Architecture and Urban Planning
BA Honours
- UCAS code: K190
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2023
This multidisciplinary degree will help you expand your knowledge and develop expertise in the fields of architecture and urban planning.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £22800
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
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.
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 2022-23.
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
- 16th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2023 (Architecture category)
- 10th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2023 (Town and Country Planning, Landscape category)
- 17th in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2022 (Architecture category)
- 14th in the UK - Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 (Architecture category)
- Top 50 for Architecture/Built Environment - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
- Top 150 for Arts and Humanities - Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022
- 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
- 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 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
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.
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
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|
Optional modules are required to enable students to receive Royal Town Planning Institute accreditation. The accreditation route 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, highlighted below:
Economics of Development
Environment and Sustainability
Students taking the RTPI pathway will receive accreditation from the Royal Town Planning Institute.
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 |
| Community Building | 0 |
Optional modules are required to enable students to receive Royal Town Planning Institute accreditation. The accreditation route 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, highlighted below:
Relational Mapping, Design and Representation
Participation, Theories and Practices
Students taking the RTPI pathway will receive accreditation from the Royal Town Planning Institute.
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 |
| Community Building | 0 |
Optional modules are required to enable students to receive Royal Town Planning Institute accreditation. The accreditation route 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, highlighted below:
Alternative Practice: Co-producing Space
A Home for All: Housing Vulnerable Populations
Development Management
Strategies into Action: Planning
Students taking the RTPI pathway will receive accreditation from the Royal Town Planning Institute.
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
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
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
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, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement 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
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.
In Stage 2 you can choose to spend a whole semester studying in Europe as part of a study abroad exchange.
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.
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.
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
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:
- urban design
- landscape architecture
- property development
- construction management
- planning
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 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. These RTPI approved modules are specified in the module and learning section.
Students taking the RTPI pathway will receive full accreditation from the Royal Town Planning Institute.
If you graduate from this degree with a 2:1 or above, you'll automatically receive an offer to the following programmes:
You may be considered with a 2:2 but an interview will be required.
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:
Entry requirements and offers
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2023 entry.
A Level
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
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.
Portfolio information
To showcase your understanding and appreciation of the built environment, all candidate must 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 2023 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£22800
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.
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.
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:
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
By phone
Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.
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