Course overview

This degree engages you in the processes involved in the production of the urban spaces that shape our cities, from the design of buildings and urban spaces to the consideration of urban issues.

You’ll be inspired by the work of innovative architects and planners whose approach aims to encourage people to actively participate in the design of their environment.

You will study a range of modules spanning our expertise in architecture, urban design, social and political theory. You'll also select from modules in history and sociology, urban planning and informal housing and development, and social enterprise, economics and business.

Your understanding of how architecture and cities can be developed will be supported through design projects, historical examples and theoretical ideas.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Quality and ranking

• 4th in the UK for research power and intensity – Research Excellence Framework 2014
• 8th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2020
• 8th in the UK – The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
• top 100 – Architecture category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
• top 200 – Arts and Humanities category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018
• 90% overall satisfaction score – National Student Survey 2019

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

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, and course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module.

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.

Featured module

APL1001: Alternative Practice - Histories

An introduction to the traditional ideas of the perfect city.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Through a varied series of design projects, workshops and visits, we'll introduce you to key design skills. You'll gain an understanding of scale and context and develop spatial imagination as well as an understanding of materiality and structural issues at stake. These will underpin your design work and help you communicate your ideas verbally and visually.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Alternative Practice: Histories	10
Architectural Design 1.1	40
Architectural Technology 1.1: Explorations in Making Architecture	10
Introduction to Architecture	20
Planning Processes	10
Social Worlds	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Architectural Technology 1.2: Principles of Constructing Architecture	10
Economics of Development I	10
Environment and Sustainability	10

You'll gain a deeper understanding of the development of urban architecture and theories of alternative practice. Design modules will enhance your skills and help you develop an understanding of a greater range of scales related to 20th-century heritage. You'll also develop your research skills and prepare for your dissertation.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Alternative Practice: Theories and Practices	20
Visual and Creative Practice Research Skills	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Introduction to Marketing and Consumer Behaviour	20
Twentieth Century Architecture	20
Relational Mapping, Design and Representation	40
Participation: Theories & Practice	20
Houses and Homes	20
Researching Local Economies	20
Understanding Cities	20
Urban Poverty: A Global Perspective	20
Digital Civics - designing applications for digital public engagement	20
Urban Infrastructures: A Lens on the City	20
How Public is Public Space? An interdisciplinary perspective	20
Study Visit	20
Global Course on Institutional Design for Spatial Planning	20

You'll undertake a dissertation on a topic of your choice, as well as engaging in a community live design project supporting a local organisation where you can see theory in practice.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Dissertation in Architecture and Urbanism	40

Optional Modules	Credits
Globalisation: Patterns, Processes & Challenges	20
Alternative Practice: Co-producing Space	20
A Home for all : housing vulnerable populations	20
Chinese Cultural History and Urban Development	20
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship with Lean Innovation	20
Innovation and Creativity	20
Politics of Immigration	20
Strategies into Action: Planning	20
Development Management	20
Erasmus Exchange	40
Contemporary Planning Issues	20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

This programme provides a mix of studio design projects and traditional teaching. 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
• individual and group project work

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Portfolio submission

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reflective report/journal

• 

  Reports

Skills and experience

Practical skills

You'll learn about the design process through a series of design projects. You'll gradually develop your architectural thinking, skills and knowledge working in our well-equipped studios.

You'll also gain an understanding of architectural design through working with drawing and model-making in Stage 1, and Adobe Suite and CAD software in Stage 2.

In Stage 3 you'll have the chance to participate in a live community project, seeing theory put into practice.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

As an Architecture and Planning student, you will split your time between our dedicated Architecture building and the newly refurbished Henry Daysh Building, opening in January 2020.

You will have access to a fully equipped analogue workshop and casting space as well as state-of-the-art digital fabrication facilities, including:

• 3D printers
• a CNC router
• laser cutters

Design studios

Our design studios include CAD facilities and drawing boards. We have dedicated AUP Studio Space with limited access however, you will have access to studio space 24/7 elsewhere in the School.

Other facilities

You will also benefit from:

• Archiprint facilities, 5x A0 Printers, 2 x A0 scanners, A3 scanners available in studio rooms
• student-run Kofi bar providing a social space for you to meet with staff and fellow students

You will collaborate with artists and engineers to test design ideas at 1:1 scale, and explore alternative forms of practice with community projects.

Take a virtual tour of the Architecture 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

Developing your employability

We will help you to develop a range of transferable skills that employers look for in new graduates. These skills have helped graduates find employment in numerous fields such as:

• teaching
• property development
• construction management
• planning
• urban design
• landscape architecture

Employability at Newcastle

96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.

Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).

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+ inititiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Additional information

If you graduate from this degree with a 2:1 or above, you'll automatically receive an offer to study our MA Urban Design programme upon application. You may be considered with a 2:2 but an interview will be required.

The Route to Royal Town Planning Institute Accreditation

The route to receiving Royal Town Planning Institute accreditation is a 5-year programme. Beginning with the BA (Hons) Architecture and Urban Planning degree, followed by the Certification of Planning Practice and concluded by the MA in Urban Design. To qualify for this accreditation students must opt for the RTPI approved modules during their studies.

Students taking the RTPI pathway will receive full accreditation from the Royal Town Planning Institute

Transfer opportunities

This wide-ranging degree opens up a great variety of career paths in the built environment. However, we understand that you may not yet be sure exactly where your architectural/planning interests lie. If you have acquired the relevant skills in Stage 1, you may be eligible to transfer to another similar degree within the School if you find your interests change, such as:

• Urban Planning BA Honours degree
• Master of Planning MPlan degree
• Architecture BA Honours degree

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)

UK Students

£9250

International Students

£19800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK 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

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

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
• scholarships for students applying to study at our London campus
• 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