Newcastle University

Architecture BA Honours
UCAS Code: K100 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

This design-based degree includes a large amount of time undertaking manual and computer-aided drawing and model-making in our well-equipped design studio.

You also have the chance to take part in a wide range of activities, from library-based research to hands-on construction.

With a constantly evolving city on your doorstep, Newcastle provides the ultimate case study for architecture students. The rise and decline of heavy industry, combined with Newcastle’s recent cultural renaissance, have left an architectural legacy that few UK cities can rival.

We take advantage of our location with a series of study visits to introduce you to the design process. You also visit another European city in Stage 2 to explore and record architectural design in another country.

We encourage you to develop your own design style, while providing you with specific knowledge and skills, so that you are aware of the immediate and wider implications of your design decisions.

You also study topics that explore the cultural, historical and technological context of architectural design.

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited and prescribed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

Successful completion of this degree satisfies ARB requirements and provides exemption from the RIBA Part 1. This is the first step towards qualifying as an architect.

Quality and ranking

Newcastle is ranked in the top 10 UK universities for architecture in The Complete University Guide 2013, The Guardian University Guide 2013 and The Sunday Times University Guide 2013. We also achieved a 90% overall student satisfaction score in the 2012 National Student Survey.

Teaching and assessment

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. Tutorials and support will be given by a variety of practitioners and academic staff. There are traditional lectures and seminars as well as site visits and library-based research.

Your contact hours will vary and the studios are open 24 hours a day, allowing you to plan and manage your workload to fit around other commitments and activities. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Assessment methods include traditional critiques for design projects, written course work, group work and written examinations. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Facilities

We offer excellent facilities to support your studies including:

• Fully staffed model-making workshop, equipped with a range of cutting-edge machinery including two powerful CNC laser cutters and a ZCorp 3D printer
• Design studios with CAD facilities and drawing boards that are accessible 24/7
• Print facilities, including A0 and A1 plotting and an A0 scanner
• Student-run Kofi bar, providing  a social space for you to meet informally with staff and fellow students

School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape

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

We are one of the few academic schools in the UK focusing exclusively on the built environment. Our expertise spans architecture, planning, urban design, digital architecture, urban conservation and landscape architecture, bringing breadth and depth to your study programme.

The Architecture Building is located in the Quadrangle, the oldest part of the University campus. Here you will be part of a relatively small student cohort, creating a real sense of community.