Architecture (with Foundation Year)

Your Foundation Year will introduce you to the skills you’ll need to prepare you for your future studies. From perfecting freehand drawing and sketchbook use to learning about materials and fabrication, you’ll gain practical experience through real-world briefs and develop your confidence in presenting your ideas.

You’ll be exposed to diverse aspects of architectural design, linking sustainability and urban design with business practice. This course will equip you with skills and knowledge to tackle contemporary issues related to the built environment, exploring the design, human, professional and technical influences needed to pursue a successful career in architecture.

Reflecting modern architectural practice, our studio culture encourages you to work collaboratively, share experiences and experiment with ideas. You’ll learn the art of creative communication through drawing, model-making and 3D visualisation in our industry-standard design studios and materials workshops.

Key Features

• Accredited Route | Successful completion of this course is the first step to becoming a qualified architect, satisfying the educational requirements needed for your RIBA Part 1 qualification.

• Dedicated Creative Spaces | Benefit from the latest facilities in our multipurpose studios where you'll work with equipment including bandsaws and sanders, 2D and 3D hot-wire cutting and vacuum forming machinery, milling machines, lathes, drills and more to develop your conceptual, sketch and presentation models.

• Real Briefs | You'll take part in live design projects, with creative briefs from real clients. Students have previously worked with RIBA East Midlands, Flo Skatepark and local charity Growin' Spaces on design briefs and installations.

• Exhibitions and Degree Shows | Exhibit your work at our annual final year degree show and Architecture Exchange event, attended by architecture professionals, industry experts and potential employers.

• Mentoring Opportunities | Take advantage of our final year mentoring programme. Recently our students have worked alongside the RIBA and local practices such as Leonard Design Architects, Buckenham & Co and Franklin Ellis Architects.

Key Statistics

• Top 1 Ranking | Architecture at NTU is ranked 1st in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025).

• Top 1 Ranking | NTU is 1st for the number of UG students studying Architecture, building and planning (HESA, 2021/22).

• Top 2 Ranking | NTU is the 2nd most sustainable university in the world (UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023).

Throughout the course, modules will cover a variety of subjects, a few examples include: Exploring Design, Materials and Making, Design Studio, Technology and Environment in Architecture, Architecture in Context, Interdisciplinary Design Studies, and Comprehensive Design Studio. To view the full list of modules, visit the course page: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/course/architecture-design-and-the-built-environment/ug/architecture-with-foundation-year

You will be assessed through a mix of coursework and practical work. Coursework will make up the majority of your assessment and consists of group and individual projects, reports, presentations and a portfolio. Year One Coursework 100% Year Two Coursework 100% Year Three Coursework 100%