...

Architecture (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons)

Select the year

Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

136-120 points


Recent Awards For Excellence

Ofsted outstanding provider logo Architecture - QS 2025
Find out more about these awards
About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • ARB, RIBA and LAM accredited – your first step to becoming a qualified architect.
  • Top in Yorkshire for student experience and top 10 in the UK for teaching (NSS 2025).
  • Part of a creative art school and built environment community tackling real-world issues.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Architecture is about more than buildings — it’s about shaping how people live, connect, and interact with their environment. Our BA(Hons) Architecture course develops your creativity, critical thinking, and technical understanding so you can address the real-world challenges facing our built environment.

Embedded within the School of Arts and Humanities, you’ll study alongside creative disciplines such as Architecture Technology, Quantity Surveying and Construction Project Management. This close integration within an art school and built environment suite of courses fosters collaboration, creativity, and a strong understanding of how design ideas move from concept to construction.

At the heart of your learning are studio-based projects that respond to real social, cultural, and environmental contexts — from sustainable housing and urban regeneration to coastal resilience and climate-responsive design. You’ll be encouraged to develop your own architectural voice while engaging with the global challenges shaping the future of design.

You’ll study in the award-winning Barbara Hepworth Building, with access to 3D printers, laser cutters, VR technology, and digital studios. Beyond the state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll benefit from open access, expert technical support, and a culture that ensures every student is known, heard, and valued.

Our Architecture degree is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM). On graduation, you’ll gain exemption from RIBA Part 1 — your first step towards becoming a qualified architect.

In the National Student Survey 2025, Building is ranked top in Yorkshire for learning opportunities, academic support, assessment and feedback, and top 10 in the UK for teaching on my course and student voice — testament to the supportive and inspiring environment you’ll experience at Huddersfield.

Career opportunities after the course *

Architect

Site Manager

Surveyor

Estimator

Builing Surveyor

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

AAB-BBB at A Level or equivalent.
136-120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
Merit at T Level.
DDD-DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit in UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
Merit in RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma.
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.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
136-120 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.


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.

What will you learn?

Course Details

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year from this list. The current optional modules are:

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.

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.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

Interested in a placement?

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.

Where could this lead you?

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.

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

89%
Percent of graduates from this subject area were in work or further study 15 months after graduation

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 22/23, UK Domiciled

The University gave me a fantastic grounding in drawing and design. Since gradutaing I have opened my own successful practice.

- Robert Evans
Architecture BA(Hons) graduate

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Materials:
You will need to supply your own materials during the course. These include sketchbooks, drawing equipment, materials for producing models and printing. The approximate cost of these items in recent years has been £500 in year one, £375 in year two and £575 in the final year. These costs may vary based on the materials you choose and the approximate costs are given as a guide only.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

Explore More

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

Need more details?

More Info

Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

Find out more about careers support

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.

See our support services

Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

Find out more

Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Design and Architecture may teach you on this course.

Find out more about our staff

Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

Find out more

Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

Discover postgraduate courses
Ask us a question