University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
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Course contact details
The University of Manchester
Email:study@manchester.ac.uk
Course summary
BA Architecture is an innovative collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.The course, which is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA), allows you to take the first step to becoming an architect.
You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practice and research-active lecturers, who provide a rich and stimulating environment in which to study architecture.
What's more, you'll be inspired by the world-famous city of Manchester - the industrial revolution birthplace turned 21st century metropolis - and its vibrant, contemporary and innovative architecture scene.
Manchester is a showcase for recent regeneration and historic context, much of which has been designed with the involvement of our current students and graduates.
The city recognises the value of high-quality design, together with innovative and pragmatic approaches to resolving practical issues.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 22/09/2025
Apply by
29 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- K100
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- K100
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not acceptedA level
AAAAAA.
A mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.
Art or Fine Art A-levels are particularly welcomed; however, please note that applicants with three arts-based subjects (for example, Art, Graphics and 3D Design, or Art, Photography and Design and Technology), or a BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design on its own will not be considered as meeting our entry requirements.
We do not require a pass in the Science Practical Assessment.
Typical Contextual Offer: Grades ABB including subject specific requirements for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria. For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDDWe consider the National Extended Diploma in either Construction or Engineering for entry (we do not accept the above qualification in Art and Design).
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.
Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification.
Access to HE Diploma
D: 45 creditsWe require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are 60 credits are required with 45 at level 3 and 45 credits at Distinction. We also consider other factors such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.
Scottish Higher
We normally require grades AAAAC or AAABB in Scottish Highers.
In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers AAA
or
Two Advanced Highers AA , plus two additional Higher AA
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
AS
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDWe consider the National Diploma in either Construction or Engineering for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an A-level at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
DWe consider the National Extended Certificate in either Construction or Engineering for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades AA.
Scottish Advanced Higher
We normally require grades AAAAC or AAABB in Scottish Highers.
In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers AAA
or
Two Advanced Highers AA , plus two additional Higher AA
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36 points36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects.
We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Extended Project
The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer. For this course it would be AAB at A-level plus the Extended Project at Grade A.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3, D3, D3We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects are expected to achieve D3, D3, D3.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A-levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3 in the Pre-U certificates and grades AA at A-level in three distinct subjects.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDDWe consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DDWe consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade A.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
DDWe consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grades BB.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
DWe consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades AA.
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAA and an EAP score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening .
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year iare required to achieve AAA and an EAP requirements score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening .
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements
- Portfolio
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0. |
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 , or;
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
Acceptable English Language Qualifications https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.
Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
As part of our ongoing commitment to widening participation, the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) guarantees a £500 cash bursary to aspiring undergraduate students eligible for a reduced-grade contextual offer who register on BA Architecture.
This bursary is designed as a contribution to aid students with some of the costs of getting started at university, such as textbooks and travel expenses.
All students can also receive £200 to spend on course materials, as part of our Art School Credit Scheme.
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