Architecture International Year One
This course prepares you for the second year of your undergraduate degree in Architecture at Newcastle University. This course is full time for 3 or 4 terms.
Your course during COVID-19
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.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information
Course overview
Interested in progressing to Year 2 of a RIBA-accredited Architecture or RTPI-accredited Planning degree?
This course covers functional, aesthetic and technical aspects of architecture and how to implement this in your designs. You will use computer-aided drawing, but the emphasis is on manual creativity and design skills.
This course is suitable if you:
- need to improve your English language study skills within the context of architecture
- want guidance and advice on developing your architecture ideas
Expand your skills and knowledge in various areas through:
- sketching, drawing and model making
- a comprehensive design project and the development of an architectural portfolio
- studying world architecture in its historic context
You'll also learn how to research, analyse and present your work effectively. Successful completion of this course will lead to you being awarded our Certificate of Higher Education (FHEQ Level 4).
Progression
This course leads to the second year of the following undergraduate degrees at Newcastle University:
There are two course options available:
- International Year One (3 terms) – this is the standard option
- Extended International Year One (4 terms) – this features an additional term of English at the beginning for extra language support
- 10th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2022 (Architecture category)
- 5th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2022 (Town and Country Planning, Landscape category)
- 17th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2022 (Architecture category)
- 12th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 (Architecture category)
- top 100 for Architecture - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021
- top 150 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022
Our purpose built INTO Newcastle centre will provide you with everything you need to study with us including a brand new Architecture studio.
Architectural Design 1 (20 credits)
This module aims to develop a contextual and technological understanding of design processes. You will practise transferable skills such as sketching, drawing and model making and develop the necessary design skills and understanding to:
- interpret design briefs
- develop designs according to user requirements, related building regulations and technological standards
- understand and interpret the ergonomic, environmental and economic implications of architectural design
Architectural Design 2 (20 credits)
Architecture History and Theory (20 credits)
This module provides a general overview of world architecture in its historic context.
You will be introduced to a selection of historically and culturally significant architectural developments. You will discuss what makes them significant, and will learn to make comparisons between architectural works across cultures and periods.
You will also learn to recognise archetypal forms in architecture and how these were shaped by technological, social, economic, geographic and cultural forces.
Architecture Technology (20 credits)
Through this module, you will learn to describe and explain the properties of common building materials, structures and constructions.
You will be introduced to the implications of sustainable design and the economic effects of materials and structural decisions.
You will also develop technological knowledge and understanding for the most common construction methods, materials and their properties.
English for Academic Purposes (20 credits)
This module focuses on academic writing and the development of your critical reading skills. This is part of the preparation stage for exam and assignment writing.
Spoken English and listening skills are developed in all classes by the extensive use of discussion tasks in pairs and group work.
Architectural Communication (20 credits)
This module aims to enable students to process, transform and communicate information in support of design projects and culminating in an architectural portfolio.
The module introduces students to practical skills such as measuring, surveying, documenting, observation and analytical sketching, and orthographic drawing, as well as communication and presentation skills.
You will also be introduced to computer aided design (CAD), three-dimensional modelling and other industry-standard software.
Teaching
Class hours: 21 hours per week minimum
Class sizes: Maximum of 16 students per class for English language teaching
Age requirement: 17 years and above
Assessment
Entry to all honours degrees at Newcastle University is highly competitive, and students hoping to progress to Newcastle must maintain high standards throughout their course.
Whilst your grades in the Year One course do not count towards the final degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the specified progression grades for direct entry to your chosen degree at the University. Assessment is both formal and informal.
Informally you will be given advice and feedback throughout your course from your teachers, enabling you to build on your successes and meet the requirements for entry to the second year of a degree. You will also be assessed via a combination of examinations at the end of each semester and coursework including:
- written assignments
- reports
- practical exercises
- group and individual research projects
- presentations
- problem-solving exercises
Careers and employability
Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.
96% of our 2017 UK-domiciled UG/PG graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.
85.5% of our graduates are in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduating.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
Find out more about careers and employability at Newcastle University.
Entry requirements
To study on this course you need to meet the following entry requirements.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis. If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
Satisfactory completion of A levels, a recognised Foundation programme, first year of overseas university degree programme with good grades, or equivalent.
Three term: a minimum of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in writing) or an equivalent score
Four term: a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in writing) or an equivalent score
If you do not meet the minimum English language requirements you should apply for Academic English.
You need to be 17 years old, or older. If you want to start this course in September then you must be 17 by 31 December.
For all other start dates, you must be 17 years old by the time the course starts.
You will be expected to provide a portfolio as part of the application. The portfolio should demonstrate core skills and an understanding of architecture. It must:
- include at least 12 annotated pieces of work (sketches, drawings, photographs of models, art work)
- be on A3 sheets (see portfolio guidelines below)
- include title and contents page and a personal statement (300 words)
Portfolio Categories:
- Previous Study: the portfolio should include at least 3 pieces of work from your previous studies, such as technical drawings, essays, projects and case studies.
- Design Skills: there should be at least one very recent piece of work demonstrating your potential design skills, such as sculptural design, object design or even a small landscape or garden arrangement.
- Technical Skills: you should provide evidence of technical skills such as sketching, drawing and physical model making with scaled drawings, perspectives and models.
View the International Year One in Architecture portfolio guidelines.
Portfolios that do not comply with these guidelines will not be considered suitable for entry and applicants will be required to resubmit. Portfolio review takes place throughout the year.
June 2022 start (4 terms): £26,465
September 2022 start (4 terms): £26,465
September 2022 start (3 terms): £21,825
January 2023 start (3 terms): £21,825
Studio fee: £400
Enrolment fee: an extra charge of £150 per academic course, charged on confirmation
Text books: The cost of your text books varies depending on how many terms you study:
- 3 terms will cost approximately £210 per academic course
- 4 terms will cost approximately £270 per academic course
Accommodation is not included in the fees. View your INTO Newcastle accommodation options.
How to apply
Apply now using the application form on the INTO website.
Contact us
Visit the INTO Newcastle University website
Telephone: +44 (0) 1273 876 040