Start date
21 September 2026
Duration
3 years full-time
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.Building is top in Yorkshire in the 2024 NSS for Teaching, Learning Outcomes, Academic Support, Organisation and Management, Learning Resources and Assessment and Feedback.
This course is designed to develop not only your creative ability but also the agility to respond to the challenges of an ever-changing world. With future-focused design studios at the heart of your studies, you’ll explore a series of carefully crafted projects across diverse spatial, social and topographical contexts—ranging from small-scale dwellings and artefacts to projects in complex urban, coastal and rural environments.
At Huddersfield, we nurture architects with bold design attitudes, strategic thinking, and a deep empathy for the planet’s ecology. Our programme embraces the complexities of designing for diverse communities and cultures in a globalised world, tackling the challenges of sustainability, cultural heritage and technological advancement. Our integrated approach supports ethical architect designing in today’s commercial world, blending theoretical studies in the philosophy and history of architecture, technical and environmental science materials, and construction, professional practice studies with creative explorations in the future of human habitats.
You will be taught by leading architects, internationally recognised scholars, and renowned educators. With excellent staff-to-student ratios, state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum focused on design innovation, you’ll have the support and resources to push boundaries and shape the future of the built environment.
Our BA(Hons) Architecture qualification is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (Board of Architects, Malaysia). Upon graduation, you’ll gain exemption from RIBA Part 1 Professional Examinations, setting you on the path to becoming a fully qualified architect.
Why study Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons)
Learn in the £30-million Barbara Hepworth Building, featuring cutting-edge technology including 3D printers, laser cutters, virtual reality and motion tracking sensors.
Develop a strong foundation in architectural design, technology, spatial and digital design, and gain the skills employers are looking for.
Gain the close support of educators and peers in a medium sized school with close attention and TEF Gold rating.
Forge strong professional and lifelong friendships and be prepared for the far future.
If you’re passionate about designing beautiful, practical and sustainable spaces, Huddersfield is the place to turn your vision into reality.
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.
Core modules:
Technology 2: Integrated Technology
The module continues to develop your understanding of technological innovation in architecture in relation to Structures, Building Fabric Design and Environmental Design. Structures - You will explore using a variety of materials and assemblies and you’ll consider their behaviour under gravity and lateral loading. Different foundations and earth-retaining structures will be introduced and methods for the assessment of stability will be developed. You’ll be introduced to the principles of designing structural members subject to bending and axial loading and the principles of elastic behaviour in structural members of any cross-section. Building Fabric Design - You’ll consider more advanced construction techniques and building systems and you will extend and develop your technical vocabulary, your appreciation of natural and synthetic material elements, and the principles and techniques of their transformation into objects and components used in the assembly of buildings and building components. Environmental Design - You’ll develop further the consideration of psychological and physiological, thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, and the effects on building occupants. Because of the close relationship between environmental systems, energy consumption and the health and wellbeing of a building’s occupants, issues of sustainability will be considered at all stages. In particular, you’ll focus on the range of environmental control systems found in buildings and how these affect our interaction with the spaces we inhabit and the artefacts and services we use. General services used to provide safety and facility in buildings will be considered such as mechanical movement, electrical and drainage systems.
History and Theory 2 : Place and Precedent
The focus of the module will be upon place and precedent. It will enable you to deepen your understanding of the history of architecture as well as architectural and urban design theory and will provide an informed background against which your own ideas can develop and mature. The module explores the development of architecture and urban design from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 21st century and examines contemporary movements and practices by analysing principal characteristics, raisons d’être and the work of leading exponents. Themes and issues will be explored with reference to the work and writings of significant theorists and practitioners from a broad philosophical spectrum. You’ll be introduced to the specific historical/political development in a variety of contexts, which will provide an understanding of the relationship between the climate, socio-economic, and cultural and religious factors and architectural development. The module introduces you to a range of architectural and urban design strategies and methodologies that will develop your critical understanding based on a sound theoretical foundation.
Personal Development 2: Techniques of Representation
This module asks you to think carefully about your own acquisition of design, communication and interpersonal skills and the importance of these both in terms of your own personal development and in terms of your impact upon and response to others. You will be asked to explore critical techniques of representation in order to build upon your architectural design and visualisation skills. You will extend your CAD and graphic skills and you will be asked to explore the potential for visual and physical modelling techniques in relation to CAD and other digital media. You will continue to explore your own learning and personal development, with a particular emphasis on feedback and dialogue.
Design Studio 3: Place and Architecture
This module requires you to produce works of increasing sophistication, having successfully completed Design Studio 1 and Design Studio 2 (or equivalent). You’ll explore the relationship between theory and practical design activity. You’ll be supported in managing your studio time and will be expected to apply technical skills and critical awareness drawn from this and adjacent modules, which will form the context for the module. The content of the module will comprise a number of design projects, which will enable you to develop your skills at integrating architectural design with material and environmental technologies in a holistic design solution. You will develop a body of work in response to a studio theme. This will be defined and structured by module tutors to promote the integration of ideas and experimental practice in the production of the design proposals. Assessment: The production of a body of work, in the form of physical drawings and models that demonstrate the manipulation and expression of architectural space and form in response to a specific context.
Design Studio 4: Integrated Design
This module will enable you to explore the relationship between theory and practical design activity. You can chose to study either 'Design Studio 4' or 'Design Studio 4 (European)' as they're optional modules. The choice of which you study is up to you, the student. The focus of Design Studio 4 is on UK locations. Design Studio 4 (European) contains a field trip to a location within Europe*. On both strands, you’ll be supported in managing your studio time and will be expected to apply technical skills and critical awareness drawn from this and previous modules, which will form the context for the module. You will extend your understanding of the relationship between contemporary design theories and practice in order to facilitate a critical approach to the self-evaluation of design ideas and to provide an intellectual framework to support your independent design development. You’ll further develop your understanding of architecture and human activity with particular emphasis upon the relationship between social and cultural trends, constructional and environmental technologies and the physical context of architectural design. In essence the module aims to integrate concepts, context of use, technical production and aesthetics. This will be developed and tested through debate and practical activity.
Core modules:
Technology 3: Materials and Tectonics
This module is concerned with the technical resolution of your Major Design Project in adjacent module Design Studio 6: Culture, Context, Place (or a negotiated alternative). It requires the production of written and illustrated technical precedent studies exploring aspects of architectural technology. You will be expected to explore contemporary technologies and, where possible examine some at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture. You are expected to critically reflect upon what you have learnt and resolve the technical and tectonic detail design of your Major Design Project.
History and Theory 3: Architectural Dissertation
This module allows you to explore the cultural context of architecture through the research and preparation of an architectural dissertation. You are asked to consider your own emerging interests and skills in relation to the broader architectural discourse and to select and explore a topic of relevance to your development as an architectural designer and thinker. The specific topic will be identified and defined in negotiation with your module tutor in order to support, where possible, your design studies in adjacent modules. You will be introduced to a range of appropriate methods to research, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your subject, and you will be asked to present your evaluation in written and visual form in a structured and objective manner.
Personal Development 3: Professional Studies
This module will allow you to meet the professional practice requirements for RIBA/ARB at part 1. Within this module you are asked to consider your own career development and your position, upon graduation, within an architectural practice. In preparation for this period of professional practice, the module aims to: - Examine the construction professions and their role in the construction industry in the UK. - Provide an overview of the law and contractual procedures in the UK - Analyse the appropriate legislation related to the building process in the UK. - Examine principles of multi-disciplinary teamwork, communications and co-ordination which are necessary to practice in the current professional environment. - Develop your management skills.
Design Studio 5: Event Space Form
This module will enable you to explore more thoroughly the relationship between theory and practical design activity. You’ll develop a body of work in response to a studio theme. This will be defined and structured by Module Tutors to promote the integration of ideas and experimental practice in the production of the design proposals. The emphasis in this module will be on: - Exploring the notion of ‘event’ and how we make places and architecture which respond to this notion. - Develop your design thinking as an architectural narrative, forming proposals, which are poetic expressions of ideas. Projects will not promote complex programmatic and organisational problems, but will rather allow in depth exploration of powerful philosophical and theoretical approaches. You will be supported in managing your studio time and will be expected to apply technical skills and critical awareness drawn from this and adjacent modules, which will form the context for the module. You will extend your understanding of the relationship between contemporary design theories and practice in order to facilitate a critical approach to the self-evaluation of design ideas and to provide an intellectual framework in support of your independent design development.
Option modules:
Choose either-
Design Studio 6: Culture Context Place
This module is delivered across the second 12 teaching weeks of the third year of study. It is concerned with the study of a real place in a largely familiar context, the identification and analysis of specific locations for a new building, preparation of a design brief and the development of architectural design proposals that express an architectural narrative, satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements and resolve spatial organisation. As part of an organised group you will undertake a study of a specific location established by the module tutor. The region studied will normally be based in the UK, but reference and comparison will be made in relation to other regions both within the UK and further afield. You are to develop an intimate understanding of the place through an in depth investigation, which extends beyond the familiar and obvious information to reveal the context in a new light. You will explore the distinctive regional characteristics and you will be asked to think very carefully about all aspects of the place in order to examine the underlying principles that lead to specific developments in architecture and urban design. You will examine precedents of building types and technologies. You will be asked to explore relationships between environmental, cultural, social, economic, political and religious factors in relation to urban and architectural development in a broadly familiar cultural context. You will identify and analyse specific locations for a new building and prepare a design brief. You will prepare an in-depth site analysis in preparation for design development. The module will culminate in a Major Design Project which will draw upon previous experience to produce a holistic architectural design, which not only satisfies functional needs, but is also responsive and appropriate to the context of the chosen location.
or
Design Studio 6: Culture Context Place (International)
This module is delivered across the second 12 teaching weeks of the third year of study. The module is concerned with the study of a real place in an unfamiliar context, the identification and analysis of specific locations for a new building, preparation of a design brief and the development of architectural design proposals that express an architectural narrative, satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements and resolve spatial organisation. As part of an organised group you will undertake a study visit to a specific location established by the module tutor. The region studied will be non-European, but reference and comparison will be made in relation to other regions around the world. The aim of the study visit is to enable you to experience a foreign cultural context and conduct investigations and research in this unfamiliar environment. In this context you will examine the relationship between architecture, society and environment and explore and expose its distinctiveness. You will be asked to think very carefully about all aspects of the place in order to examine the underlying principles that lead to specific developments in architecture and urban design. You will examine precedents of building types and technologies. You will be asked to explore the relationships between environmental, cultural, social, economic, political and religious factors in relation to urban and architectural development in an unfamiliar cultural context. You will identify and analyse specific locations for a new building and prepare a design brief. You will prepare an in-depth site analysis in preparation for design development. The module will culminate in a Major Design Project which will draw upon previous experience to produce a holistic architectural design, which not only satisfies functional needs, but is also responsive and appropriate to the cultural and environmental context of the chosen location.
This course has modules making up 240 credits over the 3 Years, with each credit being 10 hours of study (2400 hours in total). An average of approximately* 60% (1446 hours) of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors face to face or online in lectures, tutorials and in the design studios. The remainder of the time will be spent on independent study. Assessments takes place through a variety of coursework, presentations and exams.
Subject to mode of study. *Based on current core modules.
Calculated using data from the academic year 2024/25, as of November 2024.
Teaching
The teaching year for most courses normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Teaching on other courses including professional courses, postgraduate taught, research, distance learning and apprenticeship may have other start dates including January and May. All start dates can be found on each course page and term dates are also available. Students on a full-time course may have to attend every day of the week. Students who choose to study a full-time course on a part-time basis will generally attend modules at the same time as our full-time students. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.
Our courses are taught at our University campus and you can expect that your lectures and seminars will be held face to face, except in cases of emergency or if specifically stated otherwise in the module description.
Feedback
Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.
Progression
You may progress to the next stage of your course or research degree, subject to meeting University assessment criteria and professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.
-
The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.
-
Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.
-
We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).
-
We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).
Read more about academic staff at the University of Huddersfield
At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.
Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.
*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.
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)† |
|
† 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 to Architecture courses can come from a very broad range of backgrounds, so other experiences or qualifications will be considered and are encouraged.
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.
Graduate Showcase 2025
Every year we celebrate the skills and creative practices of our graduating students at our annual Graduate Showcase. Be inspired and visit our 2025 Graduate Showcase which is taking place from Friday 6th June to Friday 20th June in the Barbara Hepworth Building and experience what you could be part of.
Facilities
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.
Follow Us
Keep up to date with Architecture work, news and events by following @architecture_hud on Instagram
Hammad Haider
The building intends to be a fortress of faith, a community hub and a beacon of hope in the city. It combines a place of worship with a space for negotiation. It is a multi-faith centre, with the aim of creating religious and social dialogue, produce educational material, and encourage interaction between the religious diversity of the place.
The concept revolves around the sequence of spaces within an urban setting, where the visitor experiences a spiritual journey. Taking inspiration from the embedded courtyards within the local shophouse typology, as well as the traditional layout of the Siheyuan Prototype, the Multi-faith complex aims to be a little ‘city within a city.’
Juliana Ashaley
The new Riverwalk Cultural and Art Centre provides a safe, diverse, and harmonious environment for the people of Melaka, which aims to protect the heritage of Melaka for generations to come.
Conceptually the building explores space and light; two separate elements, which are evident within the plan and respond to the nature of the building’s wider setting. The division inside the spaces in the structure offers a myriad of chances to move around the structure.
The cultural and art centre has an intense environmental strategy, responding to the hot and humid climate. The central atrium spaces give complex possibilities for light to slice through the structure evoking openness and connectivity. The utilization of perforated bricks adds to the nature and quality of light permitted in portions of the spaces and provide an ever-present relationship with the surroundings.
Juliana Ashaley
The new Riverwalk Cultural and Art Centre provides a safe, diverse, and harmonious environment for the people of Melaka, which aims to protect the heritage of Melaka for generations to come.
Conceptually the building explores space and light; two separate elements, which are evident within the plan and respond to the nature of the building’s wider setting. The division inside the spaces in the structure offers a myriad of chances to move around the structure.
The cultural and art centre has an intense environmental strategy, responding to the hot and humid climate. The central atrium spaces give complex possibilities for light to slice through the structure evoking openness and connectivity. The utilization of perforated bricks adds to the nature and quality of light permitted in portions of the spaces and provide an ever-present relationship with the surroundings.
Katie Ambler
Although Melaka is a town with a rich cultural heritage and a popular tourist destination, there is currently no place that draws together the two. This Tourism and Cultural Centre will display the best of the town.
Featuring a tourist-information centre, souvenir shop, exhibition, performing arts space and restaurant, the buildings connect some of the main cultural aspects of the town and provide a place for tourists and locals alike to learn and immerse themselves in the local heritage.
The building creates a connection between the various parts of the town, and the materials and geometry used complement the local architecture. The architectural rhythm of the riverside is followed and the colour-palette used speaks the âterracotta languageâ of the town.
See more of Katie's work on RADAR
*Source: LinkedIn
Lea Velichkova
The heritage centre is an inclusive space that welcomes all members of the diverse community groups of the city to work together and learn from each other. It encourages social interactions in a safe environment that allows people to experience different indigenous traditions, ideas and beliefs through communal activities.
The users revive the forgotten past, experience local traditions and contemporary art and in this way preserve the knowledge for future generations. In this process, "Rumah Budaya" (Home of Culture) becomes a node for a positive change by contributing to the zeitegist of Malacca.
See more of Lea's work on RADAR
Source: LinkedIn
Stacey Barratt
Situated beside the River Melaka, the development lies on an existing commercial site currently comprising a hotel, café, and seafood restaurant of an early modern style. However, the architectural style of each of the three buildings does not complement the existing urban environment. Therefore, the concept was derived from a desire to harmonise with the local context and place of Melaka successfully; influenced by prominent characteristics of typical Melakan housing. Rhythm, hierarchy, and materiality were essential architectural components to the final design for Koh Ceramics and Art Gallery.
See more of Stacey's work on RADAR
*Source: LinkedIn
Will Preston
Tepi Sungai translates as âRiversideâ in Malay, referring to the buildingâs location. The idea manifests as a museum exhibiting how each respective culture in Malacca expresses itself through the arts. The theoretical agenda of the multifunctional courtyard is to serve as the beating heart of the building. It is a cool, highly vegetated space which serves as a space for refuge, circulation and a location for performances, which illustrate the information visitors have discovered through music, dance and theatre. A variety of places allow users to pause, reflect and embrace the environment in which they find themselves.
See more of Will's work on RADAR
*Source: LinkedIn
Will Preston
Tepi Sungai translates as âRiversideâ in Malay, referring to the buildingâs location. The idea manifests as a museum exhibiting how each respective culture in Malacca expresses itself through the arts. The theoretical agenda of the multifunctional courtyard is to serve as the beating heart of the building. It is a cool, highly vegetated space which serves as a space for refuge, circulation and a location for performances, which illustrate the information visitors have discovered through music, dance and theatre. A variety of places allow users to pause, reflect and embrace the environment in which they find themselves.
See more of Will's work on RADAR
*Source: LinkedIn
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.