BSc(Hons)
Architecture
This course is open for applications.
About this course
- Entry year:
- 2020/21
- Course code:
- K100
- Applications:
- UCAS
- Level:
- Undergraduate
- Tariff points:
- 144
- Department:
- Architecture and the Built Environment
- Campus:
- Frenchay
- Duration:
- Three years
- Delivery:
- Full-time
- Programme leader:
- Anna Nikolaidou
- Key fact:
- Develop your professional portfolio and lay the foundations for your career on this exciting course with full Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accreditation.
Page last updated 5 September 2019
Introduction
Why study architecture?
Architecture is constantly evolving, and an architect's role is to respond and adapt to change.
There is always a need for professionals who can provide well-considered and creative solutions to a range of problems within the building industry.
Whether you'll focus on sustainability, artistic concepts, detail design or simple ideas, a solid understanding of materials, methods and technology will allow you to find and provide effective solutions.
Why UWE Bristol?
BSc(Hons) Architecture teaches you the theoretical, historical, environmental, technological and professional factors influencing architecture.
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.
Be taught by industry-experienced lecturers and visiting tutors, many of whom run their own architectural practices.
Investigate the design, refurbishment, use and re-use of existing and new build structures with an emphasis on building technology. Produce creative solutions from artistic concepts through to detail design.
Develop your design skills and explore computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, modelling, and mapping as well as structural and environmental strategies to support activity. Create an impressive portfolio of design projects, many with real clients and sites.
Assess and review architecture on day trips and residential field trips in the UK and abroad. Gain real-world experience on internships and graduate ready for the next step in your professional studies.
Use your theoretical and hands-on skills to explore, develop and finely craft architectural design solutions.
Where can it take me?
You'll be expected to work for an architectural practice for a year before joining a Part 2 course. Our Part 2 course, the MArch, ranks among the top 20 in the UK.
When you graduate, your strong analytical and problem-solving skills will make you desirable to employers and you'll be prepared for a wide range of careers.
Take a look at our online yearbook of student projects from our architecture and product design courses.
Watch: The learning and teaching experience
Accreditations and partnerships:
Structure
Content
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Year one
You will study:
- Design Studio 1
- Investigating Structures
- Making of Place.
Year two
You will study:
- Architecture and Design Studio 2
- Design Representation
- Research and Design Strategies
- History of Architecture
- Architectural Technology and Environment 2.
Final year
You will study:
- Architecture and Design Studio 3
- Advanced Technology and Environment 3
- Collaborative Practice
- Theories of Architecture and their Application to Design
- Dissertation.
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
The teaching staff provide a friendly environment for learning. They actively engage in research and professional practice to make sure you know about the latest ideas and business drivers.
The 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 CAD, drawing, modelling and mapping.
Collaborate with undergraduates from other disciplines within the department. 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.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 44% | 56% | 0% |
| 2 | 36% | 64% | 0% |
| 3 | 33% | 67% | 0% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Socialise and learn
Attend guest lectures, field-trips, live projects and social events with like-minded students in the UWE Bristol Architecture Society and Engineers without Borders.
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
To become a qualified architect, you'll need to study full-time for five years.
After three years, you'll have a BSc(Hons) in Architecture. You should then spend a year working in an architectural practice to build up your practical experience.
You can then complete our M(Arch) (RIBA Part 2) course full-time or part-time.
Assessment
You should expect a range of assessment methods, with a balance between coursework and exams.
Throughout the course, you'll develop your creative portfolio through design projects, many with real clients and sites. After assessment, this portfolio becomes valuable evidence of your skills that you can present to potential employers.
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12% | 88% | 0% |
| 2 | 6% | 94% | 0% |
| 3 | 3% | 91% | 6% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year
Features
Professional accreditation
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The accreditation confirms that this course gives you the right knowledge, understanding and skills to become an architect.
Placements
Students who get work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you highly employable on graduation.
Throughout the course, you'll develop your portfolio with a series of design projects. Some will be live briefs, working with the community and Architecture Centre in Bristol.
We strongly encourage you to gain additional work experience through relevant work or internships during vacations.
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 modern, well-equipped department facilities, including our award-winning design studios.
Study and collaborate on group assignments in our dedicated Project Room.
Develop CAD, model-making, design and drawing skills in integrated studios.
Create architectural models with the assistance of laser cutters, computerised routers and wind tunnels or in our wood, metal and concrete workshops.
Conduct spatial enquiries and analyse data using industry-standard geographic information system (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.
Careers
Careers / Further study
After graduating this Part 1 course, it's standard practice to work for an architectural practice for a year to gain experience before joining a Part 2 course.
Our Part 2 course, the MArch, ranks among the top 20 in the UK. It's two years full-time but can be taken part-time.
If you don't continue your studies, you'll have developed strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with an analytical focus. These qualities are sought after by employers and can be applied in a wide range of careers.
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.
Fees
Full time course
| Fees | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Home/EU-Full Time-Annual (Per Year) Fee | 9250 |
| Home/EU-Full Time-Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1156 |
| International-Full Time-Annual (Per Year) Fee | 13500 |
| International-Full Time-Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1688 |
| Offshore-Full Time-Annual (Per Year) Fee | 9250 |
| Offshore-Full Time-Module Fee (15 Credit) | 1156 |
Indicative Additional Costs
| Fees | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Additional Course Costs - Full Time - Home/EU - Indicative Maximum Cost Per year | 325 |
Supplementary fee information
Additional costs
This refers to 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.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 144
- A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required. Please list the units you are taking in your application. For further advice on acceptable units please email us.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
- Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
- GCSE subjects: Grade C/4 in English Literature or Language and Mathematics, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs.
- English Language Requirement:
If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For this course, in the British Council International English Language Test (IELTS) we normally require an overall score of 6.5 and not less than 6.0 in each component.
All applicants will also require:
We recognise the individual nature of each application and our typical offer should be viewed as a guide. UWE Bristol welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. We will consider evidence of your relevant personal, professional or educational experience where it demonstrates an ability and potential to succeed on the course. Please include details of any relevant experience in your application.
Entry requirements
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Architecture (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.
For further information
- Email: admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333