artists impression of a living bridge

BSc(Hons) Architecture (with Foundation Year)

Entry year
2025/26
Course code
K10F
Application
UCAS
Level
Undergraduate
School
School of Architecture and Environment
Tariff points
88
Campus
Frenchay
Duration
Four years
Delivery
Full-time
Programme leader
Sally Daniels

This course is open for applications

Introduction

Develop your professional portfolio and lay the foundations for your career on this exciting course with full Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) validation.

Accreditations and partnerships:

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.

Learn from 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.

Springpod Subject Spotlights video - try your course before you apply

UWE Bristol has partnered with Springpod, an online platform that provides immersive career and education opportunities. On this platform, you can sign up and log in to watch a Subject Spotlight video for our undergraduate Architecture courses. The video is entitled Redefining sustainability in architecture and the built environment. In this highly topical Subject Spotlight, Louise Ciotti explores environmental justice and redefining sustainability in architecture.

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.

In order to register as an Architect in the UK, you'll need to have completed Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 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 (Laurence Cole, 2023 Architecture graduate).

Structure

Content

The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.

Year zero (foundation year)

You'll study:

  • Foundation Engineering
  • Foundation Mathematics for the Built Environment
  • Foundation Design Studio
  • Foundation Design Communication
  • Context of Design and Development.

You normally need to pass all modules in your foundation year before going into Year one.

Year one

You'll study:

  • Design Studio 1
  • Healthy and Responsible Architecture
  • History of Architecture
  • Low Carbon Structures.

Year two

You'll study:

  • Architectural Technology and Environment 2
  • Architecture and Design Studio 2
  • Design Representation
  • Histories and Theories of Architecture
  • Research and Design Strategies.

International Academic Placement Year (if applicable)

If you take the International Academic Placement Year, you'll spend a year away from the University studying overseas at one of our partner universities. You'll also complete the International Academic Placement Year module before returning for your final year.

Final year

You'll study:

  • Advanced Technology and Environment 3
  • Architecture and Design Studio 3
  • Collaborative Practice
  • Dissertation
  • 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'll 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.

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.

See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Socialise and learn

Attend guest lectures, field-trips, live projects and social events with like-minded students in the UWE Bristol Architecture Society.

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 need three academic qualifications and two years of relevant practice. You'll need an ARB/RIBA Part 1 qualification (three year long undergraduate level) and to follow that with an ARB/RIBA part 2 qualification (two year long postgraduate level). You'll also need to complete two years of experience in practice (one of which can be between parts 1and 2) and you'll then need to do an ARB/RIBA Part 3 qualification.

You can 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

See our full glossary of assessment terms.

Features

Professional accreditation

This course is 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.

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the statutory regulator for architects in the UK and sets the education and registration requirements for anyone wishing to practice and use the title ‘architect’ in the UK. They do this by accrediting qualifications required for registration as an architect. 

Following a statutory consultation in 2023, ARB has published changed educational requirements necessary for registration as an architect which will come into force from December 2027. Currently, and up until December 2027, UK graduates wishing to register as an architect will need to have an ARB accredited Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualification, alongside relevant work experience. From 31 December 2027 ARB will only accredit Master’s level qualifications (Level 7 in England, Level 11 in Scotland) and the professional diploma which follows. This means that from 2028 an undergraduate Level 6 qualification in architecture will not be required for registration as an architect in the UK.

This course is currently prescribed by ARB at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. Students entering this course in September 2025 will graduate after December 2027 and will therefore graduate after the proposed end date for ARB prescription at Part 1 and their degree will not be a prescribed ARB award. This will not impact any student’s ability to complete qualification as a UK registered architect, as ARB will continue to accredit academic awards at master’s level only.

This degree is currently, and will continue to be, subject to validation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.

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 school 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.

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

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*

Supplementary fee information

*The UK Government recently proposed that tuition fees for Home students will increase by 3.1% to £9,535 from 1st August 2025. This increase is subject to Parliamentary approval and the vote is expected to take place later this year.

Any tuition fee which is impacted by this change will be updated following approval.

Please see GOV.UK for further 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.

Learn more about costs.

Entry

Typical offers

  • Tariff points: 88
  • Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
  • GCSE: 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:

    International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 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.
  • Access: No specific subjects required.
  • Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
  • Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
  • Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required.

Entry requirements

If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Architecture.

International applicants

If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to Year one of the degree.

Read more about entry requirements.

How to apply

Read more about undergraduate applications.

For further information

Unistats

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