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School of Art, Design and Architecture

BA (Hons) Architecture

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UCAS tariff 104 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code K100
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years
Assessment breakdown 100% coursework
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

Ready to channel and apply your creative impulses and imagination to real-world built environment problems? Through critical thinking, hands-on work with a community of expert practitioners, designing and making, our professionally accredited architecture degree will give you the experience, skills and resilience to become a progressive thinker who can confidently design sustainable and inclusive solutions to our planet’s future challenges.

Careers with this subject
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.
Careers service
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements and networks, working with the academic staff teaching on your course.
We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features
  • Gain professional accreditation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) if you complete this degree successfully. This means that you won’t need to complete RIBA Part 1 separately.
  • Study in an inspiring creative environment. You’ll be based in our eye-catching Roland Levinsky Building with access to amazing facilities and resources.
  • Join a diverse community that aims to champion and support a culture of participation and inclusivity.
  • Graduate ready for the workplace with our focus on professional development. You'll work on live design projects and we have strong links with Plymouth City Council and other regional community projects.
  • Learn from expert academic tutors with industry experience and interdisciplinary research interests.
  • Enrich your learning with field trips each year to project sites, European study trips, exchange study opportunities abroad and at home, and overseas summer schools. Previous destinations have included Barcelona, Berlin, Bilbao, Copenhagen, Paris, Porto, Rotterdam, Rome, Stockholm and Venice.
  • Gain insights into the field with talks from leading practitioners and theorists. Our Cross Professional Dialogue programme is a forum for discussion between architects, builders and others in the building industry. We also hold the annual ‘State of the Profession’ symposium with noted professionals, such as RIBA President Stephen Hodder, to discuss key issues in architecture today.
  • Be part of the academic discussion. Our highly respected Plymouth Architecture Society (PARCS) organises fortnightly lectures that feature leading architects, engineers and designers who showcase and discuss their work.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accreditation
In April 2022, our BA (Hons) Architecture and master of architecture programmes were revalidated for the next five years with commendations for:
  • impact of our live project-based work on both learning and the wider community
  • a vibrant and supportive studio culture grounded in mutual respect and trust between students and staff
  • a critically engaged, well-rounded, empathetic student body, supported by an exemplary approach to collaborative working enabling students to become mature future professionals.

Course 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Calculation of your award
  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course
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.

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

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104

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

Digital portfolio
You will be required to submit a digital portfolio demonstrating a range of creative skill sets.
A level
A minimum of two A levels; General Studies accepted.
International Baccalaureate
26–34 points.
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.
GCSE
Five passes including Mathematics and English Language grade C.
Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
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.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications, please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .

Applicant portfolio advice - find out how to make an impression with your portfolio.

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.
Architecture portfolio hero image

Providing rewarding experiences

You’ll have opportunities to learn work-ready skills sought after by employers. Apply your learning to real-life challenges and make a difference.

Students design and build a Sheppard’s Hut under supervision from project manager Duncan Passmore as part of a joint project between the University's School of Architecture and Dartington Hall Trust.

Work on real-world projects
Gain industry insight by collaborating with professionals and clients on live briefs and projects in local, regional and international settings.

Architecture study trip

Experience inspiring study trips
National and international study trips provide opportunities to experience stunning architecture in some of Europe's most culturally diverse cities.

Architecture news and events image

Exhibitions, events and guest lectures
We host and showcase exciting events and welcome globally distinguished and multidisciplinary experts, practitioners and scholars.

Encouraging your individuality

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

Diversity in Architecture: our 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 the course is helping her achieve her dream of becoming a professional architect.

“I love the studio space, it's really social, really communal.”
Get different perspectives on what it's like to study architecture at Plymouth.

Empowering women in architecture

“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.”
Bethany Long BA (Hons) Architecture working at a desk

The Architects' Journal review

Rob Wilson from The Architects' Journal visits and reviews our end-of-year show
“The scales and bandwidth of thinking about architecture seen here, beyond slick presentation or the beat of the eco-drum seen in many architecture schools – from research, to collaboration, to communication, to social engagement and interaction, all feeding into the design development – is what impresses and is the key take-away from the Plymouth show.”
Plymouth Architecture Student Show 2022 – as featured in Architects' Journal

Platform for success

Our school has 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.

Learn from experts in their field

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
These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni (Unistats) is updated annually in September. The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Destination of Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website. *Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020