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Architecture BA Honours

  • UCAS code: K100
  • Full time
  • 3 years

With a breadth of expertise from leading professionals, high-quality research and outstanding facilities; Newcastle is a great place to study a degree in Architecture.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £24600

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: AAA
  • IB: 36 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

Our accredited Architecture BA Honours degree is your first step towards qualification as a professional architect, and you'll leave with your own design style and distinctive way of working.

You'll study topics that explore the cultural, historical and technological context of architectural design, and help you understand the implications of your design decisions. Our city will provide the ultimate case study for you, with an architectural legacy that few UK cities can rival.

Projects increase in complexity through the programme, gradually stretching your architectural thinking, skills and knowledge.

 

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

We begin with a varied introduction to architecture featuring numerous workshops, visits and hands-on activities. Design issues such as scale, function, materiality, atmosphere, space and construction are explored in a studio environment through diverse projects and a wide range of media.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Architectural Design 1 60
Architectural Technology 1.1: Explorations in Making Architecture 10
Architectural Technology 1.2: Principles of Constructing Architecture 10
Introduction to Architecture 20
Architectural Representation 1 10
Architectural Representation 2 10

At stage 2 there's more scope to apply technical, historical and theoretical studies to the development of the studio project. The processes and practices of the Architectural Design module and project are informed by teaching and learning in Architectural Technology and Practice, and History & Theory.

You'll also develop a Dissertation Proposal at Stage 2. On this module you'll explore topics, subjects and objects in student-selected seminar classes. These classes are known as Dissertation Electives.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Architectural Design 2 60
Architectural Technology 2.2: Construction and Energy Efficiency 10
Architectural Technology 2: Construction in Detail 10
Construction, Energy, Professional Practice 20
Cities, Cultures, Space 20
Dissertation Studies 10
Dissertation Studies and Research Methods 10
About Architecture: Cities, Cultures and Space 20

At Stage 3, you'll spend more time on reflective cycles. There'll be fewer classes and more of a focus on the development of the careful intellectual framing and experimental rigour in your work.

You select from a wide range of year-long research-led design studios, each of which hosts a variety of tailored activities, including a residential field trip.

Studios start with group work. Here we'll examine the broader intersectional context of the project that sets the themes and establishes the agenda for your longer graduation project.

In Semester 1, you'll research and write your Dissertation, alongside the group work phase of studio. As part of your dissertation you'll carry out either creative practice inquiry or sustained, long-form writing to examine your topic.

In Semester 2, your graduation project is developed. The Architectural Design module draws Architectural Technology teaching and learning into the studio.

This will enable you to form an architectural response to the concerns of: ethical practice intersectionality material heritage legacy and reuse the environment and climate change

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Architectural Design 3 60
Professional Practice and Management 3 10
Architectural Technology 3: Integrated Construction and Practice 20
Dissertation in Architectural Studies 30

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Teaching is largely through studio design projects supported by lectures and personal research. A typical week will involve working in the studio, either in groups developing design projects or working independently.

Methods include:

  • tutorials and support
  • traditional lectures and seminars
  • site visits and library-based research

You'll be inspired by esteemed academics who deliver modules and studio-based teaching, as well as innovative architects, consultants and researchers.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Case studies

  • Coursework

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Essays

  • Group work

  • Portfolio submission

  • Presentations

  • Projects

  • Reflective report/journal

  • Reports

  • Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Practical skills

You’ll work on design projects that involve manual and computer-aided drawing and model making. You’ll learn from a breadth of arts, design and technical practitioners to develop design ideas through a range of media and methods.

Annual design charrettes bring together students across stages and programmes to experiment with hands-on approaches to current issues in architecture and the city.

Thinking through Making week in Stage 3 supports you to experiment with materials and test out construction prototypes that address urgent ecological and environmental concerns.

Field trips

You'll also have the opportunity to take advantage of field trips to explore architecture in different places and cultural contexts.

Research skills

This course will develop your library-based research skills.

Chat with an Architecture student

I chose Architecture because it combines my interests in art, model-making, and spatial design. This course has the perfect ratio of technical and creative exploration, which I why I chose Newcastle.

Sophie Lee, Architecture

Facilities and environment

Facilities

As an architecture student at Newcastle, you'll join one of the largest and most dynamic Schools of its kind in Europe.

As one of the few academic schools in the UK to focus exclusively on the built environment and rated 4th for research power and intensity in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF), you'll benefit from our expertise spanning the history, theory and practice of architecture, planning, urban design, and landscape architecture.

Develop professional skills in fantastic facilities with:

  • design studios with CAD facilities and drawing boards
  • our fully staffed model-making workshop equipped with a range of cutting-edge machinery including powerful laser cutters, CNC routers, Z Corp and MakerBot 3D printers
  • an in-house self-service printing facility ‘Archiprint’ with 5 professional large-format colour printers and scanners specifically set up for your needs

Find out more about our facilities.

Architecture building

Support

Parenting scheme

This scheme aims to help you adapt to student life and get the most out of your time here by putting you in contact with current undergraduate students who can share their knowledge and experiences.

Dedicated Student Recruitment and Wellbeing Manager

This key staff member offers support if you are experiencing particular issues that are affecting your performance whilst at University.

You can discuss confidential problems with them and receive relevant support and advice. They will also offer guidance about other University services that may be of benefit.

Your future

Join a network of successful graduates

The BA in Architecture is the first step towards qualification as a professional architect. The vast majority of our graduates choose to follow their degree with a year’s employment as an architectural assistant in an architect’s practice.

Newcastle graduates have an envious position in the job market and are well received by architectural practices.

Develop a strong set of skills for your future

Architectural education at Newcastle places a strong emphasis on developing your ability to visualise concepts and to translate your ideas in different forms, alongside a range of transferable skills. These skills have proven very attractive to employers in the creative industries.

We see these skills as an integral part of the architectural education we offer, placing graduates of both degrees in a strong position to obtain employment in numerous fields such as:

  • architectural history
  • architectural writing (e.g., fiction, criticism, journalism)
  • property development
  • construction management
  • building physics (representation, simulation, calculation)
  • planning
  • urban design
  • landscape architecture
  • set design (e.g., film and theatre)

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Additional information

The route to becoming a Registered Architect

After completing your degree, there are two further stages to qualify as a Registered Architect and you can study them all at Newcastle University, including:

Master of Architecture MArch

Typically following a year out in practice, students return to university to complete the two-year Master's in Architecture programme (MArch). Completion of this course leads to the degree of Master of Architecture and gives exemption from the RIBA Part II examination. It's based on project work that focuses on culturally and technologically complex public buildings. You also develop a design thesis, often building on your practice experiences.

Professional practice and management are integrated into the programme, preparing you for the final phase of professional training.

Find out more about our Master of Architecture (MArch) programme 

Diploma in Architectural Practice and Management

This is the final qualification for entry into the profession as an ARB-Registered Architect and for membership of the RIBA. It covers professional and business aspects of work, and is taken part-time while you work as an architectural assistant.

Find out more about our Diploma in Architectural Practice and Management

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Portfolio submission and other information

To showcase your design and artistic skills, if you are not studying Art or Design at A Level, BTEC, or Higher Level IB, you will be asked to submit a portfolio of artwork as part of the application process. 

Find out everything you need to know about collating and submitting your portfolio.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

24600

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

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Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

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