A 2D design of a construction project with buildings and trees.

BA(Hons) Architecture and Planning

Entry year
2024/25
Course code
KK14
Application
UCAS
Level
Undergraduate
School
School of Architecture and Environment
Tariff points
136
Campus
Frenchay
Duration
Four years
Delivery
Full-time
Programme leader
Allison Dutoit and Dr Elahe Karimnia

This course is open for applications

Page last updated 19 February 2024

Introduction

This degree is unique because it's accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

Accreditations and partnerships:

Why study architecture and planning?

Applying architectural design to city planning creates more humane and sustainable environments.

A new kind of designer is emerging one who understands planning and architecture, while responding to people, context and sustainability needs.

There is a high demand for highly creative architect-planners who are able to design from the scale of a door-handle to a city.

Why UWE Bristol?

This degree is unique because it's accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

This is one of five courses that cover different specialisms in architecture. We produce sought-after graduates with specialist knowledge and the skill to create exciting buildings.

The degree will build your creativity and develop your talent for finding solutions to a full range of realistic briefs. It will show you how to integrate technology seamlessly into design ideas and give you the confidence and skills to work in top architecture and planning practices. 

Gain broad-based knowledge and skills in architecture and planning. Work on conceptual and practical projects across different themes.

Learn computer-assisted design (CAD), drawing, modelling and mapping. Assess urban design on day trips and residential field trips.

Study in Europe for a year on our established exchange programme and gain valuable real-world experience that increases your employability.

Apply your learning on a year-long project combining the masterplanning of a complex urban area with rigorous brief development and research, all leading to a final architectural design project.

Work on a six-week agency project in an architect's office, local planning authority, or other appropriate organisation. Collaborate with students across related disciplines in an approach reflecting industry.

Where can it take me?

With a joint professional qualification, you'll be sought after by employers in the UK and abroad.

As a graduate, you'll be ready for a career as an architect, architect-planner, urban designer, conservationist or town planner with a background in design.

Take a look at our online yearbook of student projects from our architecture and product design courses.

In order to register as an Architect in the UK, you'll need to have completed Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications as identified on the ARB list of accredited qualifications.  Please contact us if you need advice about accredited qualifications and qualifying as an Architect in the UK.

The image above shows the fantastic work from one of our students (Charlie Woollerson, 2023 Architecture and Planning graduate).

Structure

Content

Year one

You will study:

  • Design Studio 1
  • Healthy and Responsible Architecture
  • Healthy Sustainable Communities
  • History of Architecture.

Year two

You will study:

  • Design Representation
  • Future Places
  • History of Architecture
  • Research and Design Strategies
  • Studio 2.

Year three

You will study:

  • Collaborative Practice
  • Design Studio 3
  • Dissertation
  • Planning Global Cities
  • Planning Theory.

Final year

You will study:

  • Agency Project A
  • Design Studio 4
  • Integrated Practice Studio
  • Theories of Architecture and Design.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Learning and Teaching

This course is project-led and taught mainly in studios. Learn through lectures, seminars, laboratory work, tutorials and computer-based techniques. 

Work on a variety of conceptual and pragmatic projects, culminating with a year-long special study project in your final year. This combines rigorous research with a fully integrated architectural design project.

Explore techniques including computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, modelling and mapping.

Collaborate with undergraduates from other disciplines within the School. This encourages mutual respect and understanding of professionals you may work alongside in practice. It also develops your presentation, negotiation, communication and delegation skills.

Attend regular presentations from visiting practitioners and guest lecturers so you can learn about industry challenges and best practice.

Complete a project based in an architect's office, a local planning authority, or other appropriate organisation to learn about current practice in architecture and planning.

See our glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:

YearScheduled learning and teaching studyIndependent studyPlacement study
144%56%0%
235%65%0%
338%62%0%
440%60%0%

*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year

Socialise and volunteer

Attend guest lectures, field-trips, live projects and social events with like-minded students in the UWE Bristol Architecture Society and Engineers without Borders. There's also a new student-led Planning@UWE Bristol Group.

Become a student rep and sit on a range of committees at University and school level, where you can influence decisions that affect your learning experience.

Extra-curricular activities contribute greatly to your personal development and are viewed favourably by potential employers.

Showcase your work

In your final year, showcase your work to prospective employers and the public at the annual degree show.

Take a look at some of our students' exhibits on Tumblr and in our online showcase.

Study time

When you start this course you'll register for six years of full-time study so you can complete a full architectural education.

After four years you'll complete the BA(Hons) Architecture and Planning (RIBA Part 1) and then spend a year in an architectural practice.

You'll then go on to the BArch/MA (RIBA Part 2) course, which is two years full-time but can also be taken part-time.

Assessment

You should expect mix of coursework and exams, which assess what you know and can do and help you develop the confidence and skills that employers' value.

Support is available if you have difficulties with numeracy, IT, literacy and study skills.

Learn more about assessments.

Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:

YearWritten exam assessmentCoursework assessmentPractical exam assessment
112%88%0%
212%88%1%
30%94%6%
40%97%3%

*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year

Features

Professional accreditation

It's recognised by both the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). It gives exemptions from RIBA Part 1 exams.

It's accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) to show it provides the academic qualifications you need to enter the planning profession. It's also accredited by the Board of Architects Malaysia.

Placements

Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.

To give you a broader perspective on architecture and planning, there are opportunities to study overseas for one year on our well-established exchange programme.

You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from department staff and our award-winning careers service.

At the end of your fourth year, you'll complete a six-week agency project. You could be based in an architect's office, a local planning authority or another appropriate organisation.

You'll also gain experience and develop your portfolio with a series of live briefs, working with the community and Architecture Centre in Bristol.

Fieldwork

We arrange day trips so you can visit study locations and meet people that can inform your work. We also arrange residential field trips locally, nationally and internationally.

Study facilities

Learn in a modern, well-equipped facilities, including award-winning design studios.

Study and collaborate on group assignments in our dedicated Project Room.

Develop computer-aided design (CAD), model-making, design and drawing skills in collaborative workshops.

Create architectural models using laser cutters, computerised routers, artificial sky and wind tunnels, or in our wood, metal and concrete workshops.

Conduct spatial enquiries and analyse data using industry-standard geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical software in our computer labs.

Get support for photography, digital imaging, filming and sound recording from our audio-visual group.   

This mix of traditional and highly creative learning environments enables you to learn essential knowledge and real-world skills, standing you in good stead for your professional career.

Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.

Take a Virtual Tour of the Architecture facilities and see what's on offer here for you.

Life

Accommodation

An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.

Bristol

A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.

Sports, societies and activities

There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.

Health and Wellbeing

We provide support in the way you need it.

Campus and facilities

Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.

Careers

Careers / Further study

With accreditation from RIBA and RTPI, you'll graduate ready for a career as an architect, architect-planner, urban designer, conservationist or town planner.

If you choose to become an architect, you'll be able to draw on your knowledge of planning aims and techniques. This will give greater perspective and focus to your work.

Get inspired

Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.

We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.

Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.

See also:

Prospects - careers in property and construction

The Guardian - what to do with a degree in architecture

Fees

Supplementary fee information

Additional costs

Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.

Learn more about costs.

Entry

Typical offers

  • Tariff points: 136
  • Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6.0 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

    *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.

  • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
  • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.

    For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.

  • Access: No specific subjects required.
  • Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
  • Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
  • T Levels: No specific subjects required.

Entry requirements

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for BA(Hons) Architecture and Planning (with Foundation Year).

International applicants

For country specific entry requirements please find your country on the country information pages. If you are an international student and do not meet the academic requirements to study this course, you can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.

If you are applying to study at UWE Bristol and require additional support to meet our English language requirements, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.

Read more about entry requirements.

How to apply

Read more about undergraduate applications.

Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.

For further information

Unistats

UWE Main Campus

Full Time