Architecture BA Honours

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.

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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

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2022-23.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

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 collaborate with artists and engineers to test design ideas at a range of scales, from the representational to the prototypical..

Our annual whole-school Charrettes and Thinking through Making week bring together students across stages and programmes, so you can explore hands-on approaches to architecture through workshops, installations and material experiments.

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.

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.

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

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

Home Fee Students

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

International Fee Students

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

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:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

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