Program Overview

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Architecture - BA (Hons)

Overview

The BA Hons in Architecture is a studio-based, full-time course delivered over three academic years. There is an exit qualification of an Associated Bachelors (AB) after successful completion of two academic years, with a further one academic year for BA Hons completion.

Summary

The course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects and is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board. Successful completion of the course (BA Hons) offers exception from RIBA Part 1 examinations.

Award

Bachelor of Arts with Honours

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment

School

Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

Campus

Belfast campus

UCAS code

K100

Start date

September 2025

Attendance and Independent Study

The BA Hons in Architecture is offered in full time mode over three academic years.

An average week comprises of two days dedicated for SuperStudio work, which includes individual tutorial time, reviews, workshops and independent project work. Other days are lecture-based days which include year-specific seminars, practical work and site visits. The University designates Wednesday afternoon for sports and recreational activities.

Since the University has generous purpose-built provision for the Architecture course, all students have their own dedicated work areas within their studio which will be their base throughout the academic year.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching on the BA Hons course is carried out using a range of methods including group projects, course work assignments, case studies, written essays and design exercises.

Assessment on the course is 100% coursework. There are no written examinations.

Individual and group research activities are especially important teaching and learning methods especially for design projects, oral presentations and precedential studies.

All these requirements are supported by 1-to-1 tutorial support and feedback sessions by respected professionals and academics teaching on the course.

Self-directed learning is carried out within the module timetable such as ideas development, designing, drawing, reading, writing etc.

Furthermore, the BA (Hons) course uses a range of IT software and digital technologies as part of its learning and teaching methods. The computer suites on campus host many commercial software packages for the student’s use including AutoCAD, Sketch up, Microsoft Project and Revit. Digital classes are delivered in yr2 and yr3 and are designed to demonstrate theoretical principles of the various software and how they can be used to complement the student’s work.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning.

Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

Modules

Year one

• Design 1A
• Architectural Technology & Environment 1
• Design Theory + Communication 1 (Elements)
• Visual Culture
• Design 1B

Year two

• Professional Context 1
• Architectural Technology & Environment 2
• Design Theory and Communication 2 (Building)
• Design Exploration 2A
• Design Resolution 2B

Year three

• Professional Context 2
• Architectural Technology & Environment 3
• Design Theory and Communication 3 (Context)
• Design Exploration 3A
• Design Resolution 3B
• International Academic Studies

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

Grades BBC

Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio, except where the applicant has GCSE Art or GCSE Art & Design at Grade B or higher.

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for one of the A Level grades (or equivalent) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.

Applied General Qualifications

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma

Award profile of DMM

We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.

Irish Leaving Certificate

112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Scottish Highers

Grades BBCCC

Scottish Advanced Highers

Grades CCD

International Baccalaureate

Overall profile is minimum 25 points (including 12 at higher level)

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course)

Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)

GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Maths.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course are now working for:

• Allies & Morrison
• Andrea Caputo
• Faulkner Browns
• Hall Black Douglas Architects
• McGarry Moon
• Office Metropolitan Architecture
• White Ink Architects

Job roles

With this degree you could become:

• Architectural Assistant
• Architectural Intern
• Building Control Assistant
• Trainee architect
• Part 1 Architectural Assistant

Career options

At Ulster University students are taught to understand architecture as a response to complex social, cultural and environmental contexts and develop the design skills to improve those situations. Therefore, architecture crosses the traditional boundaries between art and science, which means that you are equipped to enter a wide range of careers.

After achieving the award of BA (Hons) Architecture, graduates can:

• continue on to complete a further period in professional practice and a further period of full-time study at Ulster University to become fully qualified architects recognised and licensed by UK professional bodies.
• be involved in constructing new buildings and renovating existing ones as well as collaborate on the design and planning of public spaces, rural developments and new cities.
• work with clients, members of the broader public, local government and statutory agencies as well as many parallel disciplines engaged in the built environment; including surveyors, project managers, construction and civil engineers and building services engineers as well as landscape architects and artists.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Architects Registration Board (ARB)

Accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) for the purpose of a Part 1 qualification.

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at Part 1 level for the purpose of eligibility for membership of the RIBA.

Fees and funding

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£4,855.00

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees

£9,535.00

International Fees

£17,010.00

Additional mandatory costs

There will be costs associated with the course including purchase of drawing and modeling materials and associated equipment.

Each year in Semester 1 there is a School study trip to a destination outside of the UK and Ireland. Biennially this is a visit to the Venice Biennale with alternate years including cities such as Paris. The trip is self-funded by the student. Whilst it is not mandatory for students to attend it is encouraged as part of their wider educational experience.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.