So, how do you know if you're suited to architecture? There are no definitive answers to that, says Professor Loughlin Kealy of UCD, but there are a number of useful pointers.

First, he suggests talking to somebody in the business. Students should also ask themselves if they have an interest in the built environment. "If not, why do they want to be involved in the design of buildings for the rest of their lives?"

An interest in art, in the broad sense, can also be a good indicator as it shows an interest in the expression of an emotional life. If you're still not sure, try and attend college open days and talk to staff and students.

Is it a career for men? The gender balance among undergraduates is reasonable - 50 per cent of DIT first-year students are female and there is a very high application rate from girls. UCD's course also attracts a high number of women, usually in the region of 40 per cent of first-year students.

However, this is not reflected in the overall picture when it comes to practising architects. About 20 per cent of RIAI members are women and the RIAI has set up a task-force to look at part-time working.