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: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
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 2025-26.
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
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: Construction in Detail | 10 |
| Construction, Energy, Professional Practice | 20 |
| Cities, Cultures, Spaces | 20 |
| Dissertation Studies | 10 |
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 |
| Architectural Technology 3: Integrated Construction and Practice | 20 |
| Dissertation in Architectural Studies | 40 |
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 2024-25.
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:
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Assignments – written or fieldwork
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Case studies
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Coursework
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Dissertation or research project
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Essays
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Group work
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Portfolio submission
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Presentations
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Projects
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Reflective report/journal
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Reports
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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.
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 Support Co-ordinator
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)
- urban planning
- urban design
- landscape architecture
- set design (e.g., film and theatre)
- media
- other design-related disciplines
Make a difference
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Careers support
Our 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 2025 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.
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.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
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 academic year 2025-2026
See our ‘Home Fee Students’ and ‘International Fee Students’ information below for more information on tuition fee levels, fee status and inflationary fee increases.
| Qualification: BA Honours | |
|---|---|
|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
£9,535 |
|
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (Year 1)
28000 |
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.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
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 UCASApply 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.
Get in touch
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