Architecture BA(Hons)

During your first year you will be introduced to architecture through a series of smaller projects in a range of locations. You’ll begin to understand the language of architecture and the anatomy of buildings as you apply practical and conceptual skills to develop user-centred proposals, developing your understanding of the principles of sustainable and regenerative design.  

You’ll consider structure, form, space and light in architectural composition and gain a basic understanding of different structural and environmental approaches to building. You will enhance your drawing, making and digital skills and be introduced to techniques which you will apply throughout the course. We'll equip you with an overview of context, history and theory, with a special focus on ethical practices, professionalism and collaboration.   

Modules

Habitation 1

On this introductory module you will explore the connection between people, place and nature, issues of locality, materiality, identity and concepts of settlement, shelter and habitation.      

You will start a journey of learning the histories and theories of architecture and urban design and their influence on design practice. 

Environment 1

You will learn about the anatomy of a building, structure and form. The focus is on user-centred design, and how structures, technology and environmental considerations influence architecture. 

Community 1

You will explore issues of designing for public buildings and spaces in an urban context, thinking about meeting the needs of society sustainably.  

Your journey through the histories and theories of architecture and urban design will continue and help you to develop your research and reasoning skills. 

Practice 1

In this module you will be introduced to a range of professional contexts. You will explore the teams that are involved in the realising of built projects, and will work and design collaboratively, drawing and making at a larger scale. You will also deepen your understanding of structures, form and forces in the built environment. 

In the second year you’ll develop your technical and conceptual skills as you take on larger-scale design projects. You will develop confidence in the application of artistic practice and technical skills, gaining an understanding of the regulatory requirements of professional practice and you will carry out your own practice research.   

You'll learn to create designs that respond to the varied needs of users and continue developing a personal ethical basis for design decisions, with emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion and concern for both natural and built environments. 

Modules

Habitation 2

You will explore matters of social sustainability, inclusion and participation within an urban or rural context and in response to social needs for a housing project.   

Environment 2

You will undertake a deeper exploration into sustainable project strategies and the specific technical challenges of the building materials, assembly and the synthesis of technological and aesthetic requirements. 

Community 2

You will respond to a larger, more complex site for a community or public building and public realm project in an urban context. You will have the opportunity to develop your own spatial brief and your own architectural language through artistic practice, refining your critical thinking and writing skills.    

Practice 2

You will develop your knowledge, understanding and application of ethical professional practice context, regulatory frameworks and the identification and management of risk.   

There will be an opportunity to study modes of professional practice including new models, and to carry out practice research either through an independently sourced work placement or campus-based research. 

In your final year you will undertake two design projects; focusing your learning and ability to combine technical, ethical practice and aesthetic requirements in response to a brief.  

The first project will test your definition of what architecture is or can be, and allows you to experiment with visual communication.  

Your Dissertation or Practical Submission with Critical Essay builds on the academic research and critical writing skills developed over the course. By the end of the year, you'll be a strong communicator visually and verbally, and will have built a comprehensive portfolio highlighting all your skills.  

Modules

Synthesis 1

You will undertake an experimental exploration of architecture derived from both built and natural environments, strongly focused on sensory design, cultural identity, sustainable and regenerative practice. 

Dissertation

There are two possible pathways for you to choose from for the dissertation, both covering academic research and critical writing set within a broad thematic framework for you to develop your own enquiry supported by your tutors: 

Pathway 1 Dissertation   

This is presented as a written and illustrated submission of 5,000 words (+/- 10%), supported by a 300-word abstract/research statement and a full bibliography.  

Pathway 2 Practical Submission and Critical Essay  

This is presented as a portfolio of your research output and a written and illustrated submission of 2,000 words (+/- 10%) supported by a 300-word abstract/research statement and a full bibliography. 

Synthesis 2

The final project comprises a larger scale building within an urban context as a comprehensive design project and consolidates all your design, technical and communication skills. 

Practice 3

In preparation for your next stage of career development, you will demonstrate your practice knowledge through a written report and the culmination of your design communication and representation skills will be exemplified in an employment portfolio and exhibition panel. There is also an opportunity to participate in a practice mentoring scheme.