Program Overview

Program Overview

The BSc Hons Architectural Studies program at the University of Strathclyde is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in architecture, preparing them for a career in the field. The program is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

Key Facts

• UCAS Code: K100
• Accreditation: Royal Institute of British Architects & Architects Registration Board, LAM/PAM
• Study abroad: Opportunity to study in Europe, Canada, South East Asia & South America (subject to Visa conditions)

Course Content

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Design Studies: Students will engage in a series of design projects that explore the fundamental principles of architecture, from conceptualization to construction.
• Experiencing Architecture: A compulsory series of discussion sessions and workshops in communication skills and media.
• Cultural Studies: An introduction to the cultural context of architecture, encouraging students to develop confidence in observing and commenting on architecture of all periods.
• Technology Studies: An introduction to the building and environmental technology aspects of architectural design.

Year 1

• Design Studies 1A: Introduction to the architectural design process.
• Design Studies 1B: Investigation of the fundamental need of man “to shelter”.
• Design Studies 1C: Introduction to the challenges of designing to a brief within the context of the urban environment.
• Design Studies 1D: Engagement with real clients to develop a programmatic response.
• Experiencing Architecture 1: Communication skills and media.
• Cultural Studies 1: Overview of the cultural context of architecture.
• Technology Studies 1: Introduction to building structures, construction processes, and environmental responsibility.

Year 2

• Design Studies 2A: Investigation of what it means ‘to belong’ through a series of small projects.
• Design Studies 2B: Investigation of what it means “to gather”, understood as a basic human need.
• Design Studies 2C: Focus on the programmatic activity of what it means “to learn”.
• Experiencing Architecture 2: Continued development of communication skills and media.
• Cultural Studies 2: Introduction to key issues, historical movements, and events that shaped the modern built and cultural environment.
• Technology Studies 2: Expansion of knowledge in structural and construction systems.
• Elective Class: Choice of an elective class from the University Class Catalogue.

Year 3

• Design Studies 3A: Investigation into the nature of what it means to live and work in the urban realm.
• Design Studies 3B: Consideration of the architectural implications of what it means “to play”, as a collective cultural phenomenon.
• Cultural Studies 3: Critical evaluation of cultural theory and architectural history.
• Technology Studies 3: Detailed understanding of structural, construction, and environmental systems.
• Introduction to Practice: Introduction to the key features of the architectural profession and the construction industry.

Year 4

• Design Studies 4A: Focus on the design of a small programmatically complex, multi-functional urban building.
• Design Studies 4B: Focus on the design of a large programmatically simple, multi-functional urban building.
• Cultural Studies 4: Opportunity to define, explore, and articulate an area of investigation of own interest.
• Special Study Project 4: Individual project allowing students to further the aims and outcomes of one of the key areas of the syllabus.

Learning & Teaching

The program offers a variety of educational experiences, including:

• Design Studio: Weekly design tutorials taught by academics and professional architects and engineers.
• Study trips: Visits to architectural hotspots and less familiar sites.
• Site visits: Examination of architectural sites in urban and rural areas of Scotland.
• Live build: Hands-on build projects exploring construction techniques and material choice.
• Professional attributes: Development of skills in self-critique, confidence building, and independent learning.

Assessment

• Subject class assignments based on coursework.
• Design Studies: Periodic and final reviews of students’ project work.
• Cultural Studies: Written and graphical assignments.
• Technology Studies: Assignment and written examination.

ARB/RIBA Part 1: Portfolio

• The first three years of academic study carry the professional status of Part 1, ARB/RIBA accreditation/validation.
• Students are expected to present a complete digital academic portfolio at the end of the academic session.

Guest Lectures

• Senior students and staff run a program of guest lectures aligned to department themes and topics.
• Recent speakers include prominent architects, photographers, and professors.

Work Placement

• RIBA/ARB Stage 1 (Part 1) Training: Recommendation for students to undertake a year of professional work experience in an architectural practice after Year 3.
• International study: Opportunity to study abroad during Year 3 or Year 5, with agreements with 22 institutions across Europe, Canada, the Far East, and South America.

Entry Requirements

• Highers: AAAB (normally English B, Maths or Physics B, Art & Design/Graphic Communication/Design & Manufacture B).
• A Levels: ABB-BBB (Maths or Physics; GCSE Art & Design or Product Design 6/B, GCSE English Language 6/B or English Literature 6/B).
• International Baccalaureate: 34-32 (English HL5 and Maths HL5 or Physics HL5).
• HNC/HND: HND Architectural Technology; Interior Design; CAAD or 3D Design with AA Graded Units.
• International students: View the entry requirements for your country.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £1,820.
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £9,535.
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £25,550.
• Placement year: To be confirmed.
• Additional costs: Course materials, placement & field trips, drawing materials, model making, miscellaneous costs.

Careers

• Career opportunities range from working in large multidisciplinary practices to smaller specialist firms.
• Many graduates are employed by highly respected practices throughout the world, while others have set up their own businesses.
• The broad-based nature of the degree program has allowed many recent graduates to explore varied career options in web design, architectural model making, theatre set design, and in computer games, film, and music industries.