Architecture

Architecture shapes how we live, work and connect, and there is a growing demand for skilled, forward‑thinking designers. This degree gives you the creative, technical and professional skills to step confidently into architectural design, planning and related fields. It combines studio-based design projects with in-depth technical knowledge of materials and construction techniques, while you develop practical and creative skills to explore, analyse and communicate architectural ideas effectively.

Facilities and specialist equipment

• Specialist studios and workshops

• Digital labs for design, testing and refining ideas and projects

• 3D printing, scanning and prototyping

• Industry-standard digital tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp and Revit

• Industry-standard architectural and BIM software

• Range of building, surveying, measuring and monitoring equipment

Career-powered links

This course has been developed in collaboration with our industry and community partners, ensuring it reflects current and emerging professional practice. Our partners include Willmott Dixon, Kier Group, SDC Builders, Capital Sky and Child Graddon Lewis Architects and Designers.

You benefit from strong industry engagement through construction site visits, exhibitions, live project briefs, guest lectures, and design critiques.

You study at our Luton campus, located at the centre of a major UK growth and regeneration area, with access to live developments such as a new football stadium, airport expansion and significant town-centre regeneration projects.

Your student experience

Benefit from a creative and immersive learning experience that combines studio-based design with technical and theoretical study. 
Explore architectural design, learning to shape internal spaces and external forms with confidence. 
Through a mix of hands-on projects, lectures and industry-informed activities, develop the skills to design, analyse and communicate architectural ideas with confidence.
Work on individual and group projects that take ideas from initial concept through to planning and construction, applying principles of sustainability, environmental responsibility and social impact. 
Prepare for professional architectural practice, building your skills in collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.
Learn from an experienced academic staff as well as industry engagement, live projects, site visits and guest lectures.

Course modules

Year 1
Construction technology materials and CAD – Fundamental construction materials, methods and the use of CAD tools to communicate technical design information. Professional practices – Develop an understanding of professional roles, ethics, communication and responsibilities within the construction industry. Introduction to law and regulatory framework – Gain a foundational overview of legal principles, regulations and statutory controls governing construction projects. Introduction to sustainability and CDM – Explore sustainability principles, environmental impacts and responsible practices within the built environment. Architecture history and town planning – Study the historical development of architecture and urban planning, examining their cultural, social and spatial influences on the built environment. Design practice and client requirements – The principles of architectural practice, focusing on interpreting client briefs and translating requirements into effective design solutions.

Year 2
Construction technology 2: higher risk – Focus on complex construction techniques, structural systems, and health and safety considerations for higher-risk projects. Global challenge (20 credit unit) – Address global construction challenges such as climate change, urbanisation and resource management through interdisciplinary problem solving. Environmental building design performance – Examine the principles of sustainable and climate-responsive design, evaluating building performance in relation to energy efficiency, comfort and environmental impact. Site studies, planning and design – Integrate site analysis with design development, enabling you to respond critically and creatively to context-specific challenges while considering physical, social and regulatory factors. Architectural design studies 1 – Study core design methodologies through studio-based projects that develop creativity, spatial awareness and visual communication skills. Modernism and beyond – Key architectural movements from modernism to contemporary practice, taking into consideration their theoretical, cultural and technological contexts.

Year 3
Construction technology and innovation – Explore contemporary construction methods, materials and emerging technologies that shape modern architectural practice. Conversion and adaptation of buildings – Examine strategies for the reuse, refurbishment and adaptation of existing buildings, with an emphasis on sustainability and heritage considerations. Professionalism, values and ethics in architecture – Investigate professional practice, ethical responsibilities and regulatory frameworks guiding architects within the built environment. Architectural design studies 2 – Advance your understanding of design complexity through integrated projects that synthesise technical, environmental and theoretical knowledge.
Major design project – Complete a comprehensive, independent design project demonstrating the integration of critical thinking, creativity, and technical expertise.

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.

https://www.beds.ac.uk/courses/architecture

A range of appropriate assessments will enable you to grow in confidence and demonstrate your acquisition of knowledge and skills. The formative and summative assessment methods used across the course include:

• individual reports

• course work

• presentations - oral and written

• practical assessments.