Architecture International Year One

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

Subject-based rankings

• 9th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (Town and Country Planning and Landscape category)
• 9th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Town and Country Planning, Landscape category)
• 18th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Construction, Surveying and Planning category)
• 20th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Architecture category)
• Top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

University-wide rankings

• Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

Our purpose built Newcastle University International Study Centre will provide you with everything you need to study with us including a brand new Architecture studio.

Find out more about our facilities.

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: Average of 20 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

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:  

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

January 2025 start (3 terms): £ 22,995

January 2025 start (4 terms): £27,995

Studio fee: £500

Enrolment fee: an extra charge of £250 per academic course, charged on confirmation

Text books: £75 -£415

Accommodation is not included in the fees. View your Newcastle University International Study Centre accommodation options.

Find out more about fees and pricing.