Architecture International Year One

Program Overview

It develops students' design skills, architectural knowledge, and English language proficiency through core modules in architectural design, history, technology, communication, and English for Academic Purposes. Upon successful completion, students can progress to the second year of various Architecture and Urban Planning degrees at Newcastle University.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program objectives:

• Prepare students for the second year of their undergraduate degree in Architecture at Newcastle University.
• Develop students' functional, aesthetic, and technical understanding of architecture.
• Emphasize manual creativity and design skills alongside the use of computer-aided drawing.
• Improve students' English language study skills within the context of architecture.
• Provide guidance and advice on developing architecture ideas.
• Expand students' skills and knowledge in various areas, including:
• Sketching, drawing, and model making.
• Design project development and portfolio creation.
• Studying world architecture in its historical context.
• Teach students how to research, analyze, and present their work effectively.
• Lead to the award of a Certificate of Higher Education (FHEQ Level 4) upon successful completion.

Progression:

• After completing this course, students can progress to the second year of the following undergraduate degrees at Newcastle University:
• Architecture BA Honours (K100)
• Architecture and Urban Planning BA Honours (K190)
• Urban Planning BA Honours (K421)

Course options:

• International Year One (3 terms): Standard option.

Outline:

Core modules (120 credits):

• Architectural Design 1 (20 credits): Develops a contextual and technological understanding of design processes.
Includes transferable skills practice such as sketching, drawing, and model making.
• Architectural Design 2 (20 credits): Builds on Architectural Design 1, further developing design skills and understanding through a comprehensive design project.
• Architecture History and Theory (20 credits): Provides a general overview of world architecture in its historical context.
Understand the implications of sustainable design and the economic effects of materials and structural decisions. Gain knowledge about the most common construction methods, materials, and their properties.
• English for Academic Purposes (20 credits): Focuses on academic writing, critical reading skills development, and exam and assignment writing preparation.
Develops spoken English and listening skills through discussions and group work. Introduces practical skills such as measuring, surveying, documenting, observation and analytical sketching, and orthographic drawing, as well as communication and presentation skills. Introduces computer-aided design (CAD), three-dimensional modelling, and other industry-standard software.

Assessment:

• Entry to Newcastle University is highly competitive, and students hoping to progress to Newcastle must maintain high standards throughout their course.
• Grades in the Year One course do not count towards the final degree, but performance determines whether students meet the specified progression grades for direct entry to the chosen degree at the University.
• Assessment is both formal and informal.
• Formal assessment is done through a combination of end-of-semester examinations and coursework, including:
• Written assignments
• Reports
• Practical exercises
• Group and individual research projects
• Presentations
• Problem-solving exercises

Teaching:

• Teaching hours: minimum of 21 hours per week
• Class sizes: maximum of 16 students per class for English language teaching
• Age requirement: 17 years and above

Careers:

• Newcastle University has a consistently strong record for graduate employment in the UK.
• The program provides an extensive range of opportunities to all students through the ncl+ initiative, enabling personal, employability, and enterprise skills development for improved post-graduation employability.
• An award-winning Careers Service provides support and connections with employers.