Program Overview

BA (Hons) Architecture with Foundation Year

Overview

The BA (Hons) Architecture with Foundation Year is a four-year full-time course offered by the Manchester School of Architecture, a collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester. The course provides an ideal transition between school and university or as part of a career change for those who wish to study architecture but do not hold the formal entry requirements to enter an honors program directly.

Course Information

The Foundation course will provide an accessible transition to university-level study, help develop design portfolios, and provide insight into architecture as a career path. Students will benefit from the expertise of specialist practitioners and lecturers who provide a supportive environment to develop the fundamental skills needed to embark on a career in the field. The foundation program will prepare students for undergraduate study in architecture at Manchester School of Architecture.

Features and Benefits

• As a student at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), students will benefit from being part of an institution ranked fifth in the QS World Subject Rankings and second in the UK (2025).
• Gain an insight into the practice of Architecture and enhance personal and academic skills needed for undergraduate study in the field.
• Benefit from an ideal and accessible transition between School and University, expert support in developing design portfolios, and first-hand insights 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.
• Take advantage of facilities across two campuses, The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, as students study at the innovative collaboration between the two - Manchester School of Architecture (MSA).
• Enjoy automatic and free membership of the MSSA, the UK's largest student society of architecture.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

The course has received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning it is rated as an outstanding university for student experience.

Year 1

Focusing on the fundamental skills needed to embark on a career in the field, the foundation program will prepare students for undergraduate study in Architecture. The program will help develop personal and academic skills, expose students to various communication and presentation techniques, show how to understand and analyze project briefs and conceptualize design solutions, as well as give an insight into the practice of architecture. The program culminates in an architectural design studio project providing excellent preparation for learning at degree level.

Core Modules

• Personal and Professional Development: This introductory module aims to bridge the transition between the differences in school and university pedagogy and prepare students for the importance of research and writing on an architecture degree.
• Communication and Presentation Techniques: The module will focus on techniques suitable for the pursuit of architecture, including 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.
• Analytical and Conceptual Techniques: Successful designers must possess the ability to understand and analyze societal and client/project-specific problems and then conceptualize design solutions.
• 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.

Study and Assessment

• Study: Year 1 consists of 60% lectures, seminars, or similar, and 40% independent study.
• Assessment: Year 1 is 100% coursework.

Entry Requirements

These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2026/27 academic year. Please check back for further details.

UK Students

• As well as having the required grades, students must have attended a UK state school/college and meet at least one of the following personal background criteria:
  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you live in an area where people are less likely to go to university.
  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you are the first generation in your family to enter higher education.
  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you have spent more than three months in public care or as a looked-after child.
  • You will be over 21 years old when you begin your course and have not been in full-time education for at least three years.
  • You have refugee status from the Home Office.

International Students

• IELTS requirements will be specified, and international students are advised to check the university's website for the most up-to-date information.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized for all courses. Please check the university's website for the most up-to-date information on fees and funding.

Careers Support and Prospects

• 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to continue their architectural studies at degree level. BA Architecture graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity and go on to successful careers in areas including architecture, advertising, estate management, project management, real estate, urban design, and web design.

A Career as Unique as You

Qualifying as an architect normally requires a combination of five years of study at university and a minimum of two years of practical experience before completing a final examination. Top employers of BA Architecture graduates include Aedas, AR, Atkins, BDP, BroadwayMalyan, Foster + Partners, Hawkins\Brown, and Sheppard Robson.