Program Overview

BA (Hons) Architecture

The BA (Hons) Architecture course is offered by the Manchester School of Architecture, a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester. This unique partnership allows students to benefit from the expertise and resources of both institutions.

Course Overview

The course is designed to foster critical thinkers and engaged citizens, equipping students with a broad range of skills and knowledge to face the challenges in the field of architecture and the built environment. The program combines traditional lecture-based teaching with workshop and design studio sessions, focusing on project-based learning.

Features and Benefits

• Top-Ranking: The Manchester School of Architecture is ranked fifth in the QS World Subject Rankings and second in the UK (2025).
• Benefit from the facilities of two universities: Students have access to the workshops, studios, study spaces, and students' unions across both campuses.
• Experience local and international field trips: Gain a real-world understanding of architectural concepts through local and overseas fieldwork.
• Gain accreditation: The course is validated by the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA) and the Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (Board of Architects Malaysia), contributing to becoming a fully-qualified architect.
• Join the UK's largest Architecture student society: The Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA) provides opportunities to build relationships with other architects, attend guest talks, and enjoy social activities.

Year 1

In the first year, students explore principles in space-making, material expression, brief writing, and research supported by technological and historic contexts. Core modules include:

• Design 1: Thinking by Making: Introduces architectural design through practically applied, theoretically grounded projects.
• Architectural Context: Addresses the core knowledge of the history of architecture and offers a global perspective on pressing issues for the built environment.
• Design 2: Shaping Concepts: Advances critical, inventive, and active thinking in design studio projects.
• Architectural Production: Introduces the technological, environmental, and social contexts for architectural design.

Year 2

The second year deepens design knowledge, integrating urban theory and specialist sustainable teaching with increasing complexity. Core modules include:

• Design 3: Transforming Places: Explores contemporary concerns relevant to architectural culture within a given context.
• Architectural Integration: Emphasizes design abilities integrating technology and environment, and the ethical and moral implications related to practice.
• Design 4: Activating Places: Deals with issues of global concern, adding a client and thematic overlay to tectonically-driven studies of built form.
• Architectural Ecosystems: Expands focus towards a pragmatic approach to architectural objects and the city, considering sustainable environmental technologies.

Year 3

In the final year, students direct their own learning, defining their theoretical position and evolving a personal design project supported by the unique ‘atelier’ system. Core modules include:

• Design 5: Strategy: Empowers students to apply and demonstrate accumulated knowledge, proposing a design position and proposition.
• Architectural Positions: Offers research-led teaching through innovative methodologies, helping students foster their position in contemporary debates.
• Design 6: Resolution: Empowers students to apply and synthesise accumulated knowledge, creating a critical design position and proposition.

Study and Assessment

• Study: A combination of lectures, seminars, and independent study, with 40% of time spent in lectures and seminars, and 60% in independent study across all years.
• Assessment: 100% coursework across all years, with no exams.

Entry Requirements

• IELTS score: 6.5, with writing 6.5 and no components below 6.
• Portfolio: A digital portfolio and a written statement are required as part of the application.
• UK students: Typical entry requirements include GCE A-levels (grades AAA or equivalent), Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in Construction or Engineering (grades DDD), or Access to Higher Education Diploma in Humanities subject areas or Construction or Engineering.
• International students: Requirements include 36 points overall in the IB Diploma, with 6, 6, 6 in higher level subjects, and an IELTS score of 6.5.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are subject to change. Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore your options and build sought-after skills: Through the Careers Service, students are supported to get ready for further study or working life.
• Graduate destinations: BA (Hons) Architecture graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity, with successful careers in areas including advertising, architecture, estate management, project management, real estate, urban design, and web design. Top employers include Aedas, AR, Atkins, BDP, BroadwayMalyan, Foster + Partners, Hawkins\Brown, and Sheppard Robson. Many graduates go on to study the Master of Architecture (MArch) course, recognized as a professional qualification by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).