Architecture

Architects shape the world around us, balancing creativity and critical knowledge to transform and inspire our built environment. Our RIBA-accredited BSc (Hons) Architecture degree will nurture your skills and channel your passion for design so you are ready to help create a better built environment for everyone.

It’s no surprise that architecture is one of the UK’s most popular degree courses – and an inspiring career choice. Architects are highly-valued in many sectors, working widely throughout the world for governments, major organisations, design practices and engineering consultancies.

Learn to design a better built environment
Drawing on our enviable location close to the heart of Manchester, one of Europe’s fastest-growing city regions, you will explore architecture and the built environment in a collaborative and engaging way. Led by international experts, our three-year BSc Architecture course will nurture your knowledge and skills, so you are ready for sustainable design and practice in the digital era. With unconditional Part 1 validation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the course provides the crucial first stage in your journey to become a chartered architect.

We’ve created a learning environment that reflects the studio culture many architecture professionals experience in their careers. The intelligent, flexible design enables us to repurpose the space for industry critiques, guest lectures and practical design sessions, as well as our annual degree show. Along with a computer suite for your digital design work, and workshops packed with high-spec equipment, including laser cutters and 3D printers, it is the ideal environment to bring your design ideas to life.

Get closer to industry

Reflecting the real-world, multi-disciplinary projects and innovative problem-solving activities alongside other built environment students will be at the heart of your studies. Through our strong links with local architectural practices and design firms, you will experience external critiques and guest lectures. With a focus on your future, you can share your creativity at our annual architecture show and build your network at our exclusive built environment careers fair.

Our new home for architecture
In Autumn 2022, we opened our new £65 million hub for science, engineering and the environment - and our new home for architecture. Sustainability-designed and 100% electric powered, the building offers unrivalled teaching, learning and research facilities and provides exciting new spaces for industry collaboration.

Features
• Explore architectural spatiality and the relationship between form, space, material and tectonics through studio workshops and action-learning modules
• Develop skills and competences using digital tools and technologies, such as BIM, that enable more creative and sustainable design
• Build your leadership and management skills, gaining the confidence to contribute your opinions and express your ideas
• Gain ARB and RIBA Part 1 validation, the crucial first step of your seven-year journey to become a chartered architect
• Experience learning in our dynamic studio setting, complete with computer design suites, 3-D printers and laser cutters

Year One:

• Design Studio 1A
• History and Theory 1
• Design Studio 1B
• Practice 1
• Design Technology 1

Year Two:

• Design Studio 2A
• History and Theory 2
• Practice 2: Multidisciplinary Project
• Design Technology 2
• Design Studio 2B

Year Three:

• Integrated Design Studio
• Design Technology 3
• History and Theory 3
• Practice 3

Choose one option from the following:

• Final Year Project and Professional Skills
• Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)

Plus one option from:

• Animal Cognition and Social Complexity (Wildlife)
• Environmental Geographical Information Systems
• Tropical Ecology and Conservation
• University Wide Language Programme

And one option from:

• Practical Ecology and Conservation
• Applied Freshwater Biology
• Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Ecology and Conservation
• University Wide Language Programme

The BSc (Hons) Architecture degree is a design-driven field combining theory and practice. Depending on the module focus, you will be assessed using a range of methods, including:

• Design portfolio, including 2D and 3D digital and physical forms of representation
• Illustrated Essays and reports
• Verbal and visual presentation
• Professional etiquette and conduct