Program Overview

BA Architecture

Overview

The BA Architecture course is offered by the innovative collaboration between two universities - The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University - forming the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA). You will become a student at both universities and your degree certificate will feature both institutions.

Entry Requirements

A-level

• AAA
• A mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.
• Art or Fine Art A-levels are particularly welcomed; however, please note that applicants with three arts-based subjects (for example, Art, Graphics and 3D Design, or Art, Photography and Design and Technology), or a BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design will not be considered as meeting our entry requirements.

A-level Contextual Offer

• ABB
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

UK Refugee/Care-Experienced Offer

• ABB
• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

International Baccalaureate

• 36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects
• Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

GCSE/IGCSE

• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics.
• GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Other Entry Requirements

• Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
• Scottish requirements
• Welsh Baccalaureate
• Foundation year
• Pearson BTEC qualifications
• OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
• Access to HE Diploma
• T Level
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Fees and Funding

Fees

• Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 p/a collected by MMU for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

Additional Expenses

• Specialist costs: Compulsory estimate: £2,400, Optional estimate: £1,400
• Study Trip Costs: Optional estimate: £1,500
• Other costs: Optional estimate: £300

Application and Selection

How to Apply

• Apply through UCAS.

Advice to Applicants

• Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.
• BA Architecture Portfolio Advice
• A student on BA Architecture has written a blog on how to make your portfolio stand out.

Home-Schooled Applicants

• If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

Non-Standard Educational Routes

• Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.

Returning to Education

• Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning.

Re-Applications

• If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again.

Portfolio Requirements

• In order to further assess your suitability for the BA Architecture course, we would like you to submit a digital portfolio.

Course Details

Course Description

• Architecture is a course offered by the innovative collaboration between two universities - The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University - forming the Manchester School of Architecture.
• You will become a student at both universities and your degree certificate will feature both institutions.

Special Features

• Benefit from the facilities and expertise of two universities
• Experience local fieldtrips
• Gain Accreditation
• Join the UK's largest Architecture student society
• Additional Experiences

Teaching and Learning

• Our degree is designed to foster critical thinkers and engaged citizens.
• We combine traditional lecture-based teaching with workshop and design studio sessions.

Coursework and Assessment

• During the course, you will engage in collaborative projects, group work activities and give presentations to your peers/tutors.
• Some or all of this work may be formally assessed, depending on the course you are studying.

Course Content for Year 1

• In Year 1 you will explore principles in space-making, material expression, brief writing and research supported by technological and historic contexts.
• Core Modules:
  • Design 1: Thinking by Making
  • Architectural Context
  • Design 2: Shaping Concepts
  • Architectural Production

Course Content for Year 2

• In Year 2 your design knowledge will deepen, integrating urban theory and specialist sustainable teaching with increasing complexity, preparing you for your final year of study.
• Core Modules:
  • Design 3: Transforming Places
  • Architectural Integration
  • Design 4: Activating Places
  • Architectural Ecosystems

Course Content for Year 3

• In Year 3, you will be guided to direct your own learning and define your own theoretical position.
• Core Modules:
  • Design 5: Strategy
  • Architectural Positions
  • Design 6: Resolution

Careers

Career Opportunities

• We're one of the most targeted universities by the nation's top employers.
• BA Architecture graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity, and benefit from our strong links with national and international architectural practices.

Accrediting Organisations

• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)