Prospective Students

Architectural Studies (BSc/MArch)

The BSc in Architectural Studies is a three-year full-time programme of study introducing the concerns of architecture and the built environment. It is a programme of study complete in its own right for students who wish to have a design-based education. In addition, and provided a suitable Honours standard is achieved, the BSc satisfies Part 1 of the UK professional qualification for architects, validated jointly by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). It also leads to entry to the two year MArch scheme of study and eventual qualification for the profession of architecture.

The BSc programme is a modular degree concerned principally with architectural design. The importance of design is reflected in the 80 credits allocated to the Architectural Design module in each year, two-thirds of the assessment. The remaining 40 credits in each year are allocated to single modules in subjects associated with the cultural and professional context of architecture, and double modules in architectural technology.

Design projects in the first year of the BSc tend to be related to basic skills and understanding the fundamental workings of architecture. The autumn semester includes projects which are intended to introduce conceptual and critical thinking related to drawing, observing, and analysing. Projects build in scale and complexity, and have included small shelters and a gallery as well as conceptual exercises of form and construction. In the spring semester, architectural technology teaching is closely integrated with the design projects which investigate issues of site, context, and function. A one week study tour to a major European city provides the opportunity to study outside the classroom.

The two semesters of second year are organised around the themes of 'making places' and 'place-making', each emphasising those terms in that order. Through design and analytical studies, students focus on the poetics, pragmatics and practicalities of construction and environment; social and physical contexts of architecture; the morphology of small towns; and (last by no means least) the development and refinement of design ideas. In a discipline with few rights and many wrongs, second year is organised to help students develop their own design judgement. This development is encouraged with activities including: the design of sustainable dwellings, a demountable structure and a small public building; also urban analysis, a study visit to a major European city, and various one-day or one week 'charrette' work-outs.

Third year projects explore cultural and technological aspects of architecture through integrated design projects. Third Year focus on the integration of craft, art and technology, within contemporary architecture, through investigation of cultural, sociological, economical and lifestyle phenomena. The agenda includes a cultural understanding of sustainability as a matter of lived practices. As in Years 1 and 2, Architectural Technology teaching is closely integrated with the design projects. Building economics and professional practice are addressed through a lecture module. Cultural and theoretical issues in contemporary architecture are both integrated into the design module and form the focus of a separate lecture module and long essay. In the spring semester, typically the students will be asked to design for a cultural institution of some kind in either a landscape or urban setting.

The MArch (Master in Architecture), which is a two-year programme, combines experience in architectural practice with advanced challenges in architectural design. The MArch in the Welsh School of Architecture is different in structure from second degree or diploma programmes in other UK schools of architecture. In other schools a 'year out' in practice is followed by two years back in university. In the Welsh School the year in practice is integrated into the MArch and has its own modular structure, contact with the School is maintained throughout the year. The second year of the MArch is spent back in the School. The focus of the year is the Final Design Project, in which students define and research their own brief for a major design project, on which they will spend the majority of their time during the year. This project is preceded by an urban design project associated with a study visit to a major European city. Architectural Technology teaching is integrated with the design projects and students also continue their studies in building economics and professional practice through a lecture module.

This course is recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for exemption from Part 1 (BSc) and Part 2 (MArch) of the RIBA's membership examinations. For more information about the RIBA, becoming an architect and careers in architecture please see www.careersinarchitecture.net

Typical Offer

AAA

Entry Requirements

Three A-levels or equivalent. A good academic base is required, preferably indicating a balance of skills in visual arts, sciences, writing and research. General Studies, Critical Thinking and PE are not accepted. All candidates are asked to submit a small portfolio of four A4 size sheets showing art and design work to Anwen Cook, Admissions Secretary, as part of their application. Alternative grades and qualifications are acceptable with an outstanding portfolio.

Detailed Entry Requirements and Admissions Criteria

Applications from those offering alternative/vocational/overseas qualifications (eg Access, Vocational A-level) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience. Please click here for a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.

Next intake: September each year

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