Architecture (BSc)

The course is intended for those whose ambition is to become a qualified architect, but is also a good choice for anyone who has an interest in architecture and design and is seeking a broad-based degree programme that can lead to a wide variety of career opportunities.

The programme of study is centred on a sequence of design studio projects that start in the first weeks with the exploration of space, form, colour and materials. By the end of the first years, students are designing small but complex buildings and places in detail.

The second year focuses on ideas of home and community through the design of houses flats and neighbourhoods and the public buildings that support social life.

The final year introduces students to larger scale buildings and the course culminates in a comprehensive design for a substantial cultural building in a real setting.

The core design studios are supported by a suite of contextual modules that provide students with a coherent body of relevant knowledge in three areas: environment and technology (structures, construction and building physics); history and theory (an overview of architectural history and theoretical writing from related fields); and, profession and business (basic construction law, building procurement, cost control and business management).

In the final year, each student writes a dissertation — an independent research study — on a subject of their own choice within the very broad field of architecture.

The course is the first stage (Part One) of the three-stage process of professional qualification as an architect. The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the University is seeking recognition of the course by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Year One – Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE & BSc)

• Architecture Studio 1A (Design Skills) (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 1B (Space and Form) (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 1C (Structure and Materials) (20 credits; core)
• History and Theory 1 (20 credits; core)
• Technology and Environment 1 (20 credits; core)
• The Modern World (20 credits; core).

Year Two – Level 5 (Dip HE & BSc)

• Architecture Studio 2A (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 2B (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 2C (20 credits; core)
• History and Theory 2 (20 credits; core)
• Profession and Business 1 (20 credits; core)
• Technology and Environment 2 (20 credits; core).

Year Three – Level 6 (BSc)

• Architecture Dissertation (40 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 3A (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 3B (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 3C (20 credits; core)
• Profession and Business 2 (20 credits; core).

Design project work is assessed on the basis of a portfolio consisting of a series of assignments completed during the year. 

The portfolio will include drawings, photographs of models and illustrated written reports. Feedback on student progress is given throughout the year — usually in the form of verbal comments by a team of tutors on the basis of student presentations and review attended by fellow students. Formative assessment is made at the end of each project — usually in the form of a provisional mark, which allows students to respond to feedback before the final submission of the portfolio when the final (or ‘summative’) assessment is made.

Assessments of work in the contextual modules will take the form of practical exercises during the year, reports and essays and time-constrained assessment by means of tests and formal examinations. 

• Dr Paul Harries
• Ian Standen
• Lara Hopkinson
• Ryan Stuckey 
• Dr Elizabeth Walder

You will need 128 UCAS Tariff points from A levels or their equivalent.

The programme is designed to be prescribed/validated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a Part One qualification in architecture so the most likely first destination for a graduate is to work as an architectural assistant* in an architectural practice.

There are many other possible employment opportunities including other parts of the construction industry (building contractors and sub-contractors), the creative industries (applying computer drawing and visualisation skills) and planning or urban design.

Graduate skills developed by the programme (based on the ‘graduate attributes’ set out in the RIBA/ARB criteria for validation/ prescription of qualifications in architecture and the QAA benchmark statement for architecture).                

1. The ability to generate design proposals using an understanding of a body of knowledge, some at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture;
2. The ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to present design proposals clearly and effectively;
3. Understanding of the alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction;
4. The ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgments within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design;
5. Knowledge of the context of the architect and the construction industry and the professional qualities needed for decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances.
6. The ability to identify individual learning needs and understand the personal responsibility required for further professional education.

(* the term ‘architectural assistant’ is the job designation of those on the route to professional qualification as an architect until completion of Part Three. Terms such as  ‘assistant architect’, ‘architect in training’ or ‘part 1 architect’ may not be used as the title ‘architect’ is protected by statute and may only be used by those on the Register of Architects (apart from three exceptions stated in the Architects Act: ‘naval architect’, ‘landscape architect’ and ‘golf-course architect’).

It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.

Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Major Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved. 

The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Validated by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).

• Architectural Technology
• Building Surveying
• Civil Engineering 
• Energu and Environmental Engineering
• Construction Management
• Quantity Surveying

Alysha Martin BSc (Hons) Architecture
"The Dylan Thomas project has been great. We use computing design and model making, so it’s all useful and it makes you feel more confident, especially with the feedback we get."

Sona Koroghli BSc (Hons) Architecture
"There are many things that I liked about the course. To mention a few of them, during the course I became acquainted with the world of architecture, which my lecturers introduced us to by sharing their knowledge and valuable experience. I encountered different work from amazing artists and architects , from Joan Miró to Mies van der Rohe! Also, on my study trip to Barcelona, I saw the beautiful stained glass windows of Sagrada Familia, listened to the sound of fountains in the Plaça Reial square, walked down the narrow beautiful stone alleys, all of which overwhelmed my mind with new discoveries!"

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.  To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.

Year 1 provides an introduction to the core competency of design in the three core studio modules that focus on: structures and materials; space and form and design skills. The parallel context modules lay the foundations of the body of key knowledge required by the architect construction technology, environmental design, architectural history and theory.  Essential skills required for HE programmes are introduced in the Modern World module. 

Year 2 further develops the skill and knowledge base introduced in the first year. Design studio are concerned with more complex buildings, groups of buildings and/or alterations to existing buildings. The technology and environment module deals with the construction of larger and more complex buildings. The history and theory module includes research methods in addition to addressing more advanced theoretical issues and its coursework includes a proposal for the dissertation to be completed in the third year.

Year 3 The final year design module deal with larger and more complex buildings and culminates in a comprehensive design project that integrates all aspects of the skills and knowledge addressed in the programme. Students complete the dissertation and the second business and profession module prepares students for their transition into the world of practice.

Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information.

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions related to the University or to this course in particular.