Architecture with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Program Overview

Architecture with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Overview

Validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by Architects Registration Board (ARB) to give full exemption from the ARB / RIBA Part 1 examination, you will be based at our City Centre Campus, where you start your journey towards becoming a registered architect.

Why Choose Us?

• Validated by the RIBA and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), our course meets and exceeds the joint criteria set out by both professional bodies, thus meeting the requirements of Article 46 of the European Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications.
• You will be exposed to architectural practice and live projects with professional partners, enabling you to develop your skills and creativity. Our connections with over 60 architecture firms and practitioners forms an essential part of our teaching team, as well as enabling you to embark on valuable work placements within the West Midlands, North West, London and abroad.
• Our intimate study environment ensures exceptional support from staff, with 90 per cent of our graduates going on to work or further study within six months of completing the course. You’ll also have the chance to attend study trips and explore international opportunities, expanding your cultural and academic knowledge.
• The part-time course is taught one day a week to enable you to study alongside a full-time job in practice.
• Architecture at BCU is highly respected and has a rich history of providing education and opportunities.
• Two-thirds of the impact of our research was judged to be very considerable (3) or outstanding (4) - REF2021

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• 88 UCAS Tariff points.
• GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above.
• A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements:
  • A Level: 88 UCAS Tariff points / CCD (or equivalent)
  • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
  • A maximum of four subjects will be considered
  • Preferred subjects: Art and Design, History, Geography, English, Languages, Science or separate Science such as Physics, Biology or Chemistry, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Maths, Music
  • Excluded subjects: General Studies; Travel and Tourism
• Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate):
  • 88 UCAS Tariff points
  • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Preferred subjects: Art and Design, Business and Economics, Construction and Built Environment, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Languages, Land Based and Environment, Music, Performing Arts and Drama, Science
  • Excluded subjects: Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Early Years, Customer Service, Citizenship, Accounting, PE and Sport, Public Services and Uniformed Services, Travel & Tourism
• T Level: Pass overall (C or above on the core)
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3
• OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 88 UCAS Tariff points
• NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 88 UCAS Tariff points
• WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 88 UCAS Tariff points
• Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 88 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
• Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 88 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD)
• Welsh Baccalaureate: 88 UCAS Tariff points
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit overall
• Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Merit overall

International qualifications

• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall
• EU / International students: Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BA (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 4 years
• Fees: £9,535 in 2026/27

International students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study.
• The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BA (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2026
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 4 years
• Fees: £18,570 in 2026/27

Course in Depth

Foundation year

• Communication Skills (20 credits)
• Design Disciplines (20 credits)
• Design Techniques (20 credits)
• Place and Space and Objects (20 credits)
• Presentation Techniques (20 credits)
• Professional and Academic Development (20 credits)

Year one

• History of Architecture and Design (20 credits)
• Structures, Environment, & Technical Studies (20 credits)
• Design Apparatus (20 credits)
• Design Resolution 1 (60 credits)

Year two

• Architectural Theory and Research Methods (20 credits)
• Design Methods (20 credits)
• Praxis (20 credits)
• Co.LAB (20 credits)
• Design Resolution 2 (40 credits)

Year three

• Critical Study in Architecture (20 credits)
• Design Exploration (20 credits)
• Systems in Architecture (20 credits)
• Design Resolution 3 (60 credits)

Employability

• The course gives you a full understanding of the role of an architect and the creative flair and technical skills needed to succeed.
• You'll understand sustainability, technical and cultural issues and the challenges of expanding the urban environment.
• You'll develop a comprehensive portfolio that shows employers a range of skills in design practice and academic study.
• You'll develop a range of transferable skills, such as how to communicate ideas and solve problems, as well as developing negotiation and planning skills.

Placements

• As part of our commitment to developing the essential skills required as part of the BA (Hons) Architecture programme, we have continued to develop the two-week, assessed work placement scheme at Level Five.
• The placement is part of the PRAXIS (Management Practice and Law) module and takes place towards the end of the academic year.
• Over the past three years we have had more than 100 practices taking part in the scheme, providing great diversity in terms of scale, philosophy, sectors and location.

Facilities & Staff

• Our Facilities:
  • Design studios
  • Physical and digital library
  • Loanable laptops
  • Dedicated social spaces
  • Cafés
• Our staff:
  • Max Olof Karlsson Wisotsky, Lecturer in Architecture & Course Director BA Architecture

Reviews

• 76% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 83% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 85% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course