..Richard, here are a few links to look at...you could look at maybe taking a year out and contacting architects to gain some work experience, especially as you're so interested in it..?...it's something you could look into and think about...
http://www.**********************/showthread.php?t=455714
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question...6133250AAtaUxK
http://www.dldcollege.co.uk/dld-blog...architect.aspx
http://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en&...r+architecture