BA (Hons) Architecture

Teaching & Learning

Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through several modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.

Year 1

What you'll learn

AC1.1 Architectural Context

We will introduce you to the history and theory of art and architecture, investigating how cultural influences have impacted the industry.

AC1.2 Architectural Context

A broad foundation of architectural histories, including key architectural movements and architects, will provide the framework for you to analyse, evaluate, observe, speculate and anticipate how historical developments have catalysed design.

AT1.1 Architectural Technology

Gain an insight into the key principles of sustainability, structure, construction, and environmental science to understand the fundamental elements of building.

AT1.2 Architectural Technology

Explore the constraints and possibilities presented by constructional, environmental, and structural issues related to making thorough investigations.

AD1.1 Architectural Design

We will encourage you to think creatively about design. You will do this through a series of research, investigative, and practical projects.

AD1.2 Architectural Design

An introduction to the architectural design of more complex spaces, including buildings. This module will allow you to describe architectural space and understand ways in which space may be created.

DC1 Design Communication

Using a broad toolkit of techniques and approaches, you will develop the skills necessary for the detailed exploration and communication of architectural design ideas.

Year 2

What you'll learn

AC2.1 Architectural Context

An opportunity to build your knowledge of architectural history and theoretical issues related to urban planning, community, and the city.

AC2.2 Architectural Context

Explore the history of cities in their multiple states of development. Gain insight into real situations cities face, such as competitions, threats, disasters, wars, expansions, divisions, migrations, dilemmas, controversies, and demises.

AT2.1 Architectural Technology

Study modern technologies used in different types of buildings. Record, analyze, and appraise technological strategies relevant to work undertaken in the design studio.

AT2.2 Architectural Technology

Demonstrate your understanding of technological issues and establish strategies for use in your AD2.2 design project. Continue developing knowledge of architectural technologies, research skills, and visual presentation.

AD2.1 Architectural Design

Examine principles and precedents of structure, enclosure, and materiality through short, design-led research projects. Develop a larger-scale architectural proposition as part of an urban intervention strategy. Engage creatively with art, culture, social aspects, technology, and materiality of place.

AD2.2 Architectural Design

Develop an architectural proposition at a larger scale than AD2.1, focusing on urban intervention strategy, critical thinking, and narrative development. Progress proposals creatively with an emphasis on art, culture, social aspects, technology, and the materiality of place.

DC2 Design Communication

Develop skills in two and three-dimensional techniques, including specific computer-aided design packages used in industry. Critically engage with visualization, communication, and design development techniques alongside the AD2.1 design module, using a variety of graphic and technical means.

PS1 Professional Studies

Introduce wider roles of the architect beyond standalone design. Consider the architect's role within the design team, and understand the roles of associated industries and clients and their complex interrelations. Develop an understanding of regulatory systems, climate literacy, and life safety.

Year 3

What you'll learn

AC3 Architectural Context

Focus your studies on a particular area of architecture that interests you. Benefit from lectures by speakers whose work relates to design studio themes.

AT3.1 Architectural Technology

Build on knowledge gained in your first and second years, focusing on the transition from synthesis to practical application. Your work will inform your design studio project.

AT3.2 Architectural Technology

Examine and articulate detailed technological solutions implemented within your concurrent design project.

PS2 Professional Studies

Reinforce knowledge of industries, organisations, regulations, and procedures involved in translating design concepts into buildings. Understand how cost control integrates into design.

AD3.1 Architectural Design

Develop a comprehensive building design by resolving a proposal exploring technological and professional issues. Enhance drawing and making skills through workshops in casting, rendering, detailed large-scale model-making, digital design, and photographic techniques.

AD3.2 Architectural Design

Present a finished scheme of appropriate scale and complexity supported by investigations from AD3.1. Your proposal should establish how strategic ideas translate into physical, material form at both strategic and detailed levels.

Course learning outcomes have been mapped against:

• Eleven professional education objectives are set out in the EU Professional Qualifications Directive 2005 (Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and the Council for the Recognition of Professional Qualifications, article 46 1a-k)

• Current Architects Registration Board Criteria for Prescription of Qualifications for Part 1 Programmes in Architecture

• Current Royal Institute of British Architects Validation Criteria for Part 1 Programmes in Architecture

• Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Subject Benchmark in Architecture. For the Part 1 qualification, these Learning Outcomes are embedded within the ARB/RIBA criteria for qualification prescription and programme validation and are identified as the General Criteria and the General Attributes.

At level 4, students are expected to possess a solid grasp of foundational conceptual principles in architecture and understand how these concepts can be interpreted and applied to support developing arguments within their work. They should demonstrate the ability to evaluate suitable solutions to architectural problems and effectively communicate their arguments in a structured manner. This level emphasizes the beginning of critical thinking and structured communication in architectural discourse.

At level 5, students demonstrate a deeper, critical understanding of the key principles and underlying concepts in architecture. They are capable of applying this knowledge more broadly and evaluating the appropriateness of different approaches to problem-solving in architectural contexts. Students at this level are proficient in using established techniques to initiate and conduct critical analyses of information, enabling them to propose informed and effective solutions to architectural challenges. This level also emphasizes personal responsibility and decision-making in architectural practice.

Level 6 represents an advanced stage where students have developed a systematic understanding of key issues in architecture. They have honed analytical techniques and problem-solving skills, which they can effectively apply and communicate to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. At this level, students are adept at devising and critically evaluating arguments supported by primary research. They excel in identifying and implementing appropriate solutions to complex architectural problems and are capable of making nuanced decisions. Completion of level 6 equips students with the learning agility necessary for undertaking further postgraduate training, including pursuing qualifications such as the ARB/RIBA Part 2 in architecture.

This course provides the first step in becoming an architect and also offers an excellent grounding in design. As well as progressing to further studies in architecture, graduates have taken up a variety of careers, from virtual game design, product design and psychology to project management. To become a fully-qualified architect takes seven years and we offer the professional body recognition that will enable you to advance your studies and progress to professional accreditation. To fully qualify as an architect, you will need to complete a MArch (Master of Architecture), giving exemption from Part 2 of the RIBA Examination in Architecture. You will then complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Professional Practice, giving exemption from Part 3.

• Architect
• Architectural Technologist
• Interior and Spatial Designer
• Building Surveyor