We place particular emphasis on the idea of ‘alternative practice’, 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 study topics such as:

• understanding sustainable development
• researching local economies
• understanding cities
• architectural and urban design 

We use design projects, historical examples, theoretical ideas and a live community project to support your understanding of how architecture and cities can be developed.

If you graduate from this degree with a 2:1 or above, you will 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. 

Highlights of this degree

Modules for 2017 entry

Please note

The module and/or programme information below is for 2017 entry. Our teaching is informed by research and modules change 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). To find out more read our terms and conditions.

Module/programme information for 2018 entry will be published here as soon as it is available (end of May 2018).

Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Further information, including the credit value of the module, is available in each of the module descriptions below.

Stage 1

Compulsory modules

• APL1001  Alternative Practice: Histories
• ARC1007  Architectural Design 1.1
• ARC1013  Architectural Technology 1.1: Explorations in Making Architecture
• ARC1015  Introduction to Architecture
• TCP1014  Planning Processes
• TCP1025  Social Worlds

Optional modules

You choose one of the following modules for semester 2:

• ARC1014  Architectural Technology 1.2: Principles of Constructing Architecture
• TCP1019  Economics of Development I
• TCP1020  Environment and Sustainability

Transfer opportunity

After completion of Stage 1, you can opt to transfer to Stage 2 of either the BA Architecture (K100), BA Urban Planning (K421) or Master of Planning (K400) programmes. If you wish to transfer, you will be assessed on individual merit. 

To transfer to Stage 2 of Master of Planning MPlan Honours (K400) or Urban Planning BA Honours (K421) you will need to pass all modules for this course and achieve 50% or more in the TCP1014 module.

Entry to Stage 2 of Architecture BA Honours (K100) requires you to have a pre-arranged one to one portfolio meeting with the Degree Programme Director and associated staff in K100 to consider eligibility for transfer. It also requires that you selected and passed the ARC1014 module.  

Stage 2

Compulsory modules

• APL2001  Alternative Practice: Theories and Practices
• APL2007 Visual and Creative Practice Research Skills

Optional modules

You shall take 80 credits of optional modules normally selected from the following list. You should ideally select 40 credits from each Semester 1 and 40 credits from Semester 2 to give a 60/60 split.

• ACE1000  Introduction to Marketing and Consumer Behaviour
• APL2004  Relational Mapping, Design and Representation
• APL2005  Twentieth Century Architecture
• APL2023 The Place of Houses
• NCL2007  Career Development for second year students*
• NCL2100  Developing Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Employability*
• TCP2005  Houses and Homes
• TCP2025  Researching Local Economies
• TCP2028  Understanding Cities
• TCP2030  Urban Poverty: A Global Perspective
• TCP2031  Digital Civics - Designing Applications for Digital Public Engagement
• TCP2033  Urban Infrastructure: A Lens on the City
• TCP2034  How Public is Public Space? An Interdisciplinary Perspective
• TCP2035 Study Visit

*You may only take one of these modules

With approval from the Degree Programme Director alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected.

Work Placement (optional)

You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional work placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply to spend your placement year with any organisation and will receive University support to do so. It will extend your degree by a year and is subject to availability. Find out more about Work Placements.

Stage 3

Compulsory modules

You choose one of the following modules:

• APL3003  Creative Practice or
• TCP3099  Dissertation

Optional modules

You choose 80 credits normally selected from the following list:

• ACE3000  Globalisation: Patterns, Processes and Challenges
• APL3001  Alternative Practice: Co-Producing Space
• APL3002  A Home for all : housing vulnerable populations
• APL3004  Chinese Culture, Politics and Urban Development: Architecture, Planning and Visual Culture
• BUS3000  Enterprise and Entrepreneurship with Lean Innovation
• BUS3027  Innovation and Creativity
• NCL3007  Career Development Module for final year students*
• NCL3008  Advanced Career Development*
• POL3100  History of World Political Thought
• POL3107  Documentary Film and World Politics
• TCP3053  Development Management
• TCP3028 Strategies into Action: Planning
• TCP3055  Erasmus Exchange**
• TCP3061  Contemporary Planning Issues

*You may take only one of these modules  

** You can take this module if you are taking APL3003

With approval from the Degree Programme Director alternative optional modules to those listed above may be selected.

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered. 

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

What our graduates go on to do: employment and further study choices

See what our recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation. Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginning with the University and moving through Faculty and School down to individual course reports. This final level may give you some useful ideas about possible options after your course or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability at Newcastle

Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.

95% of our 2016 UK-domiciled graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment more than three quarters (78%) achieved a professional or managerial position.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.

Applying to Newcastle University through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC
• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzword

Ask your teacher or adviser from your school or college for the UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when you register on the Apply system. This makes it clear which school or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU and international establishments are registered with UCAS.

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.

Making your application

On the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates
• offers and tracking your application

Find out more about our admissions process and who to contact if you need help with your application.