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

2023-24 (also available for 2024-25)

Places available in clearing. Find out more.
Places available in clearing. Find out more.

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

3 years full-time

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. You could opt to go on an extended field trip overseas to countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and China.
  3. Learn in the state of the art £30m Barbara Hepworth Building with access to 3D printers, laser cutters, virtual reality and motion tracking sensors, studio space and more.

Architecture asks questions regarding speculative constructs and designed realities to build possible new futures. Our students and staff critically examine the rich possibilities of the built environment. From design and materials to culture and experience, on a regional and international stage. We promote an imaginative, rigorous, and forward-thinking approach to help shape the future of the architectural profession.

You can look at examples of our students' work here

Architecture or Architecture International?

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 have 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.

Why study Architecture?

  • There’s never been a more interesting, or important time to be an architect. The design of beautiful, practical and efficient buildings for individuals, businesses and communities around the world is of greater and greater importance 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 that will inevitably affect the way in which we interact with each other and with our planet.
  • Upon graduating you'd be able to work in a wide range of architectural practices and could be sought after for your practical ability and creative flair. You’ll be well prepared to work in a professional environment and ready to progress to the next stage of your architectural career.
  • The course is recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the body that regulates the architects’ profession in the UK. Good news if you’re planning to continue on to be an architect, as you have to register with the ARB to be able to practise under the title of ‘architect’ in the UK.

Our course is also validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In fact, if you graduate, you’ll then gain exemption from RIBA’s Part 1 Professional Examinations. We offer RIBA Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications here at Huddersfield.

If you choose to take the International option in your final year, the extended field trip is compulsory and you’ll have to fund your own place. Just to give you an idea, the average cost of the trip in the past few years has been around £1,400 per student. Recent visits have included Vietnam, Malaysia, India and China.*

*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

To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2023 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages or call our Clearing Helpline on 0333 987 900001484 472777.

If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2024, please view the 2024-25 course information.

In addition to the academic entry requirements, you will also need:

As a centre of creative excellence, we look forward to hearing about your own creative experiments and ambitions through a discussion of your portfolio at interview. Your portfolio should contain 10 to 15 pieces of your work which demonstrate a range of creative skills, including 2D and 3D drawing and model making/sculpture. We like to see developmental and sketched material as well as final pieces.

Read our guidance on developing your portfolio and what to expect from your interview.

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

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

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.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, 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 to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and 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

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

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 a range of options to choose from and 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 the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or 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), classes, 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; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. 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.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. 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.

Termination of course

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 and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

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

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