Year 1
In Year 1, you will:

learn about the principles of architectural design
work on projects that look at architectural elements and assembly in different contexts
At the same time, you will be taught the fundamentals of:

technology and environment
art and design practice
architectural history
In some courses, you will study with students from landscape architecture and structural engineering.

Year 2
Year 2 you will:

begin to integrate your developing design skills in more complex and rewarding urban contexts
work with more ambitious building programme briefs
take a field trip to a European city where design projects are situated
continue to apply your knowledge of technology and environment to your design work
Option courses
You will also take an option course that allows you to broaden your learning in subjects across the University.

Option courses may follow a structured programme pathway in architectural histories or digital culture.

Choosing your pathway
At the end of Year 2, you can select whether you wish to take the three-year BA or four-year MA honours programme.

Year 3
Three-year pathway
The three-year BA route offers a direct route to ARB part 1.

Architects Registration Board: student information

You will study design and its cultural and technical contexts.

Studio options and portfolio
You will choose from a series of thematically directed studio options. These help you to consolidate a specific exploration and appropriate tectonic resolution at a deeper level.

You will study these studio options alongside courses in:

architectural theory
professional practice and logistics
You will also develop, curate and present an academic portfolio.

Four-year pathway
The MA (Hons) programme is a full honours programme. It includes an integrated practice working period where you study through distance learning as you gain professional experience.

In this year, you will be able to develop your own personal interests in architecture with a range of studio options within the design courses.

Year 4
This year MA (Hons) students return from the period of integrated practice working completed in Year 3.

First semester
You will study a humanities semester to complete a self-directed dissertation.

You will also choose an option course from across the University. Option courses may follow a structured programme pathway in architectural histories or digital culture.

Second semester
In semester 2 you will:

complete an immersive design project with another architectural design studio
take a course in logistics
develop, curate and present an academic portfolio