There are three full-time degree programmes in architecture on this island, all three of which are recognised by the RIAI. Two are in the Republic and one in Northern Ireland. UCD and DIT Bolton Street each have a five-year degree programme while Queen's University, Belfast, also has a school of architecture which offers a full-time five-year degree programme.

Architects' salaries are not particularly high, according to the RIAI. According to a survey it carried out early last year, architects with one to three years experience earned between £13,000 and £23,000; those with three to five years experience fell in the £16,000 to £30,000 bracket and those with six to nine years experience were earning between £19,000 and £35,000. Those with 10 years and more experience were earning between £19,000 and £60,000.

About 16 per cent of registered RIAI members are women; however the percentage of women students is growing and has been for some years now. According to the 1996 census, it is estimated that there are about 1,500 in the State. Almost 50 per cent of architects have their own practices.

The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland is at 8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, telephone (01) 676 1703 and fax (01) 661 0948.

There are over 30 recognised schools of architecture in Britain - for more details about these, contact the Royal Institute of British Architects at 66 Portland Place, London W1N, 4AD, check its website at www: http// www.riba.org or fax 0044 171 255 1541 or phone 0044 171 580 5533.

Points for getting into architecture are high. In 1999 it was 505* (random selection applied) for UCD and 567 for DIT. At Queen's University offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels, with grades BCC or equivalent - for those with the Leaving Cert, three grade B and three grade C passes at higher level are normally required. There are approximately 50 first-year places in each of the three schools.

In Ireland the majority of architects work in the private sector. It is estimated that there are 400 private architectural practices in the State.