Program Overview

Architecture BA Honours

The Architecture BA Honours degree is the first step towards qualification as a professional architect. This design-based degree is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and provides exemption from the RIBA Part I examination. Successful completion of the degree also provides a pathway into future study on an RIBA Part 2 exempt and Architects Registration Board (ARB) accredited Master’s programme.

Course Overview

Our accredited Architecture BA Honours degree is your first step towards qualification as a professional architect, and you'll leave with your own design style and distinctive way of working. You'll study topics that explore the cultural, historical and technological context of architectural design, and help you understand the implications of your design decisions. Our city will provide the ultimate case study for you, with an architectural legacy that few UK cities can rival.

Quality and Ranking

• 14th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Architecture category)
• 10th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2026 (Town and Country Planning, Landscape category)
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Top 100 for Performing Arts - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 75 for Arts and Humanities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 15th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (Architecture category)
• 15th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 (Town and Country Planning and Landscape category)
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Professional Accreditation and Recognition

Our Architecture BA Honours degree is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and provides exemption from the RIBA Part I examination. Successful completion of the degree also provides a pathway into future study on an RIBA Part 2 exempt and Architects Registration Board (ARB) accredited Master’s programme.

Modules and Learning

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.

Stage 1

• Architectural Design 1 (60 credits)
• Architectural Technology 1.1: Explorations in Making Architecture (10 credits)
• Architectural Technology 1.2: Principles of Constructing Architecture (10 credits)
• Introduction to Architecture (20 credits)
• Architectural Representation 1 (10 credits)
• Architectural Representation 2 (10 credits)

Stage 2

• Architectural Design 2 (60 credits)
• Architectural Technology 2: Construction in Detail (10 credits)
• Construction, Energy, Professional Practice (20 credits)
• Cities, Cultures, Spaces (20 credits)
• Dissertation Studies (10 credits)

Stage 3

• Architectural Design 3 (60 credits)
• Architectural Technology 3: Integrated Construction and Practice (20 credits)
• Dissertation in Architectural Studies (40 credits)

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is largely through studio design projects supported by lectures and personal research. A typical week will involve working in the studio, either in groups developing design projects or working independently.

Methods include:

• Tutorials and support
• Traditional lectures and seminars
• Site visits and library-based research

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Assignments – written or fieldwork
• Case studies
• Coursework
• Dissertation or research project
• Essays
• Group work
• Portfolio submission
• Presentations
• Projects
• Reflective report/journal
• Reports
• Seminar tasks/exercises

Facilities and Environment

As an architecture student at Newcastle, you'll join one of the largest and most dynamic Schools of its kind in Europe.

As one of the few academic schools in the UK to focus exclusively on the built environment and rated 4th for research power and intensity in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF), you'll benefit from our expertise spanning the history, theory and practice of architecture, planning, urban design, and landscape architecture.

Develop professional skills in fantastic facilities with:

• Design studios with CAD facilities and drawing boards
• Our fully staffed model-making workshop equipped with a range of cutting-edge machinery including powerful laser cutters, CNC routers, Z Corp and MakerBot 3D printers
• An in-house self-service printing facility ‘Archiprint’ with 5 professional large-format colour printers and scanners specifically set up for your needs

Your Future

The BA in Architecture is the first step towards qualification as a professional architect. The vast majority of our graduates choose to follow their degree with a year’s employment as an architectural assistant in an architect’s practice.

Newcastle graduates have an envious position in the job market and are well received by architectural practices.

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications.

The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2026 entry.

• A-Level: AAA. Candidates may be required to submit a portfolio for review as part of the selection process.
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 36 points. Candidates may be required to submit a portfolio for review as part of the selection process.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

The 2026 entry home fees have not yet been confirmed.

• Qualification: BA Honours Full time
  • Home students Full time: 3 years | Tuition fees (Year 1) Not Set
  • International students Full time: 3 years | Tuition fees (Year 1) £29,850

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.

The Route to Becoming a Registered Architect

After completing your degree, there are two further stages to qualify as a Registered Architect and you can study them all at Newcastle University, including:

1. Master of Architecture MArch
2. Diploma in Architectural Practice and Management

This is the final qualification for entry into the profession as an ARB-Registered Architect and for membership of the RIBA. It covers professional and business aspects of work, and is taken part-time while you work as an architectural assistant.