Architecture Degrees Online

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this course should show evidence of design aptitude and skill through a portfolio of work. An average tarriff point offer is 300 points and three A2 Levels.

Applicants with a BTEC NC in Construction with five merits at Level 3 or an HNC in Construction are also welcome to apply.

Appropriate GNVQs at Level 3 or above are also acceptable.

Mature applicants without the normal requirements should have relevant study and/or work experience (such as in engineering, fine art, etc.)

Applicants for the part-time course may be eligible for up to 60 credits Advanced Standing and are required to be employed in architectural practice or other appropriate design practice.

Suitable applicants are invited to open days.

Careers
Graduates will normally proceed to or continue with employment as an assistant in architectural practice as part of, or preparation for, the University’s Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture which provides exemption from Part 2 of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ examinations. A BA (Honours) Architecture is also an excellent qualification for movement into related design fields, journalism, academia and further study at Masters level.

Course Content

This modular course is structured into design projects and subject groups in an increasing level of complexity.
Level Four (first year of full-time study) is a foundation which introduces students to the subjects of architectural history, design theory, environmental design and technology, communication skills and design practice.
Level Five explores and develops wider issues and emphasises design process and design through history, theory, technology and professional practice studies.
Level Six includes design projects which emphasise independent judgement to define issues and set and resolve problems with competence and conviction. It also includes the Special Study which is a major illustrated piece of research into an architectural subject. Architectural history, theory and technology studies inform the design studio.

The majority of learning is through project work and assignments, supported by lectures, seminars, independent study, visits and specialist events. A wide variety of study visits are offered in course programmes.

Study Commitment (Part-Time)
Attendance is on one day with one evening per week. Transfer to or from the full-time mode is possible at any point in the course by negotiation.

Assessment
There are assignments and course work in subjects. Project work is assessed by portfolio review both periodically and in summary at each year end.

This course is the first stage of education in the training of an architect. It aims to establish an informed understanding of architecture, its role in society, its cultural, artistic, technical and practical aspects, and their relationship to design and creativity.

Professional recognition : the course gives exemption from Part 1 of the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) examinations.

This course has a natural progression on to the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture and students are encouraged to apply to continue their studies. Graduates will gain the traditional skills in design creativity coupled with professional responsibility and have the knowledge and judgement to resolve complex problems. The course promotes architectural design through a continuous series of projects and contextual studies. Student choice and variety is offered through exploratory projects and studio teaching methods.

Design studies are a central feature of the course and act as the very hub of student development throughout the programme through set design projects and studio-based tutoring and seminars.