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Short course

Portfolio Preparation for Architecture for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course

Explore architecture! Learn essential skills and portfolio building. Decide if architecture is for you. Teenagers' beginner course.

Next start months
December 2025
June 2026
July 2026
Tutor(s)
Charlotte Grace
Price
From £520.00

Course description

Course overview

If you've always been curious about architecture and are considering applying to study it, this beginner course is the perfect place to start. You'll gain insight into the practical and conceptual skills architects need, while exploring whether this creative and technical field is right for you.

While you may not complete a full portfolio in just one week, this course will equip you with the tools and understanding to begin building one. You'll receive clear guidance on what makes strong portfolio work, and plenty of hands-on practice to help you take those first steps with confidence.

This course is available on campus or online.

Who this course is for

  • Students aged 16 to 18 with a passion for architecture, including beginners
  • Students who would like to try something new, fun and learn in an inspiring environment

Key information

Topics covered

  • Development of an architectural project suitable for inclusion in a portfolio for architecture or foundation course applications
  • Introduction to spatial exploration through sketching, architectural drawing, and modelmaking
  • Review and discussion of successful architecture portfolios, with guidance on key 'dos' and 'don'ts' for applications


Learning outcomes

  • Kick-start your architecture portfolio
  • Develop an understanding of the practical and conceptual elements of architecture
  • Learn how to explore space through drawing and modelmaking
  • Gain valuable insights and tips on making a good portfolio
  • Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
  • Develop an open-minded approach to art and design
  • Experience art school teaching

For practical information about our kids and teens courses, take a look at our kids and teens information hub. This includes details of our policies on safeguarding, food allergies, learning requirements and online study.

Materials

On campus

Optional materials you may want to bring:

  • Second hand magazines to cut up for collage
  • Different types of cards and paper of various weights for model making (e.g. old cereal boxes, shoe boxes, grease-proof paper etc. -- they don't need to be white)
  • If possible, please bring a camera or camera phone to record the process of making the work, and the outcomes.

    Everything else needed to complete the course is provided, but please feel free to bring any current sketchbooks or materials you enjoy using.

    Online

    Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.

    Tutor

    Charlotte Grace

    Dr Charlotte Grace teaches on the MA City Design and MA Architecture programmes at the Royal College of Art. Having studied in Oxford, Rotterdam, Ahmedebad and Venice, she has worked for Muf Architecture/Art, Cooking Sections, Novara Media. She recently completed a PhD on the spatial dimensions of the Rojava revolution. 

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