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UCAS code

K100

Mode of Study

Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placement

Duration

3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placement

Start date

September 2023, September 2024

Accredited

Yes

Overview

Take your first step to becoming a registered architect on our BA (Hons) Architecture degree course – accredited by Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

You’ll join a distinctive learning environment, with access to cutting-edge facilities, working on stimulating and client-driven design projects. You’ll master key design skills, from the scale of the body's interactions with materials and constructions, to the domains of cities and landscapes, engaging in social, cultural, political, aesthetic and environmental challenges of the world we're part of.

You'll focus, with our passionate and supportive community of professional architects, on the themes, values and methods relevant to architectural education and the profession to ensure your practice is future-proof and industry-standard.

After graduation, you'll have the theoretical and practical foundations to pursue Master’s study and advance in your registration. You can also begin a career in the architecture, sustainability and construction industries, such as architectural design, urban design, and landscape architecture.

Course highlights

  • Fast-track your architect registration by completing this degree and getting Part 1 qualification – an ARB and RIBA requirement
  • Broaden your professional experience by working with actual clients in our in-house Architecture Project Office
  • Experience a professional design studio by working in our dedicated studio spaces, developing your individual and collaboration skills
  • Get a taste of working in the architecture industry by taking an optional one-year placement 
  • Impress future employers by showcasing your work at our annual Graduate Show
  • Enrich your experience and knowledge of architecture by going on site visits to major international cities – past trips include Rome, Venice, Barcelona, New York and Berlin
  • Master your communication skills, from hand drawings and models to using professional industry software – including Building Information Modelling (BIM), advanced parametric modelling, environment evaluation software, and 3D scanning and printing  
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia logo graphic

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) – for the purpose of a Part 1 qualification – and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

This course has also fulfilled the requirements for the exemption of Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) Part I and Part II professional qualifications. Graduates from these programmes are eligible for registration as Graduate Architects with LAM.

Image of Aku Mandeya stood in park

The highlight of my course has been the level of freedom we're given to carve our own niche and understanding of architecture … Tutors are often excited about ideas and really help you develop them.

Aku Mandeya, BA (Hons) Architecture 2021 graduate

Read Aku's story

Entry requirements

BA (Hons) Architecture

Typical offers

  • A levels – AAB
  • UCAS points – 136 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T levels – Distinction
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD

You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept

Selection process

UK applicants will be invited to an interview. Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio or sample of creative work to support their application.

For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our Architecture creative portfolio guide.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Typical offers

  • A levels – AAB–ABB
  • UCAS points – 128-136 points to include a minimum of 3 A levels, or equivalent UK applicants will be invited to attend an interview Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio or sample of creative work to support their application (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels – Merit - Distinction
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDD–DDM
  • International Baccalaureate – 26–27

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.

Selection process

UK applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio or sample of creative work to support their application.

For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our Architecture creative portfolio guide.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Facilities

Classic interior architecture with arches, pillars and sunlit windows

Architecture Project Office

Get practical architecture experience and enhance your CV with real clients on intensive, fast-paced design workshops or consultancy projects.

MUSIC FACILITY AND BAL B ROLL 2022

Architecture Studios

Our open-plan learning spaces encourage a studio culture of collaboration, creativity and dialogue, preparing you for the ways of working you'll experience in your career.

MUSIC FACILITY AND BAL B ROLL 2022

3D Workshops

Our Workshops are ideal for model-making, with high-grade kit for crafting wood, metal, plastics, polyurethane, concrete and plaster works.

Browse BA (Hons) Architecture student work

Click on an image below to view in more detail and find out each student's topics, techniques and inspiration.

If you're keen to see more work from our students, head over to our BA Architecture showcase – part of Graduate Show 2021.

Careers and opportunities

Many graduates on this course continue their architect training with paid, mentored professional experience in a practice, before studying at postgraduate level for a Master of Architecture degree

You can use your skills in areas such as design practice, planning and historic building conservation. 

Graduate jobs

Jobs our graduates have taken on include:

  • Architectural designer
  • Interior designer
  • Landscape architect
  • Urban designer
  • Planner
  • Architectural technologist
  • Product designer
  • Graphic designer
  • Lighting designer
  • Set designer

Graduate destinations

Companies graduates have worked for include:

  • Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt
  • Make
  • Re-Format
  • Grimshaw
  • PAD Studio
  • Hawkins Brown
  • Design Engine
  • Architecture plb
  • Hampshire County Architects
  • Squire & Partners
  • Allies & Morrison
  • Penoyre & Prasad

Past students, having completed their registration, have gone on to run their own practices. For example, Simon Astridge Architecture Workshop, DMWA and PCA.

Placement year (optional)

After your second year, you can complete an optional work placement year to gain valuable work experience in a design practice or in the wider construction industry. It will hone your skills and build your knowledge for your final year.

You can either work for a studio or company or set up and run your own business, either with fellow students or on your own. Our Creative Careers team will help and support you no matter what path you choose.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

  • Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
  • Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
  • Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
  • Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Currently restricted to At Request whilst CCI use for a current campaign. Will be reviewed shortly (05/2021).

Not for Third Party. Not for Press.

What you can do on a placement year

If you're thinking of doing a placement but not sure what role to take or where to go, we can steer you in a direction that fits your aspirations.

Check out our Creative Careers team's blog to find out where fellow architecture and interior architecture and design students have interned during their studies.

Read our blog post

What you'll study

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

Modules

Core modules in this year include:

  • Communication: Fundamentals – 20 credits
  • Design: Architectural Application – 20 credits
  • Design: Exploration – 20 credits
  • Design: Interpretation – 20 credits
  • Histories, Theories and Matters of Concern – 20 credits
  • Technology and Environment: Exploration – 20 credits

There are no optional modules in this year.

Core modules in this year include:

  • Communication: Creative Practice – 20 credits
  • Design: Architectural Investigation – 20 credits
  • Design: Architectural Narratives – 20 credits
  • History And Theory Of Modern Architecture – 20 credits
  • Technology And Environment: Design Practice – 20 credits

Optional modules in this year include:

  • Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice – 20 credits
  • Thematic Design – 20 credits
  • Student Enterprise – 20 credits
  • Professional Experience – 20 credits
  • Modern Foreign Language – 20 credits

On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Core modules in this year include:

  • Communication: Professional Practice – 20 credits
  • Design: Major Project – 40 credits
  • Design: Major Project Reflective Synthesis – 20 credits
  • History and Theory: Dissertation – 20 credits
  • Technology and Environment: Discovery – 20 credits

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Studio

Our studio teaching methods mean that you'll be tutored by academic staff and practicing professionals. You'll work alongside other architecture students and receive assistance from our postgraduates.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.

For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

  • Coursework
  • Presentations

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Architecture degree.

In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, practical classes, supervised studio sessions, fieldwork and external visits for about 16 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.

You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting your learning

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.

You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (2023 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International (non-EU) students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Tuition fees (2024 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
  • International (non-EU) students – £18,100 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)

If you take an optional placement unit or placement year, you’ll need to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence. These costs will vary depending on the duration and location of the placement. The cost will usually be £50–£1000.

During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.

Tuition fees for that year are:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)

The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – K100
  • our institution code – P80

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – K100
  • our institution code – P80

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

How to apply from outside the UK

See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section. 

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.