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Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 1)

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Docklands Campus
More about University of East London

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Imagination, investigation and innovation are the driving forces behind this course. Join us to explore a wide variety of approaches and discover areas that interest you.

This is one of our flagship degrees and is recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects and Architects Registration Board. You'll achieve the first qualification you need on your journey to becoming an architect.

We take a hands-on approach, so you can expect us to push your creativity. Throughout the course, you'll focus on the process of making, and then reflect on what you've designed to boost your technical knowledge. You'll develop the skills all architects need, including drawing, model making and using computer-aided design.

In the lecture theatre, you'll cover history, theory, technology and computing. To give you the support you need, our experienced tutors will run sessions with you individually or in a small group.

Throughout the course, you'll develop your own creative style, and put together your own portfolio to showcase your talents to potential employers after you graduate. The core of architecture is the design studio, and the main emphasis of our course is developing your design ability. Since our key aim is to push your creativity and judgment to the maximum, you can expect the course to be highly demanding.

The four-year course is perfect if you want a degree in architecture, but don't have the standard qualifications. We prepare you for your degree during your Foundation year, bringing you up to speed with academic skills and a firm grounding in advertising. Then you can go on to do the full undergraduate degree.

Modules

Foundation Year:
Techniques for Design (Core)
Design: Project (Core)
History, Theory & Communication (Core)
Design Media & Representation (Core)
Year 1:
Architecture, Design Investigation 1 (Core)
Architecture, Design Resolution 1 (Core)
History and Theory 1
Technical Studies, Computing and Representation 1 (Core)
Year 2:
Architecture Design Investigation 2 Core)
Architecture, Design Resolution 2 (Core)
History and Theory 2 (Core)
Technical Studies, Computing and Representation 2 (Core)
Year 3:
Architecture, Design Investigation 3 (Core)
Architecture Design Resolution 3 (Core)
History and Theory 3 (Core)
Technical Studies and Professional Studies 3 (Core)

Assessment method

Studio work is assessed within a design portfolio and supporting studies in the form of a bound report.

We provide students with feedback on their progress throughout the year during tutorials and crits. Final assessment takes place at the end of each academic year. There are no closed book examinations.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Institute of British Architects
  • Architects Registration Board

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Docklands Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • September 2026

Apply by
14 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:
E28
Campus name:
Docklands Campus
Campus Code:
A
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2, 3

University of East London 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
14 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:
E28
Campus name:
Docklands Campus
Campus Code:
A

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 120 points

For entry of this course you will be assessed by portfolio/interview.

A level BBB

Including an A2 level pass in an Art & Design subject

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDM

In a relevant Art & Design subject.

Access to HE Diploma

In a relevant Art & Design subject.

Scottish Higher

Including a higher level pass in an Art & Design subject

For detailed information on entry requirements for our courses, please see the individual course pages. We consider a range of UK and worldwide qualifications at the appropriate level and also take relevant work experience into account when considering an application. Many courses have a Foundation Year option for those students whose qualifications do not meet the BA or BSc entry requirements.

Applicants should have, or be working towards, grade C in GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent Level 2 qualification such as Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Mathematics or Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number and Communication)

Entry requirements are intended only as a guide for applicants. They are not a guarantee of an offer, nor of the conditions that may apply. When making a decision on your academic suitability, we will make an assessment of you as an individual and will use information other than qualifications; which may include predicted grades, performance at Level 2, relevant work experience, previous study at degree level, personal statement, references and any portfolio, written test or interview, to make our decision.

If you have any questions, please contact a member of our Applicant Relations Team from Monday to Friday (9am–5pm) on +44 (0) 20 8223 3333 or https://uel.ac.uk/about/contact-us

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Applicants are required to attend an interview for discussion of their portfolio of work.
Portfolio
The portfolio is a very important part of the application process. It should reflect broad examples of your work. This will be used as evidence of your creative ability and potential. Your portfolio may include paintings, drawings, sketches, a personal sketchbook, design and photographic work, 3D-modelling, work in progress, etc. It should exhibit an understanding of spatial awareness. We like to see the creative and planning processes that have contributed to your work, not just the final pieces. We also like to see some work that reflects your own personal interests, i.e. work that you might have undertaken in your own time. We want to see your passion for your work and you’re expected to present the portfolio in a positive and interesting manner. You will be expected to display care and thought in the way that your portfolio is presented; the organisation is no less important than the content.

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.

As an inclusive university, we're proud to welcome students of all backgrounds and all ages. Mature students (over the age of 21) make up almost half of our undergraduate population. The University takes into account non-academic factors when making decisions and confirming your place for Results Day. If you have life or work experience that is relevant to your course, and can demonstrate your commitment to study, we can equip you to succeed.

Learn more on the University of East London website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

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.

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