. This might be obvious, but learning to work with other people was such an important skill that my course taught me. Working in architecture, you never produce something solely by yourself; it is always a collaborative process.

Hannah and friends during graduation – 2022

Q: What advice would you give your first-year self?

Don’t be worried! I was nervous before coming to university as I had never studied architecture before, but most people haven’t. The course is structured to begin with maximum support and based on the assumption that you have limited architectural and technical knowledge – the Humanities and Technologies modules really help you build your skills from the ground up.

Written by Hannah, BA Architecture alumnus Class of 2022

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