TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BA (Hons)

Architecture

Become a forward-thinking architect, tackling the challenges of tomorrow by crafting sustainable, inclusive spaces. Our accredited degree blends critical thinking, hands-on designing and making, with the support of expert practitioners.

Our typical offer

104 UCAS points

Climate responsive design

Tackle climate challenges head-on by designing low-carbon, future-proof architecture using sustainable methods and eco-friendly technologies.

Hands-on experience

Build real projects, manage live briefs, and develop practical skills in our cutting-edge labs, workshops and studios. You'll graduate fully prepared to thrive in a professional environment. 

Architecture for everyone

Design with purpose: celebrate local identity, promote social equity, and give voice to underrepresented communities through architecture that matters.
BA (Hons) Architecture

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About

At Plymouth you will study architecture as a discipline, exploring more than the practical delivery of structures and spaces. You will focus on the importance of climate-responsive design, community and identity. Because to intervene in an environment is to bring about change, and we encourage changes that respect cultural and human diversity and our climate, to develop critically conscientious architects.

Ricky BurkeDr Ricky Burke
Portfolio Lead for Architecture, Built Environment and 3D Design

Your applicant portfolio demonstrates your ambition and potential as an architect

Your portfolio is a record of your creative potential and a chance for you to make an impression. We are interested in seeing the work that best showcases your skills and process of working.
Discover our applicant portfolio advice
Architecture portfolio hero image
 
 
 

This course is for you if...

you're driven to rethink how we design the world around us, and ready to shape the future of architecture
Lightbulb with cog inside
you're excited by hands-on learning through live design projects, field trips, and interdisciplinary collaboration
icon representing testing model
you want to study in a vibrant, collaborative studio culture with access to cutting-edge facilities
Four individuals sat around a table
you're passionate about designing spaces that respond to real-world environmental and social challenges
Tower block with plant outside

Details

Year 1

In the first year, you’ll develop awareness of basic principles of architecture, explored in parallel with developing knowledge and key skills. Building on this, you will be challenged to interrogate the meaning and role of architecture through experimentation and testing through making. Your learning will be guided by various projects engaging with co-joined issues of environment and people. The main learning activities will be pursued within a trans-disciplinary and trans-cultural environment. 
Architecture studio space

Core modules

ARCH4001
Communication

This module will introduce students to architectural presentation and representation skills. Underlying this intention will be to mainly support design studio work, especially to explore and develop the skills to discover how to communicate your ideas in two dimensional and three dimensional visual form.

ARCH4002
Design Studio

Students will be introduced to the concept of an architectural design project through individual and group work, in response to various project briefs of increasing size and complexity. This introduction is underpinned by engagement with creative and critical thinking through design inquiry, and exploration of basic graphic and three-dimensional representation skills.

ARCH4003
Technology

This module will provide the opportunity for students to develop their understanding of basic building construction and building physics. Students will be introduced to sustainability, materials, structure, construction and building physics.

ARCH4004
Integrated Design

In this module through both individual and group work, students to develop and explore architectural design project further following the skills that they gained in Design Studio 4.1 module. This module will provide the opportunity for students to further engage with creative and critical thinking, and exploration of architectural graphic and three-dimensional representation skills as a means of inquiry and presentation, pursued through various project briefs of increasing size and complexity.

ARCH4005
Histories, Theories and Critical Contexts

This module will introduce students to the task and methods of historical enquiry and to architecture as its subject matter through a survey of architectural history up to the late nineteenth century. Followed by the introduction of theoretical discourse that describe the practice and production of architecture, the critique of architecture, and its conceptual possibilities.

Year 2

The second year is coordinated to scaffold design in broader social and urban settings. An emphasis is on collaborative work in teams and professional contexts to explore architecture through contemporary social challenges, notably: changing patterns of living and working in urban communities. Working with advancing media, second-year students further the communicative skill set, and build a critical understanding of the role of design, making, and the built environment in the reproduction of daily life.
Students of Architecture visit Fatkin Architects studios in London.

Core modules

ARCH5001
Design Studio and Communication

This module challenges students to synthesise the social and environmental contexts of an urban site in a multi-occupancy design proposition sensitive to the specific social contexts of the site. Students will engage in an iterative design process to develop, critique, and reframe designerly thinking with conceptual alignment through the various scales and contexts of the project. Students will broaden and hone their representational and communications toolkits, building on foundational physical, graphical, and information management skills.

ARCH5002
Sustainable Technologies

In this module, students develop their understanding of building construction technologies and carbon literacy, and their influence in architectural design. This includes knowledge on building and material systems, embodied carbon, modern methods of construction, and relevant regulations on internal comfort and safety.

ARCH5003
Design Studio and Advancing Media

In this module, students will develop an architectural proposition through research and analysis of the complex social, environmental, ecological, and material contexts of the project site. The module emphasises the importance of design processes and exploratory thinking, and specifically challenges students to develop advancing and multimodal design skills to represent architectural and spatial thinking through complex modes of abstraction and media.

ARCH5004
Advanced Histories, Theories and Critical Contexts

This module will develop students understanding of historical enquiry and to architecture as its subject matter through a survey of the architectural history of the twentieth century. The module will also develop students’ understanding of theories related to the practice and production of architecture, the critique of architecture, and its conceptual possibilities.

Final year

Third year is outward facing. It enables students to work on a range of scales, from master planning to architectural details. Live projects activate participatory consultation and interdisciplinary collaboration to respond to current global challenges. Vertical learning across the second and third year in the final semester fosters peer-to-peer learning. Students apply their own theoretical preoccupations into the design studio environment and graduate with a discursive portfolio.
Finished Big Tent 2

Core modules

ARCH6000
Critical Contexts Dissertation

The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Students can follow a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

ARCH6001
Strategic Design Studio and Communication

In this module students will undertake in depth exploratory and analytical studies that inform and challenge the design process in the context of a specific modes of research situated around Urbanism, Material Adaptability, Ecology or Typologies to inform an architectural design project, and demonstrating an understanding of the industry and profession, business management and ethics, exploring and developing creative and critical thinking (i.e. design and representational) skills.

ARCH6002
Design Studio and Professional Practice

In this module, students will develop a complex architectural proposition through synthesis of their critical, designerly, professional, and communications skillsets in response to a comprehensive brief. The module emphasises the importance of design processes and foregrounds architects’ professional responsibilities, encouraging progressive approaches to statutory compliance and practice management. Students are challenged to use a broad architectural toolkit to develop and communicate design work.

ARCH6003
Sustainable Building Technologies

In this module students develop innovative and creative material strategies, aligned with net-zero mandates and making use of multiple means of physical and digital communication - such as models, digital experiences, and material prototyping. This knowledge is developed alongside a design project and invites students to creatively think about technical challenges in our future built environments.

Academic and professional progression
Our ARB- and RIBA-accredited programmes are designed to help you reach the status of professional Chartered Architect. At Plymouth, you will benefit from a strong connection between our undergraduate, masters, and research programmes that will support you to achieve your career aims.
 
BA (Hons) Architecture (3 years)
RIBA-recognised Part 1 programme
Industry experience (1 year)
MArch Architecture (2 years)
RIBA-recognised Part 2 programme
Industry experience (1 year)
Final examination
RIBA Part 3

Research opportunities
Research in architecture currently revolves around these thematic clusters​:

  • Architecture and Media (Film)
  • Architecture and Pedagogy
  • Displacement and Migration
  • Digital Fabrication and Design
  • Place-Making
  • Smart Cities
  • Spatial Politics, Power and Violence
  • Spatial Practice and Architecture
  • Sustainable Architecture / Environmental Building
  • Sustainable Communities
  • Urban Dialogues
  • Urban Ecologies
 
 
 
 
 
 

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 
 

Why Plymouth?

 
 

I love the studio space – it's really social, really communal. The activities we do are really hands-on, and that's the way I like to work. Now I'm here, I absolutely love it.

Alice, BA (Hons) Architecture student
Students and lecturers talk about what makes Plymouth special; the sense of community, the difference in how the subject is approached, the social studio space and coastal lifestyle.
 
 
 
 

I was looking for a place that was still a city, but 20 minutes away there was countryside and wilderness and Plymouth is definitely one of those places.

Oscar,  BA (Hons) Architecture international student
Originally from Sweden, Oscar was attracted to Plymouth because of it's open studio atmosphere. He talks about the studio, workshops, tutors and multicultural community that come together to make studying at Plymouth so special.
 
 
 
 

Work on real-world projects

Gain valuable industry insight by collaborating with professionals and clients on live briefs and projects across local, regional, and international settings. Develop work-ready skills that employers are actively seeking, and make a meaningful impact by applying your learning to practical, real-world challenges.
Architecture students building the Big Tent 2

The Big Tent build

Architecture students took on a five-day challenge to design and build a timber shelter and meeting space. Teams handled everything from planning to construction, with second years building on-site and third year students project managing. The winning 'Big Tent' design really impressed both the client, Dartington Hall, and the local community.
Outdoor classroom at Riverside Primary School

Outdoor classroom and firepit

Students designed and built an environmentally sustainable outdoor classroom with a central brick firepit, which was shortlisted for the 2020 RIBA MacEwan Award. 
The project gave students the opportunity to be involved at every stage – from the initial briefing and design process to evaluating the finished build – offering valuable hands-on experience in developing a design at full scale.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Experience inspiring study trips

We offer inspiring opportunities to learn, observe and experience stunning architecture in some of Europe's most culturally diverse cities.
Study trips will broaden your horizons, build your understanding of cultural and diversity, and influence and shape the environments you will design as an architect.
Previous destinations have included: Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, Copenhagen, Paris, Porto, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Venice.

My favourite memory is going to Paris as part of a first-year study trip – getting to know my course mates and exploring the city. It provided me with a lot of inspiration, fuelling my projects for the year. I also made some great friendships.

 
 

A home to nurture your creativity, passions and aspirations

Study in state-of-the-art facilities. Based in the striking Roland Levinsky Building, you’ll immerse yourself in a vibrant, artistic community.

Architecture studio space
Architectural engineering taught and assessed 
Art, Design and Architecture Athena Swan Bronze award 2018
 

Encouraging your individuality

Increase your knowledge and develop a critical questioning approach through intellectually stretching multidisciplinary learning.

Voices of Architecture
Find out what it's really like to be an architecture student! Hear how the course prepares you for a career and what it feels like to live in Plymouth

Our inclusive studio community
We provide a collaborative, open-ended and energetic environment; there is no pre-set model and everything is open to discussion

Freya Kay

Realising architectural ambition
Freya shares how this course is providing a pathway to achieve her dream of becoming a professional architect

 
 
 
 
 

Discover who we are

 
 
Architecture programme lead, Ricky Burke.

Architecture at Plymouth is foremost about people. The contexts in which we operate, as well as the people that inhabit them, are diverse and nuanced. As are our students and the research and backgrounds of our academic team. Our embrace and appreciation of diversity is the strength of our community and the value of what we give back to the world through our architecture.

Ricky is Portfolio Lead for Architecture, Built Environment and 3D Design with a passion for socially inclusive design.

Dr Ricky Burke
Dr Ricky Burke Lecturer in Architecture and the Built Environment

Learn from experts in their field

Our knowledgeable, professional and highly relatable lecturers are here to support you – gain experience from leading industry professionals who combine academic excellence with real-world insight.
Mr Andy Humphreys Lecturer in Architecture


Lecturer in Architecture

Programme lead
Ms Toshiko Terazono Lecturer in Architecture


Lecturer in Architecture

Year 1 Lead
Dr Nikolina Bobic Lecturer in Architecture (History & Theory)


Lecturer in Architecture (History & Theory)

BA Architecture Admissions and Marketing Leader
Show all
 
 
 

Our research environment

Investigating the ways in which we inhabit space, and how this is shaped by social, technological and cultural spatial factors.
Our research typically takes a cross-disciplinary approach, characterised by collaborations with a diverse range of industry and third sector organisations in UK and internationally. We have successfully published a number of major monographs in the last five years. We're a connected community of creative thinkers, makers and professional practitioners.
Architecture research
 
 
 

Enrich your studies – join Plymouth Architecture Society (PARCS)

PARCS is a student run society which aims to give students the best opportunities to widen their knowledge, bring energy and enhance the sense of community. Join in and take advantage of the wonderful activities on offer, such as the incredible guest lecture series, a great variety of socials, excursions, joint society events and a sporting league.
Join PARCS
Architecture students in London
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups

Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

 
 
 

Platform for success

Our school is proud to have produced some of the top architects in the country.

Stephen Witherford (Witherford Watson Mann)

Stephen Witherford
Stephen is a Director of Witherford Watson Mann. In 2016, the practice won the Stirling Prize for Astley Castle for the Landmark Trust.

Architecture graduate, Alex De Rijke

Alex de Rijke
Alex is the founding Director of dRMM, a practice established in 1995. In 2017, he won the RIBA Stirling Prize for Hastings Pier.

Grace quah

Follow in our graduates’ footsteps
Our alumni work at a range of regionally, nationally and internationally recognised and award-winning practices.

 
 

Empowering women in architecture

Bethany Long BA (Hons) Architecture working at a desk

We need to see more women in positions of leadership. Across the industry as a whole we see so many more male directors than women and it makes me wonder, where am I? Where are my female role models to look up to? To see more women in positions of leadership, we have to nurture female talent.

Part of my role as lead for the Women in Architecture Focus Group is to put a spotlight on the work of our female architects.

 
 
Collaborative Design Discussion Among Students Using Digital Technology in Cozy Cafe - stock photo 2208695682
This degree can set you on the right path to become a professionally qualified architect.
The skills you’ll learn on this course will be beneficial to you in your working life, regardless of your chosen career direction.
Through this course, you’ll become a confident critical thinker with an ethical stance. This will set you up to engage with – and respond to – the challenges faced by our society.
] 96% of our architecture graduates are in work or further study
> 94% of architecture graduates say their degree was a formal requirement for their job or gave them an advantage
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 
Madhusa - square

My Plymouth education widened my knowledge of architecture through a very well laid out programme; it helped me explore my own interests and abilities; and it provided me with the tools and confidence to face challenges.

BA (Hons) Architecture and  MArch Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) graduate, Madhusa, fell in love with the University's architecture studios, took a leap of faith in joining a start-up company, and has worked with customers all over the world.

 
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
On Monday 20 October 2025, the UK Government announced its intention to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.
Along with other universities in the UK, the University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee. Whilst the exact details have not currently been announced, it is expected that the increase will be in the region of £400, increasing the annual tuition fee to £9,935 for 2026, which will then be subject to automatic inflationary increases thereafter. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to further Government guidance and legislation. 
The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as the Government has issued further information. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 

Your applicant portfolio demonstrates your ambition and potential as an architect

Your portfolio is a record of your creative potential and a chance for you to make an impression. We are interested in seeing the work that best showcases your skills and process of working.
Discover our applicant portfolio advice
Architecture portfolio hero image
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
Five passes including Mathematics and English Language at grade 4/C or above.
Equivalent qualifications may be considered.

A levels
104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels; General Studies accepted.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM–DDM (Distinction Distinction Merit).
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification, it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (preferably Art and Design or combined) with at least 33 credits at Merit and/or Distinction.

T level
Merit in digital production, design and development.

International Baccalaureate
26–34 points. 
English and Mathematics accepted within as GCSE equivalent.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 
 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
K100
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years

Assessment breakdown
100% coursework
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    104 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     
    Applicants who will require a Student (formerly Tier 4) visa to study in the UK
    Please note that if you are planning to complete further studies in Architecture, Student visa restrictions mean that you cannot undertake a Post-Part 1 placement in the UK but may be able to secure a placement year in your home country or elsewhere outside the UK, as other international students have done in the past.

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    K100
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years

    Assessment breakdown
    100% coursework
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.