The BArch (Hons) degree aims to prepare students for a career in the exciting field of architectural practice, placing a strong emphasis on design and creativity. Based in the historic city of Lincoln with roots in Roman Britain, the University's location provides an inspiring context in which to explore architecture.
The Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment is a cooperative, multidisciplinary environment for sharing ideas, which aims to support students in discovering their own design approaches. There is a strong emphasis on design and creativity and the course aims to prepare students for a global career in the exciting field of architectural practice.
The course forms the first stage of a three-part programme of education and training for aspiring architects. The University of Lincoln also runs RIBA / ARB Parts 2 and 3 programmes, and all three parts are required to register as an architect in the UK.
Accreditations and Memberships
The course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board as providing an exemption from Part 1 examinations, which are required to register as an architect in the UK.
How You Study
In this course, students study the underlying concepts of architecture and the ways in which a building can meet the needs of its occupants and of society. They are encouraged to learn important drawing techniques, alongside computer-aided design (CAD), and hands-on modelling.
Histories and theories of architecture are introduced in the first year, along with design theory, processes and practices, building construction, and environmental design. In the second and third years, students are able to work on a series of independent and collaborative projects and shape their learning in line with their interests. These projects aim to prepare students for work in the industry.
The programme aims to bring out your creative potential, explore design processes, and lay a foundation of cultural and technical knowledge. Students have the opportunity to participate in practical explorations of materials and construction techniques which can lead to adventurous designs.
The course is designed to address the social, theoretical, and contextual issues of living in the contemporary city. Design projects aim to build confidence in responding with imagination, humanity, and concern for the environment.
As an architecture student, you will spend time in dedicated studio sessions during which you will develop your knowledge and skills. You will undertake projects through a blend of theoretical, practical, individual, and collaborative methods. Learning methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and directed studies. This may be augmented by site and live project visits when possible.
Facilities
Teaching takes place in bespoke studios, information technology suites, and workshops, which are equipped with a range of specialist resources including rapid prototyping, 3D printing, and laser-cutting equipment.
“My time at Lincoln has enhanced the meaning of architecture, allowing me to understand how it impacts people and place. The teaching has helped me to analyse opportunities and constraints in a much more rigorous way. The collaboration with my tutors gave me the support to allow me to succeed.”
Callum Pell, BArch (Hons) Architecture student
Features
RIBA Mentoring Scheme
Architecture at Lincoln is part of the well-established RIBA student mentoring scheme. Third-year students are paired with architects in the Midlands region and can gain experience over a series of days, providing opportunities for site visits to observe how architects work.
Industry Links
Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment has connections with regional and international companies, such as Lincoln City Council, Laing O'Rourke, and Foster + Partners. These can offer the opportunity to get involved in placements, live projects, site and factory visits, and events. Students may gain a hands-on understanding of construction, fabrication, procurement processes, manufacture, and materials. Furthermore, RIBA East Midlands can offer opportunities for continued professional development events.
Trips
As part of the course, you have an opportunity to be part of the Lincoln Architecture and Design Society which organises study and recreational events. The society is supported by academic staff and the Students' Union. The Society usually organises two trips per year - one regional and one international. There may be costs associated with trips.
In addition, there is the opportunity to take part in the well-established Erasmus programme, which enables you to study abroad as part of your course. Please note that students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking study abroad.
Modules
First Year
Buildable, Habitable Design (Core)
Contextual Design Projects (Core)
Design Process and Communication (Core)
History and Theory of Architecture and Design (Core)
Second Year
Architectural Design Projects (Core)
Design and Society (Core)
Integrated Design Project (Core)
Sustainable Design (Core)
Third Year
Architecture Research Projects (Core)
Comprehensive Design Project - Detailed Design (Core)
Comprehensive Design Project - Technical Studies (Core)
Outline Design Project (Core)
Professional Context (Core)
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
For this course, assessment is 100% by coursework each year. The way students are assessed may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports and projects, or reviews of creative output.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Methods of Assessment
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports and projects, or reviews of creative output. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
Standard workshop induction costs are usually covered by the University, as are some initial printing and material costs. However, depending on the media/materials chosen by the student, there may be additional material and printing costs incurred.
Mandatory field trip costs are covered by the University, but optional study visits which may include international trips or a student exchange programme, are at the student’s own expense.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
United Kingdom
A Levels: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications).
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Portfolio and Applications
While applicants do not usually attend an interview, they are required to submit a digital portfolio as part of their application. The digital portfolio is a multi-page PDF file that demonstrates the applicant's interest in architecture and design.
Applicants have the freedom to format the digital portfolio in a way that reflects their personality and inner creativity. The portfolio could include any kind of drawing, illustration, artwork, physical and virtual 3D models, photography, or any related work. Applicants need to caption their works and provide descriptions. It is recommended you include between 7 to 15 pieces of work in the portfolio.
Career Opportunities
The BArch (Hons) Architecture forms the first stage of a three-part programme of education and training for aspiring architects. The University of Lincoln also runs RIBA/ARB Parts 2 and 3 courses, which students must successfully complete to become a registered architect. Lincoln graduates work all over the world in public and private practice, in planning, housing, and design-based professions.
During the course, mock interviews take place to help students prepare for job interviews. There may also be the opportunity to receive portfolio advice.
