Architecture

Architecture is a field that shapes the world we live in. Architects are experts in the design of buildings and places, creating the spaces where we live, work, and play. They turn design ideas into real buildings, working with engineers, contractors, and other experts to build sustainable environments that are both useful and beautiful.

Our course offers a new way to learn about architecture, focusing on local ideas but also looking at a global perspective.

The programme is approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and provides students with the first step (Part One) in the three-step journey to becoming a qualified architect.

Throughout this course, we balance theory with practical skills to give you a complete architecture education. We focus on how architecture can meet people’s needs in a way that respects their culture, while also using the latest building technology and contemporary design ideas.

In our studio, you will learn a wide range of skills. These include freehand drawing, surveying, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), graphic composition and model making.

You will work in small groups to explore and develop your designs, and then you will have the chance to grow your critical and creative thinking skills and shape your own unique approach to design.

Architecture is about more than just designing buildings. It is about creating spaces that meet the needs of people, respect their culture, and fit the character and traditions of their communities. At the same time, it uses the best of new technology and the latest contemporary design ideas to improve the environment. This course will teach you how to combine all these elements into high-quality design.

Our program is the starting point of the professional path to becoming an architect. It sets the foundation for you to gain the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in the field of architecture. By studying with us, you will learn how to create spaces that are both imaginative and practical, and that respect and regenerate the environment around them.

We offer both undergraduate and postgraduate pathways in Architecture, allowing you to progress toward professional architect qualification all within one institution. You can choose to study either full-time or part-time depending on your needs.

Find out more about our Part-time  BSc (Hons) Architecture and Postgraduate MArch Architecture courses.

The BSc (Hons) Architecture degree is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is revising its registration requirements, removing the necessity of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. Consequently, ARB prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on December 31st, 2027. Students entering the BSc (Hons) Architecture degree course from September 2025 will graduate from June 2028, post the cessation of ARB prescription at Part 1. Therefore, their degree will not be an ARB-prescribed award. Nonetheless the programme will continue to map to the ARB criteria. Furthermore, the BSc (Hons) Architecture degree will continue to be validated by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will persist in validating architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2, and 3, which form the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.

Modules

Our architecture program is designed for aspiring architects and those interested in architecture and design. We emphasize a hands-on approach to learning through a sequence of design studio projects supported by contextual modules in technology, history, and business.

Year 1

Year 1 provides an introduction to the core competency of design in the three core studio modules that focus on: structures and materials; space and form and design skills. The parallel context modules lay the foundations of the body of key knowledge required by the architect construction technology, environmental design, architectural history and theory.  Essential skills required for HE programmes are introduced in the Modern World module.

• Architecture Studio 1A (Design Skills) (20 credits)

• Technology and Environment 1 (20 credits)

• The Modern World (20 credits)

• History and Theory 1 (20 credits)

• Architecture Studio 1B (Space and Form) (20 credits)

• Architecture Studio 1C (Structure and Materials) (20 credits)

Year 2

Year 2 further develops the skill and knowledge base introduced in the first year. Design studio are concerned with more complex buildings, groups of buildings and/or alterations to existing buildings. The technology and environment module deals with the construction of larger and more complex buildings.

The history and theory module includes research methods in addition to addressing more advanced theoretical issues and its coursework includes a proposal for the dissertation to be completed in the third year.

The second-year centres on the ideas of home and community, with design projects focusing on houses, flats, and neighbourhoods. Students will explore public buildings that support social life and gain insights into architectural history and basic construction law.

• Technology and Environment 2 (20 credits)

• History and Theory 2 (20 credits)

• Architecture Studio 2A (20 credits)

• Architecture Studio 2B (20 credits)

• Profession and Business 1 (20 credits)

• Architecture Studio 2C (20 credits)

Year 3

The final year design module deal with larger and more complex buildings and culminates in a comprehensive design project that integrates all aspects of the skills and knowledge addressed in the programme. Students complete the dissertation, and the second business and profession module prepares students for their transition into the world of practice.

• Architecture Studio 3B (20 credits)

• Profession and Business 2 (20 credits)

• Architecture Studio 3A (20 credits)

• Architecture Studio 3C (20 credits)

• Architecture Dissertation (40 credits)

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/programme-courses/undergraduate/civil-engineering-and-architecture/architecture-full-time-campus

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Royal Institute of British Architects