Course Overview
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Architecture is a fascinating subject involving wide-ranging academic, practical and vocational activities. It requires creativity and imagination, as well as the inventive employment of environmental and technical knowledge.
Architecture is normally studied with a view to becoming a professional architect, but as it embraces the fields of art, history and science, it also opens doors to a range of postgraduate study options and other forms of career development.
At the heart of our course is a rich choice of design studios, in which students are taught in small groups by current practitioners, reflecting London’s dynamic architecture scene. There are also lecture courses in environmental and technical studies, history and theory of architecture, as well as numerous opportunities to engage with the architecture profession through construction site visits, mentoring and a work placement.
Field trips are offered in the second year and there are opportunities to study abroad, with the most recent destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and China.
Top reasons to study with us
- Small studio teaching groups offer a wide range of approaches to architecture, allowing you to explore your own interests and shape the direction of your work. There are 21 dynamic and innovative studio groups across the three years, all engaged with the current issues and challenges facing the future of London and its region.
- Strong connections with professional practice – We attract a diverse teaching team of practitioners from London’s architectural network, and you'll have the chance to spend time on construction sites and in architectural practice as part of your studies.
- Supportive and nurturing environment – Our projects are grounded in and engaged with the social and cultural context of our city, while our diverse, international student population and lively open-plan studios create an inspiring and collaborative study environment.
- Local field trips and international study opportunities – Gain experience with local field trips and explore global architecture with international study opportunities that in recent years have included Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and China.
Course structure
The following year-by-year outline gives you an idea of what you will be doing on the course, and the subjects listed are indicative of what you will study.
Design Studio: Architectural design is taught twice a week in small groups of around 20-22, with a lead tutor supported by a second tutor on the first studio day and a postgraduate student on the second. In the first 12 weeks the focus is on introducing the fundamentals of scale, architectural drawing, and creative practice followed by a small design project. Activities also include on-site sketching, building visits, modelling and digital representation skills and photography,
A longer design project takes up the second 12 weeks of the year, with students investigating the site, context and stakeholders, and then developing their brief. Ideas are developed through an iterative creative process of drawing and modelling and responding to tutor feedback. The design work is then explored through working directly with materials in the fabrication lab.
Activities also include a CAD/digital fabrication lab project and the collective design and preparation of the end-of-year public show, at which the final design proposals are presented.
Studio teaching is varied and involves workshops, site and building visits and group research, with individual tutorials and 'crits' in which each student’s work is presented to their fellow students, tutors, guest critics and practitioners.
Technical Studies: Students are introduced to structural and environmental principles underpinning architectural design, fabrication processes, building components and assembly techniques.
History and Theory: Through lectures and small group seminar discussions, students study a range of European and non-western histories of architecture. They also undertake walks around London and make guided building visits. Students develop their writing skills supported by analytical drawing.
Subjects of study in Year 1 include:
- A History of Architecture
- Design, Materials and Fabrication
- Introduction to Design and Skills
- Introduction to Technical Studies
Credit Level 4
Design Studio: Students can choose to study within one of our six studios, each offering a particular approach to design or engagement in current issues and characterised by diverse themes. Responding to the studio brief, students create two architectural proposals during the course of the year. In the first project they develop their understanding of environmental issues of the site and context, and in the second project, large-scale models are used to examine the design in detail.
History and Theory: A lecture programme on theory and contemporary issues in architecture and urbanism is followed by small group seminar sessions. These develop students’ critical skills and help students choose a subject for further research in the final year Dissertation.
Technical Studies: Students are introduced to architectural practice by following the live progress of a construction site (Site Diary module). Working in pairs, students identify a construction site, negotiate to visit it regularly during the course of the year and develop an understanding of the building procurement process. Their summarising reports cover the role of the architect, the organisation of the design team, site health and safety, buildability and the construction sequence.
Subjects of study in Year 2 include:
- Architectural History and Theory
- Design and Detail
- Design and the Environment
- Site Diary
Credit Level 5
Design Studio: Students can choose to study within one of our six studios, offering a diverse range of design approaches. One of the studios is a collaboration with CAFA in Beijing, where students spend part of the first semester working alongside Chinese students before returning to the UK for the second half of the year.
The projects are larger and more complex than in the second year, with the design encompassing urban-scale thinking down to detailed design resolution. The second Major Project forms the culmination of the students’ design practice and technical development, which they present to an external examiner at the end of the year. The work is then exhibited at the annual summer exhibition and goes on to form the basis of their portfolios for employment in an architectural practice as a 'Part 1 year-out' assistant.
Technical Studies: Students investigate a particular area of environmental or technical interest, and then apply this knowledge in their second Major Project. The work includes an environmental audit of their design decisions and a detailed study of how their proposal would be built. A team of visiting architects, engineers and environmental consultants support this work through lectures and tutorial sessions.
History and Theory: Students write a dissertation: an extended piece of written research on a subject of interest from the field of architecture. Their work is supported through weekly tutorial group sessions.
Preparation for Professional Practice: Students undertake a two-week work-placement in architectural practice, studying how the architectural practice is organised, the contractual relationships they have with clients and builders, and the procurement process of the project they have been working on there. They also prepare their CV and build a website to showcase their work. This work-based learning experience is supported by lectures and workshops.
Subjects of study in Year 3 include:
- Design and Technical Exploration
- Illustrated Research Essay
- Major Design Project
- Preparing for Practice
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), providing exemption from RIBA Part 1.
The usual pattern of academic and professional development involves full-time study at undergraduate level for three years (Part 1), followed by a year of practical training. Two further years of full-time postgraduate study (Part 2) are then undertaken, followed by another year of practical training and a period of part-time study, culminating in a final examination (Part 3) to qualify for registration as an architect with the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
Programme Specification
For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.
Student work
Each year we showcase the achievements and emerging talent of students from our School of Architecture and Cities at our end-of-year exhibition, OPEN.
Watch the video below to see the most recent exhibition or have a look through our OPEN catalogues on ISSUU.com You can also check out our broader calendar of events on our our open studio website – or find out what we're up to via Instagram at openstudio_wm or Twitter at @openstudio_wm
OPEN 2020 – end-of-year exhibition video
Careers
The course offers dedicated careers support, CV workshops and advice, and a growing global network of 3,000 employers.
Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Gain experience in practice
Get first-hand knowledge of working in architectural practice in the third year, and the opportunity of mentorship by an architect.
Stand out from the crowd
Our strong practical focus gives you the edge in a competitive employment market.
Shape the sustainable future
Climate change design is a central focus on this course and you'll take this critical, sought-after expertise with you when you graduate.
Work experience opportunities
As a graduate from our course, you'll be well prepared for professional practice.
In your second year, you'll visit construction sites to observe and analyse the building process, and will also have the chance to do a work placement offered by our Careers and Employability Service over the summer break.
In the third year, you'll have the option to be mentored by a practising architect, through a collaboration with the RIBA.
All final year students undertake a two-week work-placement in architectural practice or an equivalent alternative, with previous years' destinations including:
- Adjaye Associates Ltd
- Allies and Morrison
- Architype
- Barr Gazetas
- Foster and Partners
- Gort Scott
- Jestico + Whiles + Associates Ltd
- MICA Architects Morris+Company
- Walters & Cohen Architects
In your final year, you'll work on a Major Design Project that forms the basis of a graduate's professional portfolio for employment in an architectural practice as a 'Part 1 year-out' assistant.
Career path
Our graduates find employment with established world-class architects such as Make, Squire and Partners, Foster + Partners, BDP, Sheppard Robson, and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. Others seek out dynamic, design-led practices including David Kohn Architects, SODA Studio, and Shigeru Ban.
Alternative career paths can take graduates to multi-disciplinary practices in interior and urban design and planning, or to the client side of architecture for contractors, developers or housing providers.
Graduates also progress to further study or research in technological and environmental subjects related to building design, project or construction management.
As graduates enter the world of architectural practice after graduation, extra support is available through our Professional Experience in Architecture Year Out short course.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Part 1 Architectural Assistant (leading to qualification as an Architect)
- Interior Designer
- Urban Designer
- Project Manager
- Architectural Visualiser
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Grimshaw Architects
- Hopkins Architects
- Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
- Foster + Partners
- Sheppard Robson
- dRMM Architects
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Julian Williams
Course Leader BA(Hons) Architecture
Julian qualified as an architect in 1995 and combined working in architectural practice with part-time teaching until taking up a full-time post as Course Leader in 2011.
His research has focused on the student experience of architectural education, which has informed course innovations and contributed to the set up of the AAE (Association of Architectural Educators), the UK network of design studio teachers.
The Architecture BA is an exciting but challenging course. Our highly experienced tutors form part of a nurturing School community with outstanding facilities and extensive connections to the profession. Students are supported at every stage through to finding their place in the field of practice
Course Team
Over 60 members of staff teach on the course, including full-time lecturers, visiting architects and other practising professionals, academic specialists and historians. The course is run by Julian Williams, with year leaders overseeing each level.
Richa Mukhia runs the first year, coordinating the eight studio group teaching teams, with Nicholas Beech leading the History module and Pete Silver the Introduction to Technical Studies.
Natalie Newey leads the second year and its six design studio teams, with Kate Jordan running History and Theory, and Scott Batty the Site Diary module.
Jane Tankard leads the third year, coordinating its six design studio teaching teams and running the Preparation for Practice module, with Will McLean leading Technical Exploration and its integration in the Major Project. Ben Stringer runs the Dissertation module, coordinating its team of 14 tutors.
Why study this course?
Outstanding facilities
Our world-class facilities include the Fabrication Lab and an enviable central London location.
Vibrant environment
We organise a mix of architecture-related events and activities that are as diverse and inspiring as the students on our course – follow us on Twitter at @openstudio_wm
Open days
Join us at an open day and get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster.
You'll get a chance to:
- Speak to our academic staff
- Hear from current students
- Check out our facilities
- Take a virtual reality tour of our student halls
- Ask us any questions you may have about student finance and accommodation
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BBB to AAB
- International Baccalaureate – 120 to 136 UCAS Tariff points from the IB
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM to DDD in Art and Design
- BTEC Diploma – D*D* in Art and Design + other quals
- Access – 120 to 136 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- Five GCSEs: GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4, and other three GCSEs grade 4/C to include Double Science or two single sciences
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
In addition to the above, you should have:
- Personal Statement – You should outline your interest in the subject, your reasons for wanting to pursue a career in architecture, and give an overview of your current creative studies, particularly if this is being done outside of your formal school curriculum.As well as commitment, we are looking for examples of practical activities you have done to support your application. These could include gallery, exhibition and building visits (these could be in your own neighbourhood, town or city) with your thoughts and reflections; contact with an architectural practice with your observations and insights; and your review of books on architecture.
- Portfolio of creative work – After considering your application we may ask you to share an online portfolio of creative work (we cannot accept portfolios as attachments or file sharing downloads). You will be given advice on how to do this. The portfolio should fully reflect your range of skills, talents and interests through a variety of media and forms. We are particularly interested in drawing, collage and other mixed media, painting and three-dimensional work. The selection should include both observational studies and creative work, and evidence developmental processes as well as final outcomes. Although there is no limit to the number you can include, we suggest around 15-20 pieces.We also encourage you to include work such as sketchbook studies done outside of your set school curriculum. Whilst you may want to include photography, CAD and photoshop work, the focus should be on hand-drawing and traditional media.
You may be invited for an online interview to discuss your application further. At the interview we will be interested to hear about why you want to study architecture, what you have done to find out more about architecture as a career, and your understanding of what designing buildings might involve.
Applications for direct entry onto the second year of the course will be considered on the basis of portfolio, interview and previous academic achievement on an equivalent course. Applications for direct entry to the third year of the course will not be considered.
Applicants who have met the entry requirements above and are currently studying an Art and Design Foundation are also encouraged to apply; the entry requirement is Merit.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 120 to 136 UCAS Tariff points from the IB
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
In addition to the above, you should have:
- Personal Statement – You should outline your interest in the subject, your reasons for wanting to pursue a career in architecture, and give an overview of your current creative studies, particularly if this is being done outside of your formal school curriculum. As well as commitment, we are looking for examples of practical activities you have done to support your application. These could include gallery, exhibition and building visits (these could be in your own neighbourhood, town or city) with your thoughts and reflections; contact with an architectural practice with your observations and insights; and your review of books on architecture.
- Portfolio of creative work – After considering your application we may ask you to share an online portfolio of creative work (we cannot accept portfolios as attachments or file sharing downloads). You will be given advice on how to do this. The portfolio should fully reflect your range of skills, talents and interests through a variety of media and forms. We are particularly interested in drawing, collage and other mixed media, painting and three-dimensional work. The selection should include both observational studies and creative work, and evidence developmental processes as well as final outcomes. Although there is no limit to the number you can include, we suggest around 15-20 pieces.We also encourage you to include work such as sketchbook studies done outside of your set school curriculum. Whilst you may want to include photography, CAD and photoshop work, the focus should be on hand-drawing and traditional media.
You may be invited for an online interview to discuss your application further. At the interview we will be interested to hear about why you want to study architecture, what you have done to find out more about architecture as a career, and your understanding of what designing buildings might involve.
Applications for direct entry onto the second year of the course will be considered on the basis of portfolio, interview and previous academic achievement on an equivalent course. Applications for direct entry to the third year of the course will not be considered.
Applicants who have met the entry requirements above and are currently studying an Art and Design Foundation are also encouraged to apply; the entry requirement is Merit.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Creative Enterprise Centre offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
Part of your tuition fee covers basic course materials, workshop and studio provision and technical support. However, you may also incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you'll need to plan for.
What your tuition fees cover
- Prior to enrolment you'll be provided with information on reading lists and the equipment you'll need for the duration of your course.
- There's no requirement for you to buy books as all the key texts are available in the library.
What your tuition fees do not cover
- You may prefer to have your own laptop. However, this is not a requirement because there are high-end computing facilities available to students of the course. Should you wish to purchase a laptop yourself, we recommend either a MAC or PC that is able to run CAD/Photoshop software.
- Optional ‘starter kits’ for first year students are available from our on-campus shop Marylebone Books. This includes materials and equipment that you'll need to keep and use during the first year. The packs are priced at around £150-£160.
- The cost for printing, paper and workshop materials will be approximately £150 per semester/£300 per academic year. You may choose to spend more on materials.
- The cost for gallery and site visits will be £20 per semester/£40 per academic year.
- Field trip costs: An optional field trip is offered to second year students at an additional cost of £379 per field trip. These trips are not mandatory, and whether or not you choose to participate in them will not affect your grades or the final outcome of your degree classification.
See more information on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £14,400 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
Part of your tuition fee covers basic course materials, workshop and studio provision and technical support. However, you may also incur extra costs associated with your studies, which you'll need to plan for.
What your tuition fees cover
- Prior to enrolment you'll be provided with information on reading lists and the equipment you'll need for the duration of your course.
- There's no requirement for you to buy books as all the key texts are available in the library.
What your tuition fees do not cover
- You may prefer to have your own laptop. However, this is not a requirement because there are high-end computing facilities available to students of the course. Should you wish to purchase a laptop yourself, we recommend either a MAC or PC that is able to run CAD/Photoshop software.
- Optional ‘starter kits’ for first year students are available from our on-campus shop Marylebone Books. This includes materials and equipment that you'll need to keep and use during the first year. The packs are priced at around £150-£160.
- The cost for printing, paper and workshop materials will be approximately £150 per semester/£300 per academic year. You may choose to spend more on materials.
- The cost for gallery and site visits will be £20 per semester/£40 per academic year.
- Field trip costs: An optional field trip is offered to second year students at an additional cost of £379 per field trip. These trips are not mandatory, and whether or not you choose to participate in them will not affect your grades or the final outcome of your degree classification.
See more information on what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Architecture studios
Our architecture studios provide unrivalled facilities for study and collaborative learning.
Fabrication Laboratory
The Fabrication Laboratory allows students to explore the exciting field of digital fabrication.
Fabrication Laboratory
Equipment includes ABS and plaster 3D printing, CNC knife cutting, large-scale CNC routing, CNC metal milling and robot fabrication.
Fabrication Laboratory
Work created in the Fabrication Laboratory.
What our students say
Song Ming Zhong
Architecture BA Honours
Westminster will help me to pursue my dream of being an architect. Westminster trains students in independent study skills and group collaboration. The students' high level of achievement, often listed in the RIBA President's Medals student awards, are based on Westminster's strong links with the architecture profession.
Preet Panesar
At Westminster I worked with fantastic tutors, including RIBA award winner Peter Barber, and met incredibly talented like-minded people in a friendly environment. Most tutors are architects themselves and provide you with the well-rounded skills you need to work in practice. The resources are fantastic, with plenty of space to work.
Portfolio and interview guidance
Watch our video for advice on producing a portfolio, as well as some interview tips.
Teaching and assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types were distributed in the past on this course, through approximate percentages taken from previous cohorts. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
Year
1
30%70%
2
32%68%
3
30%67%3%
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect. Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Year
1
100%
2
100%
3
4%96%
Data from the academic year 2019/20
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios and our extensive Marylebone Library, this campus is the perfect location for the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses.
Located in central London, our Marylebone campus is opposite Baker Street underground station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Architecture short courses
Summer school
The Architecture and Interiors Summer School is a three-day course giving you a taste of what it is like to be an architectural student.
Find out more about the Architecture and Interiors Summer School.
Professional Experience in Architecture Year Out short course
If you intend to register as an architect you need to undertake your first year of practical training experience in an architect's office (or related discipline).
We offer a short course during this time, which will help you get the most out of your post RIBA Part I Year Out by combining practical work experience with the knowledge and guidance of a professional studies advisor.
Find out more about our Professional Experience in Architecture Year Out short course.
Contact us
We have an FAQs page if you are applying this year.
Or you can contact the Course Enquiries Team:
Opening hours (GMT): 9am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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