Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1) BA(Hons) drafted drafted

Program Overview

---

About the course

---

---

---

---

Reasons to study

This course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

You could opt to go on an extended field trip overseas to countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and China.

Learn in the state of the art £30m Barbara Hepworth Building with access to 3D printers, laser cutters, virtual reality and motion tracking sensors, studio space and more.

Architecture asks questions regarding speculative constructs and designed realities to build possible new futures. Our students and staff critically examine the rich possibilities of the built environment. From design and materials to culture and experience, on a regional and international stage. We promote an imaginative, rigorous, and forward-thinking approach to help shape the future of the architectural profession.

You can look at examples of our students' work here

---

---

---

---

Architecture or Architecture International?

There are two strands to the course; Architecture and Architecture International. In the final year of the course, you can opt for a Home or International Design Studio. Both have a distinctive approach to the subject, allowing you to explore different cultural regions. The environmental and social nature of the course means that you’ll experience ideas and influences that are as diverse as they are creative.

---

---

---

---

Why study Architecture?

There’s never been a more interesting, or important time to be an architect. The design of beautiful, practical and efficient buildings for individuals, businesses and communities around the world is of greater and greater importance as we face the demands and challenges of the future. A future which, in many ways, is uncertain, as we tackle social, cultural and climatic changes (emergencies) globally that will inevitably affect the way in which we interact with each other and with our planet.

Upon graduating you'd be able to work in a wide range of architectural practices and could be sought after for your practical ability and creative flair. You’ll be well prepared to work in a professional environment and ready to progress to the next stage of your architectural career.

The course is recognised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), the body that regulates the architects’ profession in the UK. Good news if you’re planning to continue on to be an architect, as you have to register with the ARB to be able to practise under the title of ‘architect’ in the UK.

Our course is also validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). In fact, if you graduate, you’ll then gain exemption from RIBA’s Part 1 Professional Examinations. We offer RIBA Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications here at Huddersfield.

If you choose to take the International option in your final year, the extended field trip is compulsory and you’ll have to fund your own place. Just to give you an idea, the average cost of the trip in the past few years has been around £1,400 per student. Recent visits have included Vietnam, Malaysia, India and China.*

*See 'Additional Costs' under 'Fees and Finance' section

Program Outline

Course detail

---

Year 1

Core modules:

---

Technology 1: An Introduction to Architectural Technology

This module introduces three main areas. Firstly, Structures - through an exploration of structural equilibrium and the assessment of stress and deformation in simple elements, the module will discuss the properties of building materials and the implications for element design. An introduction to civil engineering and groundworks is provided. Secondly, Buildings Fabric Design - common materials, assemblies and construction techniques used to achieve safe, environmentally sound and aesthetic constructions will be explained and exemplified. Common failures in materials and assemblies will be highlighted. Thirdly, Environmental Design - a building’s fabric and services combine to create an internal environment that the occupants find comfortable and pleasurable. This extends to physiological (and psychological), thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, and the health and wellbeing of the occupants. You’ll consider how responsive design (both passive and interactive) can be utilised to provide the internal conditions necessary for comfort. All of the above topics will be considered in relation to sustainable design necessary for protecting local and global environments.

---

History and Theory 1: Spatial and Visual Culture

This module has two parallel strands: - A historical overview of Western, Islamic and Oriental architecture from the beginnings of civilisation to 1939. - An introduction to theoretical issues that relate to the manipulation of architectural space and form. Whilst providing background knowledge it seeks to inculcate the idea that history is not a mere catalogue of styles, and that a study of the subject is essential to the designer.

---

Personal Development 1: An Introduction to Communication Skills

This module is concerned with your personal development as a designer with a specific focus on the introduction and development of basic 2D and 3D drawing, modelling, CAD and graphic techniques. You’ll be introduced to a range of architectural design and visualisation skills including the use of manual graphic and modelling techniques, the use of CAD and other digital media and the facilities and resources available within the School. The importance of developing good communication skills will be explained. As your skills develop you’ll be introduced to the notions of active learning and personal development planning.

---

Design Studio 1: Basic Principles of Design

The module introduces the basic principles of architectural composition. The module has a particular focus on the relationship between people and space(s). It provides you with a vehicle to explore the process of design and to develop an understanding of its nature, components, and effects. The module is intended to introduce you to design as an integrative process through the realisation of architectural spaces and forms that satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements and you’ll then develop a body of work in response to projects. The module promotes exploration of the fundamental elements of architectural components and assemblies and you’ll be encouraged to apply practical, technical and theoretical skills from adjacent modules. You’ll also develop your presentation skills through spoken presentation at reviews and tutorials to the various and many modes of visual presentation, conceptualisation, prototyping, and production.

---

Design Studio 2: Theory and Form

The module explores the basic principles of architectural composition and the relationship between people, space and place. It provides you with a vehicle to explore the process of design and to develop an understanding of its nature, components, and effects. We’ll introduce you to design as an integrative process through the realisation of architectural spaces and forms that satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements. The module takes a broad holistic approach that encompasses diverse and interdependent areas of practice and provides a framework on which you can base your design work in the future. In particular, the module introduces the practical exploration of structural, constructional and environmental technologies and the expression of architectural ideas in relation to human requirements. You’ll develop a body of work in response to projects. This is defined and structured by Module Tutors to promote an exploration of the fundamental elements of architectural components and assemblies. You’ll be encouraged to apply practical, technical and theoretical skills from adjacent modules. The module will facilitate the development of presentation skills in all forms from a spoken presentation at reviews and tutorials to the various and many modes of visual presentation, conceptualisation, prototyping, and production.

---

Year 2

Core modules:

---

Technology 2: Integrated Technology

The module continues to develop your understanding of technological innovation in architecture in relation to Structures, Building Fabric Design and Environmental Design. Structures - You will explore using a variety of materials and assemblies and you’ll consider their behaviour under gravity and lateral loading. Different foundations and earth-retaining structures will be introduced and methods for the assessment of stability will be developed. You’ll be introduced to the principles of designing structural members subject to bending and axial loading and the principles of elastic behaviour in structural members of any cross-section. Building Fabric Design - You’ll consider more advanced construction techniques and building systems and you will extend and develop your technical vocabulary, your appreciation of natural and synthetic material elements, and the principles and techniques of their transformation into objects and components used in the assembly of buildings and building components. Environmental Design - You’ll develop further the consideration of psychological and physiological, thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, and the effects on building occupants. Because of the close relationship between environmental systems, energy consumption and the health and wellbeing of a building’s occupants, issues of sustainability will be considered at all stages. In particular, you’ll focus on the range of environmental control systems found in buildings and how these affect our interaction with the spaces we inhabit and the artefacts and services we use. General services used to provide safety and facility in buildings will be considered such as mechanical movement, electrical and drainage systems.

---

History and Theory 2 : Place and Precedent

The focus of the module will be upon place and precedent. It will enable you to deepen your understanding of the history of architecture as well as architectural and urban design theory and will provide an informed background against which your own ideas can develop and mature. The module explores the development of architecture and urban design from the beginning of the Renaissance to the start of the 21st century and examines contemporary movements and practices by analysing principal characteristics, raisons d’être and the work of leading exponents. Themes and issues will be explored with reference to the work and writings of significant theorists and practitioners from a broad philosophical spectrum. You’ll be introduced to the specific historical/political development in a variety of contexts, which will provide an understanding of the relationship between the climate, socio-economic, and cultural and religious factors and architectural development. The module introduces you to a range of architectural and urban design strategies and methodologies that will develop your critical understanding based on a sound theoretical foundation.

---

Personal Development 2: Techniques of Representation

This module asks you to think carefully about your own acquisition of design, communication and interpersonal skills and the importance of these both in terms of your own personal development and in terms of your impact upon and response to others. You will be asked to explore critical techniques of representation in order to build upon your architectural design and visualisation skills. You will extend your CAD and graphic skills and you will be asked to explore the potential for visual and physical modelling techniques in relation to CAD and other digital media. You will continue to explore your own learning and personal development, with a particular emphasis on feedback and dialogue.

---

Design Studio 3: Place and Architecture

This module requires you to produce works of increasing sophistication, having successfully completed Design Studio 1 and Design Studio 2 (or equivalent). You’ll explore the relationship between theory and practical design activity. You’ll be supported in managing your studio time and will be expected to apply technical skills and critical awareness drawn from this and adjacent modules, which will form the context for the module. The content of the module will comprise a number of design projects, which will enable you to develop your skills at integrating architectural design with material and environmental technologies in a holistic design solution. You will develop a body of work in response to a studio theme. This will be defined and structured by module tutors to promote the integration of ideas and experimental practice in the production of the design proposals. Assessment: The production of a body of work, in the form of physical drawings and models that demonstrate the manipulation and expression of architectural space and form in response to a specific context.

---

Design Studio 4: Integrated Design

This module will enable you to explore the relationship between theory and practical design activity. You can chose to study either 'Design Studio 4' or 'Design Studio 4 (European)' as they're optional modules. The choice of which you study is up to you, the student. The focus of Design Studio 4 is on UK locations. Design Studio 4 (European) contains a field trip to a location within Europe*. On both strands, you’ll be supported in managing your studio time and will be expected to apply technical skills and critical awareness drawn from this and previous modules, which will form the context for the module. You will extend your understanding of the relationship between contemporary design theories and practice in order to facilitate a critical approach to the self-evaluation of design ideas and to provide an intellectual framework to support your independent design development. You’ll further develop your understanding of architecture and human activity with particular emphasis upon the relationship between social and cultural trends, constructional and environmental technologies and the physical context of architectural design. In essence the module aims to integrate concepts, context of use, technical production and aesthetics. This will be developed and tested through debate and practical activity.

---

Final Year

Core modules:

---

Technology 3: Materials and Tectonics

This module is concerned with the technical resolution of your Major Design Project in adjacent module Design Studio 6: Culture, Context, Place (or a negotiated alternative). It requires the production of written and illustrated technical precedent studies exploring aspects of architectural technology. You will be expected to explore contemporary technologies and, where possible examine some at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture. You are expected to critically reflect upon what you have learnt and resolve the technical and tectonic detail design of your Major Design Project.

---

History and Theory 3: Architectural Dissertation

This module allows you to explore the cultural context of architecture through the research and preparation of an architectural dissertation. You are asked to consider your own emerging interests and skills in relation to the broader architectural discourse and to select and explore a topic of relevance to your development as an architectural designer and thinker. The specific topic will be identified and defined in negotiation with your module tutor in order to support, where possible, your design studies in adjacent modules. You will be introduced to a range of appropriate methods to research, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate your subject, and you will be asked to present your evaluation in written and visual form in a structured and objective manner.

---

Personal Development 3: Professional Studies

This module will allow you to meet the professional practice requirements for RIBA/ARB at part 1. Within this module you are asked to consider your own career development and your position, upon graduation, within an architectural practice. In preparation for this period of professional practice, the module aims to: - Examine the construction professions and their role in the construction industry in the UK. - Provide an overview of the law and contractual procedures in the UK - Analyse the appropriate legislation related to the building process in the UK. - Examine principles of multi-disciplinary teamwork, communications and co-ordination which are necessary to practice in the current professional environment. - Develop your management skills.

---

Design Studio 5: Event Space Form

This module will enable you to explore more thoroughly the relationship between theory and practical design activity. You’ll develop a body of work in response to a studio theme. This will be defined and structured by Module Tutors to promote the integration of ideas and experimental practice in the production of the design proposals. The emphasis in this module will be on: - Exploring the notion of ‘event’ and how we make places and architecture which respond to this notion. - Develop your design thinking as an architectural narrative, forming proposals, which are poetic expressions of ideas. Projects will not promote complex programmatic and organisational problems, but will rather allow in depth exploration of powerful philosophical and theoretical approaches. You will be supported in managing your studio time and will be expected to apply technical skills and critical awareness drawn from this and adjacent modules, which will form the context for the module. You will extend your understanding of the relationship between contemporary design theories and practice in order to facilitate a critical approach to the self-evaluation of design ideas and to provide an intellectual framework in support of your independent design development.

Option modules:

Choose either-

---

Design Studio 6: Culture Context Place

This module is delivered across the second 12 teaching weeks of the third year of study. It is concerned with the study of a real place in a largely familiar context, the identification and analysis of specific locations for a new building, preparation of a design brief and the development of architectural design proposals that express an architectural narrative, satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements and resolve spatial organisation. As part of an organised group you will undertake a study of a specific location established by the module tutor. The region studied will normally be based in the UK, but reference and comparison will be made in relation to other regions both within the UK and further afield. You are to develop an intimate understanding of the place through an in depth investigation, which extends beyond the familiar and obvious information to reveal the context in a new light. You will explore the distinctive regional characteristics and you will be asked to think very carefully about all aspects of the place in order to examine the underlying principles that lead to specific developments in architecture and urban design. You will examine precedents of building types and technologies. You will be asked to explore relationships between environmental, cultural, social, economic, political and religious factors in relation to urban and architectural development in a broadly familiar cultural context. You will identify and analyse specific locations for a new building and prepare a design brief. You will prepare an in-depth site analysis in preparation for design development. The module will culminate in a Major Design Project which will draw upon previous experience to produce a holistic architectural design, which not only satisfies functional needs, but is also responsive and appropriate to the context of the chosen location.

or

---

Design Studio 6: Culture Context Place (International)

This module is delivered across the second 12 teaching weeks of the third year of study. The module is concerned with the study of a real place in an unfamiliar context, the identification and analysis of specific locations for a new building, preparation of a design brief and the development of architectural design proposals that express an architectural narrative, satisfy specific and predetermined user requirements and resolve spatial organisation. As part of an organised group you will undertake a study visit to a specific location established by the module tutor. The region studied will be non-European, but reference and comparison will be made in relation to other regions around the world. The aim of the study visit is to enable you to experience a foreign cultural context and conduct investigations and research in this unfamiliar environment. In this context you will examine the relationship between architecture, society and environment and explore and expose its distinctiveness. You will be asked to think very carefully about all aspects of the place in order to examine the underlying principles that lead to specific developments in architecture and urban design. You will examine precedents of building types and technologies. You will be asked to explore the relationships between environmental, cultural, social, economic, political and religious factors in relation to urban and architectural development in an unfamiliar cultural context. You will identify and analyse specific locations for a new building and prepare a design brief. You will prepare an in-depth site analysis in preparation for design development. The module will culminate in a Major Design Project which will draw upon previous experience to produce a holistic architectural design, which not only satisfies functional needs, but is also responsive and appropriate to the cultural and environmental context of the chosen location.

---

Teaching and Assessment

On average, 23.2%* of the study time on this course is spent in lectures, seminars, design studios etc.

*based on 20/21 programme specifications.

The course is delivered using a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and a series of design studio projects. Studio-based design is central to this course, for which you'll have access to high quality resources in computing and modelling, professional support and tuition. You'll learn through design projects and assignments. All modules in Years 2 and 3 count towards final Honours classification.

You'll be assessed on a combination of your portfolios of design work, written assignments, seminar presentations and classroom tests, individually and in groups.

Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration.

Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

---

Teaching excellence

1. Triple proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2022). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

2. We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 20 since 2008 (2022 data).

3. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

---

Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive the Level 5 in Leadership and Management Award from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), meaning you’ll graduate from the University of Huddersfield with an internationally recognised professional qualification, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

*full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees

---

Your career

---

If you intend to follow the route to become a qualified architect then, upon successful completion** of the BA(Hons) degree, through which you’ll attain the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 professional qualification, you would be eligible for admission to our Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 2) MArch course. The first year of this course is a ‘year out’ which would be spent working in a professional practice, before continuing to full time study at the University in the subsequent 2 years.

Alternatively, you may choose to specialise in other areas after the course, such as sustainability, 3D computer applications, management, or a range of other disciplines including journalism.

*Percentage of our undergraduate students from this course go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20, UK domiciled, other activities excluded).

**Successful completion is classed as passing Architecture/Architecture (International) BA(Hons) with First-Class Honours (1st), Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1), Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) or Third-Class Honours (3rd).

80% Graduates employed*

---

Placements

---

If you intend to follow the route to become a qualified architect then, upon successful completion of the degree, through which you’ll attain the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 professional qualification, you’ll need to undertake a year working in professional practice before continuing to RIBA Part 2.

We have excellent links with architectural practices around the world and our students have found employment in a wide range of practices, from the smallest architectural firms to the largest, working on a huge variety of projects at home and overseas.

During my placement year at FaulknerBrowns Architects, I worked on a wide range of projects and design stages and enhanced my graphic skills. My year in industry helped me to develop a better understanding about life in a big practice and gain more experience in the field of architecture.

Ana Constantinescu , 2018 BA(Hons) graduate who undertook placement in 2019