Architecture (BSc)

Program Overview

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The BSc in Architectural Studies is a three-year program that provides a comprehensive understanding of architecture and fosters a strong personal approach to design. Students develop proficiency in design skills, explore professional and ethical responsibilities, and integrate design studies with real-world issues. The program emphasizes collaborative learning, experimentation, and critical reflection through design project work, preparing graduates for careers in architecture and other creative fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The BSc in Architectural Studies is a three-year full-time program that equips students with a thorough grounding in architecture as a discipline and fosters a strong personal approach to design.

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Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of architecture in historical, theoretical, cultural, political, and geographical contexts.
• Gain proficiency in design skills and principles, considering how architecture is made, performs, and integrates technology to promote well-being and environmental sustainability.
• Explore professional and ethical responsibilities, reflecting on the architect's role in society and addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Integrate design studies with real-world issues and global challenges, such as climate change, within localized contexts.

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Outline:

• The program revolves around the design studio, where students collaborate, experiment, and receive feedback from leading practitioners and researchers.
• Lectures provide contextual knowledge, while individual and group tutorials offer personalized guidance.
• Field trips and site visits offer direct experiences with architecture, communities, and different environments.
• The curriculum features a balance of design projects, modules in architectural technology, history and theory, and design skills and principles.
• In year two, students choose from various topics within their design projects, essays, and technical focus areas.
• Year three offers optional thematic studios allowing students to focus on specific areas like urbanism, making, environment, adaptation, and personhood and place.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods include design project portfolios, reflective portfolios, technical reports, and individual design project critiques.
• Assessment criteria emphasize demonstrating knowledge and understanding, applying design and analysis methods, critical appraisal, and communicating design ideas effectively.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods center around a design studio environment, fostering individual and collaborative learning.
• Students benefit from guidance from world-leading teacher-practitioners and researchers through weekly tutorials.
• The program encourages experimentation, creative exploration, and critical reflection through design project work.

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Careers:

• Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue professional careers as architects, requiring further training for registration.
• Graduates have a strong track record of employment and further study opportunities.
• The program emphasizes collaborative and ethical practice, preparing students for professional environments with a personal perspective on the impact of architecture.

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Other:

• The program offers school-funded study visits in Wales, the UK, and internationally.
• Students have access to bespoke facilities like hybrid studios, workshops, digital fabrication labs, and a Living Lab.
• Entry Requirements
• Tuition Fees

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Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

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Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

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Additional costs

We will cover the costs of all essential aspects of study, including essential printing and plotting, software licenses and materials for basic and required model making. You may want to buy additional model making materials beyond what is deemed essential. We also provide funding to cover the essential elements of study trips and site or field visits. However, sometimes optional modules or projects may incur additional costs beyond what the school covers. We will make sure these choices are always optional, with alternatives available without the higher costs.

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Course specific equipment

You will need basic stationery and materials for drawing and sketching throughout the course. We will provide a ‘starter pack’ of drafting equipment ready for use in your Year 1 studio. We provide a range of high-spec PCs for students to access, but we do recommend you acquire a laptop computer to be able to access digital learning materials and run specific software. You might also find it useful to have a camera for photographing models and other work and for recording sites and field trips, and a a tablet or phone for recording sound or study-related activities.

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Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

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Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.