Architecture BA(Hons)
Get hands on experience from the moment you arrive. Whether working independently or in small groups, you'll always be supported by our expert team of qualified and practicing architects.
Key details
| Location | Falmouth Campus |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | 1G80 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Introduction
Discover and define your identity as an architect through developing your own briefs – focussing on the importance of place in architecture and how it works in harmony with location.
You will:
- Have the opportunity to take on a three-week work placement in your second year.
- Work on socially engaged live build projects; in your first year you’ll work collaboratively to design and build a structure for clients like the Eden Project.
- Be studio based, and learn in an environment of collaboration, reflecting industry practice.
- Be able to attend guest lectures from specialists across the industry.
The course is ARB part 1 prescribed and RIBA part 1 validated.
What our students do
Titanic Collaboration with the Maritime Museum
Falmouth University staff and students have assisted in the creation of two replica lifeboats...
MJ Long Inspires Architecture Students
Visiting Professor of Architecture MJ Long has been sharing her expertise with first year...
Future Modes of Practice Symposium
Architecture students discussed the future of architectural practice at a recent two-day...
Students Create Sustainable Wind Shelter
First-year Architecture students have created a sustainable wind shelter for the Mount Hawke Eco...
Architecture Students Working to Create New Community Hub
Architecture students are working with All Saints Highertown Church and local architects Lily...
Course details
What you'll learn
You’ll apply drawing, 2D and 3D CAD design, model-making, surveying and writing to architectural projects, as you develop critical thinking and creative problem solving skills. On top of sharing your ideas in active debates, you’ll learn collaborative and organisational skills with group design projects. And by speaking to relevant bodies, organisations, local people and proposed user groups, you’ll develop comprehensive and appropriate design outcomes.
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You'll get to grips with the language of architecture as you apply practical and conceptual skills to develop user-centred design outcomes. You'll also look at community issues and explore the structure of how things are made.
Modules
Place - Issues of locality, materiality and identity
People - User-centred design and introduction to core skills of drawing/model making
Community - Issues of collective living and working
Structure - Exploration of how ‘things' work and are made
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You’ll develop your technical and conceptual skills as you take on larger-scale design projects. On top of considering the environmental issues in sustainable development, you’ll explore 'housing' in the broadest sense. We’ll also encourage you to take on erasmus exchanges and placements.
Modules
Context - larger scale design projects
Environment - issues of sustainable development
Habitation - 'housing' in the broadest sense
Practice
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Your independent exploratory project will test your definition of what architecture is or can be - supported by a critical and theoretical view in your dissertation. You'll then complete the course with a comprehensive major project highlighting all your skills.
Modules
Independent Exploratory Project
Dissertation
Final Major Project
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
How you'll learn
From our studio-based learning environment, to placements, industry visits and competition briefs, your project work will connect you with local, national and international issues.
You’ll take part in active debates and group design projects, and visit local boat builders, stone masons, shipyards and sculptors. You’ll even engage in design and build construction as you develop a practical understanding to support your future career.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study | Placements |
1 | 30% | 70% | 0% |
2 | 28% | 72% | 0% |
3 | 17% | 83% | 0% |
How you'll be assessed
Year | Written exams | Practical exams | Coursework |
1 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
2 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
Assessment methods
- Verbal and visual presentations to core teaching staff, visiting critics and your peers.
- Final-year projects and dissertation.
Staff
You’ll be taught by qualified architects alongside practitioners from fields like structures, services, conservation, law, planning, landscape, business, and management. With industry and academic experience, they ensure compliance with the latest regulatory frameworks and practice.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.
Tom Ebdon
Tom Ebdon joined Falmouth University in 2014 to head up the new BA(Hons) Architecture...
Frances Crow
I am a qualified architect who has worked in practice since 1998. Following my training at...
Janie Hinton
I am a qualified architect, a member of the ARB and RIBA, and I have worked in practice for...
Laurence North
I have worked at Falmouth University for almost 25 years, during this time I have worked ...
Facilities
- Dedicated workshops featuring 3D and bronze casting foundry, printmaking, paint preparation, laser cutting and rapid prototyping.
- Digital imaging.
- Studio accommodation.
- Video and photography.
- Library with 140,000 books, 17,000 DVDs/videos, and over 400 journal titles.
- Archives including radio, slides, pictures and maps.
How to apply
Entry requirements
- GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
- 120 - 136 UCAS points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications like A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
Check how many points your qualifications are worth
We’ll also consider you based on your individual merit and potential. So get in touch if:
- You’re predicted points below our requirements
- You’re thinking about transferring from another institution
- You have other qualifications or professional experience
Language requirements
GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
We also accept qualifications equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Apply via UCAS
Enter these codes at UCAS Apply and Track
- University code F33
- Course code 1G80
Deadlines
UK/EU applications: 15 January
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply after the deadline. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Next steps
Once you’ve applied, you’ll receive a Falmouth Applicant Portal login, where you’ll find more details about these requirements.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Has observational and developmental drawing abilities.
- Shows clear communication skills.
- Has a critical understanding and contextual awareness of drawing and the visual arts.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees 2019-20
£9,250 - full-time UK/EU
£15,000 - full-time international
Typical course costs
- £450-£850 - Recurring annual costs
- £200-£300 - One-off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)
- £900 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page