Architecture

This undergraduate architecture degree is your first step towards a professional career in architecture as you’ll complete the course with exemption from RIBA Part 1. Through our combination of practical design work, formal teaching and field work, you’ll gain the skills and experience necessary to continue on to complete your RIBA part 2 and 3.

This degree course offers a multifaceted design-based education that, on successful completion, provides exemption from RIBA 1 – the first stage of a professional qualification in architecture. Typically, graduates go on to RIBA Part 2 and 3 at London Metropolitan University. Our course is centred on three key themes: the idea and practice of making, an architect’s professional duty of care, and social and environmental responsibility.

You'll take classes in our well-resourced design studios, where you’ll have the chance to work with high-end analogue and digital printing facilities. You’ll also get access to our textile, ceramic, furniture-making and photography workshops. We complement formal teaching and field work with practical design exploration. The staff is made up of renowned practitioners who bring a wealth of technical expertise to the table and who provide insight into industry best practices within a constantly evolving arena.

With their combined knowledge of traditional and contemporary practices, and of basic principles and new innovations, they're well equipped to help you work towards your own developmental goals and to explore potential career paths.

Assessment

The Architects' Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) set out general criteria for assessment within the "Prescription of Qualifications. Project work makes up 50% of your final mark in each year, and you'll be assessed primarily on your achievements, demonstration of competence and the quality of the work in your portfolio.

Professional accreditation

The course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB). Students who are awarded BA (Hons) Architecture are exempted from RIBA Part 1.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• A minimum of grades BBB in three A levels, one of which comes from a relevant subject area such as Art, Humanities or the Social Sciences (or a minimum of 120 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification in an art related subject)
• Potential in spatial design, a creative imagination and visual or constructive aptitude
  a portfolio review.
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C (grade 4) or above (or equivalent qualification)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS at level 6.0, with no individual component of less than 5.5. For more information about English qualifications, please see our English language requirements.

Entry from appropriate foundation and access courses will also be considered. If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Architecture and Interior Design Extended Degree (with Foundation Year).

We normally ask candidates to attend a portfolio interview to talk about the process and ideas of their portfolio work. Please be aware that digital portfolios can't be viewed at the interview. The interview day includes a general introduction, a tour and the chance to meet a variety of staff and students.

Accelerated study

If you have relevant qualifications or credit from a similar course it may be possible to enter this course at an advanced stage rather than beginning in the first year. Please note, advanced entry is only available for September start. See our information for students applying for advanced entry.

Modular structure

If you're studying full-time, each year (level) is worth 120 credits.

Year 1 modules include

• Design Skills 1.1
• Design Project 1.2
• Cultural and Contextual Studies 1 (Architecture)
• Technology 1

Year 2 modules include

• Design Skills 2.1
• Design Project 2.2
• Cultural and Contextual Studies 2 (Architecture)
• Technology 2

Year 3 modules include

• Design Development 3.1
• Critical and Contextual Studies: Dissertation (Architecture)
• Technology 3: Integrated Design Audit

After the course

Following successful completion of the course, most graduates go on to complete their RIBA Part 2 and 3, and gain a professional qualification in architecture. Previous alumni have worked for companies such as Caruso St John, David Chipperfield Architects, Macreanor Lavington, Tony Fretton Architects and SANAA in Tokyo.

Graduating with this degree provides you with the core knowledge and skills needed to work in fields such as interior design, urban design and planning. You'll leave with a high-quality portfolio of work, an understanding of relevant cultural and social issues, and the research, design, making and presentation skills valued in many design-related professions.