Program Overview
Architecture with Foundation BA Honours
Overview
Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster.
Course Structure
The course is structured into four years: a Foundation year followed by three years of undergraduate study.
Foundation Year
The Foundation year offers four studio-based modules which include Recording Place, Making Practices, Reading Spaces and the Major Project. The latter is a design challenge that asks students to draw on skills and interests ignited by their earlier studio-based work and topics explored in the Foundation Pathway Modules. The work from this project will form the centrepiece of the final exhibition showcasing the students' skills and creative visions.
Subjects of study include:
- Critical Thinking in a Changing World
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Major Project
- Making Practices
- Reading Spaces
- Recording Place
Credit Level 3
Year 1
Design Studio: Architectural design is taught twice a week in small groups of around 20-22, with a lead tutor supported by a second tutor on the first studio day and a postgraduate student on the second. In the first 12 weeks the focus is on introducing the fundamentals of scale, architectural drawing, and creative practice followed by a small design project. Activities also include on-site sketching, building visits, modelling and digital representation skills and photography,
A longer design project takes up the second 12 weeks of the year, with students investigating the site, context and stakeholders, and then developing their brief. Ideas are developed through an iterative creative process of drawing and modelling and responding to tutor feedback. The design work is then explored through working directly with materials in the fabrication lab.
Activities also include a CAD/digital fabrication lab project and the collective design and preparation of the end-of-year public show, at which the final design proposals are presented.
Studio teaching is varied and involves workshops, site and building visits and group research, with individual tutorials and 'crits' in which each student’s work is presented to their fellow students, tutors, guest critics and practitioners.
Technical Studies : Students are introduced to structural and environmental principles underpinning architectural design, fabrication processes, building components and assembly techniques.
History and Theory : Through lectures and small group seminar discussions, students study a range of European and non-western histories of architecture. They also undertake walks around London and make guided building visits. Students develop their writing skills supported by analytical drawing.
Subjects of study in Year 1 include:
- A History of Architecture
- Design, Materials and Fabrication
- Introduction to Design and Skills
- Introduction to Design Practice
- Introduction to Technical Studies
Credit Level 4
Year 2
Design Studio : Students can choose to study within one of our seven studios, each offering a particular approach to design or engagement in current issues and characterised by diverse themes. Responding to the studio brief, students create two architectural proposals during the course of the year. In the first project they develop their understanding of environmental issues of the site and context, and in the second project, large-scale models are used to examine the design in detail.
History and Theory : A lecture programme on theory and contemporary issues in architecture and urbanism is followed by small group seminar sessions. These develop students’ critical skills and help students choose a subject for further research in the final year Dissertation.
Technical Studies : Students are introduced to architectural practice by following the live progress of a construction site (Site Diary module). Working in pairs, students identify a construction site, negotiate to visit it regularly during the course of the year and develop an understanding of the building procurement process. Their summarising reports cover the role of the architect, the organisation of the design team, site health and safety, buildability and the construction sequence.
Subjects of study in Year 2 include:
- Architectural History and Urbanism
- Design Investigation
- Design Projects
- Site Diary
- TS2: Environment + Detailed Design
Credit Level 5
Placement Year
Between Years 2 and 3, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) and gain work experience, enhancing your employability after graduation.
Year 3
Design Studio : Students can choose to study within one of our six studios, offering a diverse range of design approaches.
The projects are larger and more complex than in the second year, with the design encompassing urban-scale thinking down to detailed design resolution. The second Major Project forms the culmination of the students’ design practice and technical development, which they present to an external examiner at the end of the year. The work is then exhibited at the annual summer exhibition and goes on to form the basis of their portfolios for employment in an architectural practice as a 'Part 1 year-out' assistant.
Technical Studies : Students investigate a particular area of environmental or technical interest, and then apply this knowledge in their second Major Project. The work includes an environmental audit of their design decisions and a detailed study of how their proposal would be built. A team of visiting architects, engineers and environmental consultants support this work through lectures and tutorial sessions.
History and Theory : Students write a dissertation: an extended piece of written research on a subject of interest from the field of architecture. Their work is supported through weekly tutorial group sessions.
Preparation for Professional Practice : Students undertake a two-week work-placement in architectural practice, studying how the architectural practice is organised, the contractual relationships they have with clients and builders, and the procurement process of the project they have been working on there. They also prepare their CV and build a website to showcase their work. This work-based learning experience is supported by lectures and workshops.
Subjects of study in Year 3 include:
- Design and Technical Exploration
- Dissertation
- Major Design Project
- Preparing for Practice
- Technical Design Study: Exploration and Application
Credit Level 6
Professional Accreditation
The course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), providing exemption from RIBA Part 1.
Entry Requirements
- UK
- International
- A levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 96 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM
- BTEC Diploma – DD
- Access – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level,GCSE Maths grade 4/C - IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
Part of your tuition fee covers basic course materials, workshop and studio provision and technical support. However, you may also incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you'll need to plan for.
What your tuition fees cover
- Prior to enrolment you'll be provided with information on reading lists and the equipment you'll need for the duration of your course.
- There's no requirement for you to buy books as all the key texts are available in the library.
What your tuition fees do not cover
- You may prefer to have your own laptop. However, this is not a requirement because there are high-end computing facilities available to students of the course. Should you wish to purchase a laptop yourself, we recommend either a MAC or PC that is able to run CAD/Photoshop software.
- Optional ‘starter kits’ for first year students are available from our on-campus shop Marylebone Books. This includes materials and equipment that you'll need to keep and use during the first year. The packs are priced at around £150-£160.
- The cost for printing, paper and workshop materials will be approximately £150 per semester/£300 per academic year. You may choose to spend more on materials.
- The cost for gallery and site visits will be £20 per semester/£40 per academic year.
- Field trip costs:An optional field trip is offered to second year students at an additional cost of £379 per field trip. These trips are not mandatory, and whether or not you choose to participate in them will not affect your grades or the final outcome of your degree classification.
See more information on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.
Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 orSeptember 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
Part of your tuition fee covers basic course materials, workshop and studio provision and technical support. However, you may also incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you'll need to plan for.
What your tuition fees cover
- Prior to enrolment you'll be provided with information on reading lists and the equipment you'll need for the duration of your course.
- There's no requirement for you to buy books as all the key texts are available in the library.
What your tuition fees do not cover
- You may prefer to have your own laptop. However, this is not a requirement because there are high-end computing facilities available to students of the course. Should you wish to purchase a laptop yourself, we recommend either a MAC or PC that is able to run CAD/Photoshop software.
- Optional ‘starter kits’ for first year students are available from our on-campus shop Marylebone Books. This includes materials and equipment that you'll need to keep and use during the first year. The packs are priced at around £150-£160.
- The cost for printing, paper and workshop materials will be approximately £150 per semester/£300 per academic year. You may choose to spend more on materials.
- The cost for gallery and site visits will be £20 per semester/£40 per academic year.
- Field trip costs:An optional field trip is offered to second year students at an additional cost of £379 per field trip. These trips are not mandatory, and whether or not you choose to participate in them will not affect your grades or the final outcome of your degree classification.
See more information on what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
Find out more about facilities at the School of Architecture and Cities.
Carousel with 6 items. Use the Previous and Next buttons to navigate, or the slide dot buttons at the end to jump to slides.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Fabrication Laboratory
The Fabrication Laboratory allows students to explore the exciting field of digital fabrication.
Fabrication Laboratory
Equipment includes ABS and plaster 3D printing, CNC knife cutting, large-scale CNC routing, CNC metal milling and robot fabrication.
Fabrication Laboratory
Work created in the Fabrication Laboratory.
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What our students say
Song Ming Zhong
Architecture BA Honours
Westminster will help me to pursue my dream of being an architect. Westminster trains students in independent study skills and group collaboration. The students' high level of achievement, often listed in the RIBA President's Medals student awards, are based on Westminster's strong links with the architecture profession.
Preet Panesar
At Westminster I worked with fantastic tutors, including RIBA award winner Peter Barber, and met incredibly talented like-minded people in a friendly environment. Most tutors are architects themselves and provide you with the well-rounded skills you need to work in practice. The resources are fantastic, with plenty of space to work.
Nedal Ghosheh
Architecture BA
The industry-level facilities at the university are one of the main reasons why I chose Westminster. As an architecture student, the workshop facilities and studios are an important part of my degree. I was also able to see some of the student work at one of the Open Day events, and was really impressed with the quality and the complexity of the portfolios on display.
Bodhi Horton
Architecture BA - 2022
The dedication of the academic staff has been inspiring. With offices next to the design studios, they are quick to respond to any queries and to organise one-to-one meetings when necessary. The significant contact time with tutors has meant that I have always felt supported.
Imran Haque
Architecture BA
The best part about being a Westminster student is the fact that I have access to some of the best architects (the tutors on the course), the best libraries are on my doorstep, the best restaurants for lunch places, and the best people as my peers. Everyone is so friendly and open, and they are willing to help you in your journey.
Westminster OPEN Degree Show
Westminster's OPEN Degree Show celebrates the talent and diversity of our architecture and design students. In addition to a physical exhibition held at our Marylebone Campus, you can see the latest online collection on Westminster OPEN Degree Show.
Image: student work by Shah-Ree Tasaddiq – Architecture BA
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
Year
F
54%Scheduled hours46%Independent study0%0% Placement
Year
1
32%Scheduled hours68%Independent study0%0% Placement
Year
2
35%Scheduled hours65%Independent study0%0% Placement
Year
3
35%Scheduled hours65%Independent study0%0% Placement
Scheduled hoursIndependent studyPlacement
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
Year
F
69%Practical31%Coursework
Year
1
0%0% Practical100%Coursework
Year
2
4%Practical96%Coursework
Year
3
7%Practical93%Coursework
PracticalCoursework
Data from the academic year 2024/25
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Visit our student hub
Course Location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Architecture short courses
Summer school
The Architecture and Interiors Summer School is a three-day course giving you a taste of what it is like to be an architectural student.
Find out more about the Architecture and Interiors Summer School.
Professional Experience in Architecture Year Out short course
If you intend to register as an architect you need to undertake your first year of practical training experience in an architect's office (or related discipline).
We offer a short course during this time, which will help you get the most out of your post RIBA Part I Year Out by combining practical work experience with the knowledge and guidance of a professional studies advisor.
Find out more about our Professional Experience in Architecture Year Out short course.
Related Courses
Interior Architecture with Foundation BA Honours
Duration 4 or 5 years
Campus Marylebone
Architectural Technology with Foundation BSc Honours
Duration 4 or 5 years
Campus Marylebone
Architecture and Environmental Design with Foundation BSc Honours
Duration 4 or 5 years
Campus Marylebone
Program Outline
Careers
The course offers dedicated careers support, CV workshops and advice, and a growing global network of 3,000 employers.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Gain experience in practice
Get first-hand knowledge of working in architectural practice in the third year, and the opportunity of mentorship by an architect.
Stand out from the crowd
Our strong practical focus gives you the edge in a competitive employment market.
Shape the sustainable future
Climate change design is a central focus on this course and you'll take this critical, sought-after expertise with you when you graduate.
Work experience opportunities
As a graduate from our course, you'll be well prepared for professional practice.
In your second year, you'll visit construction sites to observe and analyse the building process, and will also have the chance to do a work placement offered by our Careers and Employability Service over the summer break.
Between Years 2 and 3, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry (work placement) and gain work experience, enhancing your employability after graduation.
In the third year, you'll have the option to be mentored by a practising architect, through a collaboration with the RIBA.
All final year students undertake a two-week work-placement in architectural practice or an equivalent alternative, with previous years' destinations including:
- Adjaye Associates Ltd
- Allies and Morrison
- Architype
- Barr Gazetas
- Foster and Partners
- Gort Scott
- Jestico + Whiles + Associates Ltd
- MICA Architects Morris+Company
- Walters & Cohen Architects
In your final year, you'll work on a Major Design Project that forms the basis of a graduate's professional portfolio for employment in an architectural practice as a 'Part 1 year-out' assistant.
Career path
Our graduates find employment with established world-class architects such as Make, Squire and Partners, Foster + Partners, BDP, Sheppard Robson, and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Others seek out dynamic, design-led practices including David Kohn Architects, SODA Studio, and Shigeru Ban.
Alternative career paths can take graduates to multi-disciplinary practices in interior and urban design and planning, or to the client side of architecture for contractors, developers or housing providers.
Graduates also progress to further study or research in technological and environmental subjects related to building design, project or construction management.
As graduates enter the world of architectural practice after graduation, extra support is available through our Professional Experience in Architecture Year Out short course.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Part 1 Architectural Assistant (leading to qualification as an Architect)
- Interior Designer
- Urban Designer
- Project Manager
- Architectural Visualiser
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Grimshaw Architects
- Hopkins Architects
- Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
- Foster + Partners
- Sheppard Robson
- dRMM Architects
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
The Foundation year is an intensive introduction to the essential creative skills for success in the field – an ideal pathway if you’ve not studied art or would like to explore your career options in a practical way.
Julian Williams
Principal Lecturer
Julian is an architect and academic with extensive experience working in architectural practice. He was BA Architecture Course Leader from 2011 to 2020. He is currently the Deputy Director of Teaching, Learning and Quality for the School.
His writing and research have focused on pedagogy in architectural education, which has informed course innovations and contributed to the set up of the AAE (Association of Architectural Educators), the UK network of design studio teachers. A second strand of research has examined issues of gender in the construction professions.
Julian is involved in a number of projects engaging students with primary schools and their communities around the subject of climate and its interaction with buildings and cities.
See full profile
See full profile of Julian Williams Dr Paolo Zaide
Senior Lecturer
Paolo is an architect, academic and curator, and has taught at several institutions since 2002 including London Metropolitan University, Central Saint Martins, the London School of Architecture and the Bartlett, UCL. He holds a PhD in Architecture and Urban Design from the Royal College of Art, and his research, teaching and design practice focus on climate change and specifically the problem of sea level change in densely crowded cities.
His recent research projects explore the impact of more general future trends on the design of the 21st Century City, through the staging of public events and small-scale built installations. He has been responsible for co-curating exhibitions in London and Hong Kong around the themes of ecologies in the city, including City Garden Follies in Camden Council (2010-13) and Visions 2050 at the Hong Kong Architecture and Urbanism Biennale (2015).
See full profile
See full profile of Dr Paolo Zaide The Architecture BA is an exciting but challenging course. Our highly experienced tutors form part of a nurturing School community with outstanding facilities and extensive connections to the profession. Students are supported at every stage through to finding their place in the field of practice.
- Julian Williams - Principal Lecturer
- Natalie Newey - Senior Lecturer
- Jane Tankard - Senior Lecturer
- Richa Mukhia - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Victoria Watson - Senior Lecturer
- Ben Stringer - Senior Lecturer
- Peter Silver - Senior Lecturer
- Scott Batty - Senior Lecturer
- Dr William Mclean - Principal Lecturer
- Dr Constance Lau - Senior Lecturer
- Corinna Dean - Lecturer
- Richard Watson - Lecturer
- Maria Kramer - Senior Lecturer
- Stefania Boccaletti - Senior Lecturer
- Shahed Saleem - Reader
- Camilla Wilkinson - Lecturer, Studio Leader
- Dr John Zhang - Lecturer
- Michael Rose - Staff
- Alison McLellan - Lecturer
- John O'Shea - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Kate Jordan - Senior Lecturer
Outstanding facilities
Our world-class facilities include the Fabrication Lab and an enviable central London location.
Vibrant environment
We organise a mix of architecture-related events and activities that are as diverse and inspiring as the students on our course – follow us on Twitter at @openstudio_wm
Award-winning students
Our students win an extraordinary number of international awards
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
