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Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons)

2025-26 (also available for 2024-25)

Start date

22 September 2025

Duration

3 years full-time

Entry requirements

A Level - AAB-BBB

BTEC - DDD-DDM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

70

About the course

Reasons to study

1.This course is prescribed by the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
2.To enhance your studies, you could opt to attend an extensive field trip overseas, to countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and China. 
3.An impressive 90% of graduates from this course are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduating (Unistats 20/21 data, UK domiciled graduates) 

Providing the first step to becoming a fully qualified architect, our Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons) degree course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In fact, upon graduation, you’ll gain exemption from RIBA’s Part 1 Professional Examinations. RIBA Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications are also offered here at Huddersfield.

The course works alongside our suite of built environment courses, to help you develop a strong understanding of professionalism within the construction industry. There are two strands to the course: Architecture, and Architecture International. In the final year of the course, you can opt for a Home or International Design Studio. Both offer a distinctive approach to the subject, allowing you to explore different cultural regions. The environmental and social nature of the course means that you’ll experience ideas and influences that are as diverse as they are creative.

There’s never been a more interesting, or important time to be an architect. The need for the design of beautiful, practical, and efficient buildings for individuals, businesses and communities around the world is greater as we face the demands and challenges of the future. A future which, in many ways, is uncertain, as we tackle social, cultural, and climatic changes (emergencies) globally.

You’ll learn in our state-of-the-art, £30-million Barbara Hepworth Building, which gives you access to 3D printers, laser cutters, virtual reality and motion tracking sensors, studio space, and more.

Why study Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons)

Upon successful graduation, you may be able to work in a wide range of architectural practices and could find that you are in demand for your practical ability and creative flair.

The course is recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – the body that regulates the architects’ profession in the UK. This is good news if you’re planning to be an architect following the degree, as you must register with the ARB to practise under the title of ‘architect’ in the UK.

Enhancing your career prospects, this architecture degree could see you attend an extensive field trip overseas (this is compulsory for the international route)*. To help broaden your horizons. If you are passionate about architectural design, architectural technology, construction, spatial and digital design, this course should more than satisfy your curiosity for the subject.

*See ‘Additional Costs’ under ‘Fees and Finance’ section

Course detail

Core modules:

Technology 1: An Introduction to Architectural Technology

This module introduces three main areas. Firstly, Structures - through an exploration of structural equilibrium and the assessment of stress and deformation in simple elements, the module will discuss the properties of building materials and the implications for element design. An introduction to civil engineering and groundworks is provided. Secondly, Buildings Fabric Design - common materials, assemblies and construction techniques used to achieve safe, environmentally sound and aesthetic constructions will be explained and exemplified. Common failures in materials and assemblies will be highlighted. Thirdly, Environmental Design - a building’s fabric and services combine to create an internal environment that the occupants find comfortable and pleasurable. This extends to physiological (and psychological), thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, and the health and wellbeing of the occupants. You’ll consider how responsive design (both passive and interactive) can be utilised to provide the internal conditions necessary for comfort. All of the above topics will be considered in relation to sustainable design necessary for protecting local and global environments.

History and Theory 1: Spatial and Visual Culture

This module has two parallel strands: - A historical overview of Western, Islamic and Oriental architecture from the beginnings of civilisation to 1939. - An introduction to theoretical issues that relate to the manipulation of architectural space and form. Whilst providing background knowledge it seeks to inculcate the idea that history is not a mere catalogue of styles, and that a study of the subject is essential to the designer.

Personal Development 1: An Introduction to Communication Skills

This module is concerned with your personal development as a designer with a specific focus on the introduction and development of basic 2D and 3D drawing, modelling, CAD and graphic techniques. You’ll be introduced to a range of architectural design and visualisation skills including the use of manual graphic and modelling techniques, the use of CAD and other digital media and the facilities and resources available within the School. The importance of developing good communication skills will be explained. As your skills develop you’ll be introduced to the notions of active learning and personal development planning.

Design Studio 1: Basic Principles of Design

The module introduces the basic principles of architectural composition. The module has a particular focus on the relationship between people and space(s). It provides you with a vehicle to explore the process of design and to develop an understanding of its nature, components, and effects. The module is intended to introduce you to design as an integrative process through the realisation of architectural spaces and forms that satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements and you’ll then develop a body of work in response to projects. The module promotes exploration of the fundamental elements of architectural components and assemblies and you’ll be encouraged to apply practical, technical and theoretical skills from adjacent modules. You’ll also develop your presentation skills through spoken presentation at reviews and tutorials to the various and many modes of visual presentation, conceptualisation, prototyping, and production.

Design Studio 2: Theory and Form

The module explores the basic principles of architectural composition and the relationship between people, space and place. It provides you with a vehicle to explore the process of design and to develop an understanding of its nature, components, and effects. We’ll introduce you to design as an integrative process through the realisation of architectural spaces and forms that satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements. The module takes a broad holistic approach that encompasses diverse and interdependent areas of practice and provides a framework on which you can base your design work in the future. In particular, the module introduces the practical exploration of structural, constructional and environmental technologies and the expression of architectural ideas in relation to human requirements. You’ll develop a body of work in response to projects. This is defined and structured by Module Tutors to promote an exploration of the fundamental elements of architectural components and assemblies. You’ll be encouraged to apply practical, technical and theoretical skills from adjacent modules. The module will facilitate the development of presentation skills in all forms from a spoken presentation at reviews and tutorials to the various and many modes of visual presentation, conceptualisation, prototyping, and production.

Entry requirements

AAB-BBBat A Level or equivalent (in Art, Design or Construction)†

136-120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.

Merit at T Level.

DDD-DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (Art, Design or Construction)†

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
  • 136-120 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.
  • Pass in Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design combined with A Level or BTEC National qualifications, to total an equivalent of 136-120 UCAS tariff points.

† These subjects are preferred but not essential. Applicants without Level 3 Art, Design or Construction qualifications will need to demonstrate their skills/experience in Art, Design or Construction through their portfolio and/or at interview.

Offers will be subject to a digital portfolio review, after which you will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day, at which you will have the opportunity to discuss and be given feedback on your portfolio. Read more about the portfolio review process on our Interviews, auditions and portfolio pages.

Applicants will be invited to attend an Applicant Visit Day, at which you will have the opportunity to present and be given feedback on your portfolio.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Placements


If you intend to follow the route to become a qualified architect then, upon successful completion of the degree, through which you’ll attain the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 professional qualification, you’ll need to undertake a year working in professional practice before continuing to RIBA Part 2.

We have excellent links with architectural practices around the world and our students have found employment in a wide range of practices, from the smallest architectural firms to the largest, working on a huge variety of projects at home and overseas.

During my placement year at FaulknerBrowns Architects, I worked on a wide range of projects and design stages and enhanced my graphic skills. My year in industry helped me to develop a better understanding about life in a big practice and gain more experience in the field of architecture.

Profile photo of Ana Constantinescu

Ana Constantinescu, 2018 BA(Hons) graduate who undertook placement in 2019

Student Work

A gallery of work by our Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons) students and graduates. Click on each image to find out more.

Your career


If you intend to follow the route to become a qualified architect then, upon successful completion** of the BA(Hons) degree, through which you’ll attain the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 professional qualification, you would be eligible for admission to our Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 2) MArch course. The first year of this course is a ‘year out’ which would be spent working in a professional practice, before continuing to full time study at the University in the subsequent 2 years.

Alternatively, you may choose to specialise in other areas after the course, such as sustainability, 3D computer applications, management, or a range of other disciplines including journalism.

 

*Percentage of our undergraduate students from this course go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20, UK domiciled, other activities excluded).

**Successful completion is classed as passing Architecture/Architecture (International) BA(Hons) with First-Class Honours (1st), Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1), Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) or Third-Class Honours (3rd).

80% Graduates employed*

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

Important information

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules:

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes:

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment, or pandemics.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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