
Architecture (Full-time) (BSc Hons)
Architecture is a field that shapes the world we live in. Architects are experts in the design of buildings and places, creating the spaces where we live, work, and play. They turn design ideas into real buildings, working with engineers, contractors, and other experts to build sustainable environments that are both useful and beautiful.
Our course offers a new way to learn about architecture, focusing on local ideas but also looking at a global perspective.
The programme is approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and provides students with the first step (Part One) in the three-step journey to becoming a qualified architect.
Throughout this course, we balance theory with practical skills to give you a complete architecture education. We focus on how architecture can meet people’s needs in a way that respects their culture, while also using the latest building technology and contemporary design ideas.
In our studio, you will learn a wide range of skills. These include freehand drawing, surveying, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), graphic composition and model making.
You will work in small groups to explore and develop your designs, and then you will have the chance to grow your critical and creative thinking skills and shape your own unique approach to design.
Architecture is about more than just designing buildings. It is about creating spaces that meet the needs of people, respect their culture, and fit the character and traditions of their communities. At the same time, it uses the best of new technology and the latest contemporary design ideas to improve the environment. This course will teach you how to combine all these elements into high-quality design.
Our program is the starting point of the professional path to becoming an architect. It sets the foundation for you to gain the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in the field of architecture. By studying with us, you will learn how to create spaces that are both imaginative and practical, and that respect and regenerate the environment around them.
The BSc (Hons) Architecture degree is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is revising its registration requirements, removing the necessity of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. Consequently, ARB prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on December 31st, 2027. Students entering the BSc (Hons) Architecture degree course from September 2025 will graduate from June 2028, post the cessation of ARB prescription at Part 1. Therefore, their degree will not be an ARB-prescribed award. Nonetheless the programme will continue to map to the ARB criteria. Furthermore, the BSc (Hons) Architecture degree will continue to be validated by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will persist in validating architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2, and 3, which form the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year


Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our architecture program is designed for aspiring architects and those interested in architecture and design. We emphasize a hands-on approach to learning through a sequence of design studio projects supported by contextual modules in technology, history, and business.
In the first year, students focus on developing essential design skills through projects exploring space, form, colour, and materials. Students will gain understanding of foundational concepts and building physics, enabling them to design small but complex buildings in detail.
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The second-year centres on the ideas of home and community, with design projects focusing on houses, flats, and neighbourhoods. Students will explore public buildings that support social life and gain insights into architectural history and basic construction law.
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In the final year, students tackle advanced larger scale building projects, culminating in a comprehensive design for a substantial cultural building in a real setting. The dissertation allows for independent research on a chosen architectural topic and additional modules enhances business management skills.
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Course Page Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Facilities & Exhibitions
Facilities & Exhibitions
As an architecture student, you will find our facilities to be more than just spaces for learning—they are dynamic hubs designed to inspire and nurture your passion for design. 

Our Summer Shows are a showcase of the exceptional work of our graduating students across a wide range of creative disciplines.

Meet Our Students
Further information
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128 UCAS Tariff Points - e.g. A-levels: ABB, BTEC: DDD, IB: 34
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.  
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh OpportunitiesThere are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills
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Design project work is assessed on the basis of a portfolio consisting of a series of assignments completed during the year.
The portfolio will include drawings, photographs of models and illustrated written reports. Feedback on student progress is given throughout the year — usually in the form of verbal comments by a team of tutors on the basis of student presentations and review attended by fellow students. Formative assessment is made at the end of each project — usually in the form of a provisional mark, which allows students to respond to feedback before the final submission of the portfolio when the final (or ‘summative’) assessment is made.
Assessments of work in the contextual modules will take the form of practical exercises during the year, reports and essays and time-constrained assessment by means of tests and formal examinations.
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Year 1 provides an introduction to the core competency of design in the three core studio modules that focus on: structures and materials; space and form and design skills. The parallel context modules lay the foundations of the body of key knowledge required by the architect construction technology, environmental design, architectural history and theory. Essential skills required for HE programmes are introduced in the Modern World module.
Year 2 further develops the skill and knowledge base introduced in the first year. Design studio are concerned with more complex buildings, groups of buildings and/or alterations to existing buildings. The technology and environment module deals with the construction of larger and more complex buildings. The history and theory module includes research methods in addition to addressing more advanced theoretical issues and its coursework includes a proposal for the dissertation to be completed in the third year.
Year 3 The final year design module deal with larger and more complex buildings and culminates in a comprehensive design project that integrates all aspects of the skills and knowledge addressed in the programme. Students complete the dissertation and the second business and profession module prepares students for their transition into the world of practice.
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Major Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The programme is designed to be prescribed/validated by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a Part One qualification in architecture so the most likely first destination for a graduate is to work as an architectural assistant* in an architectural practice.
There are many other possible employment opportunities including other parts of the construction industry (building contractors and sub-contractors), the creative industries (applying computer drawing and visualisation skills) and planning or urban design.
Graduate skills developed by the programme (based on the ‘graduate attributes’ set out in the RIBA/ARB criteria for validation/ prescription of qualifications in architecture and the QAA benchmark statement for architecture).
- The ability to generate design proposals using an understanding of a body of knowledge, some at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture;
- The ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to present design proposals clearly and effectively;
- Understanding of the alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction;
- The ability to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions in order to make and present sound judgments within a structured discourse relating to architectural culture, theory and design;
- Knowledge of the context of the architect and the construction industry and the professional qualities needed for decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances.
- The ability to identify individual learning needs and understand the personal responsibility required for further professional education.
(* the term ‘architectural assistant’ is the job designation of those on the route to professional qualification as an architect until completion of Part Three. Terms such as ‘assistant architect’, ‘architect in training’ or ‘part 1 architect’ may not be used as the title ‘architect’ is protected by statute and may only be used by those on the Register of Architects (apart from three exceptions stated in the Architects Act: ‘naval architect’, ‘landscape architect’ and ‘golf-course architect’).