Program Overview

BA (Hons) Architecture

Introduction

Studying Architecture at ARU will help shape the world we live in and learn how to succeed in architectural practice with our Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accredited and Architects Registration Board (ARB) prescribed degree course.

Why Architecture at ARU?

• Our course is rated 3rd in the UK for Academic Support within Architecture courses by the NSS 2024.
• Study on a course (BA Hons Architecture) developed in line with industry standards, accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Part 1 prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
• Expand your knowledge by participating in an optional European field trip each year to cities such as Lisbon, Venice, Rome and Vienna, or applying for one of our Turing Programme summer scholarships to work in Barcelona or study in Venice for four weeks.
• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with regional employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
• Connect and engage with practitioners through our regular extra-curricular workshops, guest lecture series, annual practitioners event, and End of Year Show.
• Utilise our dedicated studios and workshop facilities to learn how to draw, make models, and use all relevant software and digital techniques.

Course Options

• 3 years
• 4 years with foundation year
• 4 years with placement

Key Facts

• STUDY OPTIONS: 3 years
• START DATES: September
• LOCATION: Chelmsford
• ENTRY: UCAS code: K100
• FEES:
  • £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• Design Studio A1 (Architecture) (30 credits)
• Essential Skills (Architecture) (15 credits)
• Technology A1 (Architecture) (30 credits)
• Cultural Context A: Histories and Theories of Architecture (Architecture) (15 credits)
• Design Studio A2 (Architecture) (30 credits)
• Into ARU

Year 2

• Design Studio B1 (Architecture) (30 credits)
• Technology B1 (Architecture) (15 credits)
• Design Studio B2 (Architecture) (30 credits)
• Cultural Context B Histories and Theories of Architecture (Architecture) (15 credits)
• Technology B2 (Architecture) (15 credits)
• Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year 3

• Major Integrated Design Project Phase 1 (Architecture) (30 credits)
• Cultural Context C Dissertation (Architecture) (30 credits)
• Major Integrated Design Project Phase 2 (Architecture) (45 credits)
• Professionalism, Values and Ethics (Architecture) (15 credits)

Entry Requirements

• 112 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.
• 4 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths.
• All prospective students must submit evidence of their creative abilities by providing a portfolio.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees and Student Loans for UK Students (2025/26)

• £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)

• £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Student Experience

• End of Year Show
• Study and work abroad
• Travel and learn
• Enhancing employability

Facilities

• Specialist studios
• Learn outside the classroom

Accreditation

• Architects Registration Board (ARB)
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Lecturers

• Maria Vogiatzaki
• Carla Molinari
• Alistair Barr
• Ana Cocho-Bermejo
• Leila Davis
• Howard Gilby
• Graham Terry
• Antonio Blanco-Montero
• Giacomo Damiani

Careers

• As a graduate recognised by the Architects Registration Board, you’ll be ready to work in a range of architectural roles.
• Our course prepares you for a career in architectural practice, but you could also choose to work in areas such as town planning, surveying, engineering, property, and building conservation.
• ARU graduates in architecture, building and planning graduates earn more than the sector average. We are delighted that our graduates earn £4,000 more a year than the sector average 15 months after graduation.
• Some of our graduates have gone on to work at:
  • Sheppard Robson
  • Esen Loft
  • Stanley Bragg Architects Ltd
  • Grafik Architecture
  • 3BM Studio
  • Clifton Emery Design
  • AHP Architects & Surveyors Ltd
  • Morgan Sindall Construction
  • Andrew Fleet MCIAT

Placement Year Available

You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.