Program Overview

Overview

The BA (Hons) Architecture with Foundation Year is a four-year program that provides an accessible transition to university-level study, helping students develop design portfolios and gain insight into architecture as a career path. Successful completion of the Foundation guarantees a place on the BA (Hons) Architecture degree course at Manchester School of Architecture.

Features

• Ranked 5th in the world and 2nd in the UK for Architecture (QS 2025 World University Rankings by Subject)
• Designed for promising students from less represented backgrounds at university without the right entry qualifications who wish to train as an architect
• Benefit from an ideal and accessible transition between School and University, or to support a change in career
• Successful completion of the Foundation guarantees a place on the BA (Hons) Architecture degree course at Manchester School of Architecture
• Take advantage of facilities across two campuses, The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University
• Enjoy automatic and free membership of the MSSA, the UK's largest student society of architecture

Duration

4 years (full-time)

International Students

Course Content in Foundation Year

The foundation programme will prepare students for undergraduate study in Architecture, focusing on the fundamental skills needed to embark on a career in the field. Students will develop their personal and academic skills, be exposed to various communication and presentation techniques, learn to understand and analyse project briefs, and conceptualise design solutions.

Coursework and Assessment

Assessments are designed to provide feedback on progress in understanding the subject and developing essential skills. All assessments are coursework-based, and there are no exams.

Progression

Students successfully completing the foundation year will be awarded a place on the Manchester School of Architecture BA (Hons) Architecture programme.

Units in Foundation Year (120 credits)

• Personal and Professional Development (30 credits)
• Analytical and Conceptual Techniques (30 credits)
• Communication and Presentation Techniques (30 credits)
• Architectural Design Studio (30 credits)

Personal and Professional Development

This introductory module aims to bridge the transition between school and university pedagogy and prepare students for the importance of research and writing on an architecture degree. Research methods, essay writing, and referencing will be the focus. Additional, softer skills such as time management, confidence building, and taking personal responsibility will also be addressed.

Communication and Presentation Techniques

The module will focus on techniques suitable to the pursuit of architecture. Skills will include hand drawing, mark-making, the use of diagrams, perspective drawing, exploration of various mediums and techniques, physical model making, as well as basic CAD and digital skills. Verbal presentation skills will also be addressed.

Analytical and Conceptual Techniques

Successful designers must possess the ability to understand and analyse societal and client/project-specific problems and then conceptualise design solutions. This module introduces the design processes and the importance of understanding that this process is iterative and non-linear.

Architectural Design Studio

The module will be the culmination of the previous modules, requiring students to develop a project brief into a final architectural design proposal presentation. The module will mimic a typical design studio project on an Architecture degree course.

Career Opportunities

Our BA Architecture graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity, and benefit from our strong links with national and international architectural practices. They have gone on to successful careers in areas including:

• Architecture
• Advertising
• Estate management
• Project management
• Real estate
• Urban design
• Web design

Top employers of our BA Architecture graduates include Aedas, AR, Atkins, BDP, BroadwayMalyan, Foster + Partners, Hawkins\Brown, and Sheppard Robson.

Qualifying as an architect normally requires a combination of five years study at university and a minimum of two years practical experience before completing a final examination.

Many graduates study our Master of Architecture (MArch) course, which is recognised as a Part 2 qualification by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Foundation Staff

• Emily Crompton, BA Foundation Year Leader
• Polly North, Tutor (BA1 Studio)