Architecture

Help shape the world we live in and learn how to succeed in architectural practice.

Gain the theoretical, technical and design skills you need to create spaces that are innovative, meaningful and sustainable, while studying in ARU’s School of Architecture and Planning.

You’ll practise developing design concepts, experimenting with different media, and representing your ideas through drawings and physical and digital models.

You’ll also benefit from site visits and the School’s strong connections with national and international architects, designers, artists, historians and theorists, gaining insight into up-to-the-minute themes and challenges shaping contemporary architecture.

Why ARU?

Study a course accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Part 1 prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)

Join a course where more students graduate in Architecture than from any other university in the East of England (LEO 2025)

Experience an optional European field trip each year to cities such as Lisbon, Venice, Rome and Vienna

Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs, developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving

Take part in workshops, guest lecture series, practitioners' events and our End of Year Show

Learn to draw, make models, and use software and digital techniques in our dedicated studios

Course Modules

Year 1

• Design Studio A1 (Architecture) (30 credits)

• Essential Skills (Architecture) (15 credits)

• Technology A1 (Architecture) (30 credits)

• Cultural Context A: Histories and Theories of Architecture (Architecture) (15 credits)

• Design Studio A2 (Architecture) (30 credits)

• Into ARU

Year 2

• Design Studio B1 (Architecture) (30 credits)

• Technology B1 (Architecture) (15 credits)

• Design Studio B2 (Architecture) (30 credits)

• Cultural Context B Histories and Theories of Architecture (Architecture) (15 credits)

• Technology B2 (Architecture) (15 credits)

• Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year 3

• Major Integrated Design Project Phase 1 (Architecture) (30 credits)

• Cultural Context C Dissertation (Architecture) (30 credits)

• Major Integrated Design Project Phase 2 (Architecture) (45 credits)

• Professionalism, Values and Ethics (Architecture) (15 credits)

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to help measure your progress. These include design projects, presentations, timed assignments, exams and coursework.

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

• Architects Registration Board
• Royal Institute of British Architects