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Architecture (Part-time) (BSc Hons)

Swansea
5 Years Part-time
128 UCAS Points

Architecture is about shaping the world around us, creating spaces where people live, work, and interact. Architects design buildings and places, turning ideas into real, functional structures. They work with engineers, builders, and other specialists to create environments that are both practical and beautiful, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

Our Architecture BA (part-time) offers a flexible way to study architecture, ideal for those balancing other commitments. You’ll explore architectural ideas that are rooted in local culture but also take a global perspective. This balance will help you develop a strong understanding of both traditional and modern architectural approaches.

The course is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). It provides the first qualification (Part One) needed on the path to becoming a registered architect, setting you on the journey to a professional career in architecture.

On this programme, you will learn to balance creative design with practical problem-solving. The course emphasises how architecture can meet the needs of people and communities while using the latest in building technology and contemporary design principles. You’ll also learn how to design spaces that respect local culture, heritage, and the environment.

The studio-based learning environment is key to the course. You’ll develop your skills in freehand drawing, surveying, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and model making. You’ll work in small groups, exploring and refining your designs while developing your critical and creative thinking. This studio culture will help you build a unique design approach, supported by feedback from peers and tutors.

Architecture isn’t just about creating buildings—it’s about designing spaces that serve people, respect traditions, and fit the character of a community. This part-time course will help you understand how to combine these elements with modern technology and sustainable design, giving you the skills to create innovative and functional spaces.

By choosing this programme, you’ll begin the professional journey to becoming an architect. It provides the foundation for further study and professional qualifications, helping you to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this exciting field.

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

Start date:
ÃÜÌÒ´«Ã½ modes:
  • On-campus
  • Part-time
Language:
  • English
  • Bilingual
Institution code:
T80
UCAS code:
K100-PT
Course length:
5 Years Part-time
Entry requirements:
128 UCAS Points

£9250 per year (home students)

Accredited:
RIBA
arb logo

Why choose this course?

01
This is a course with a fresh approach to architectural education that is rooted in it its locality but has a broad global perspective.
02
Our large workshops give students the opportunity to make full-size building elements as well as models of all scales and sizes.
03
Our teaching is informed by research in subjects that extend across our portfolio, supplemented by external experts from the city, region and around the world.

What you will learn

Our philosophy in teaching architecture centres on the balance between creativity, technical skill, and cultural awareness. We believe in hands-on, studio-based learning where you develop your own design approach while mastering the practical skills needed to succeed. This approach fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, preparing you for a professional career in architecture.

You will deepen your understanding of architectural theory and practice. You’ll focus on creating more complex design projects, refining your skills in model making, graphic composition, and digital tools. This year also focuses on professional practice, preparing you for real-world challenges in architecture. By the end of the year, you’ll have developed a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your unique design approach.

History and Theory 2

(20 credits)

Technology and Environment 2

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 2B

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 2C

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 2A

(20 credits)

Profession and Business 1

(20 credits)

You will explore the basics of architectural design, learning key skills like freehand drawing, surveying, and CAD (Computer-Aided Design). You’ll also be introduced to the principles of building technology and sustainable design. Working in small groups, you will start developing your design projects, exploring how to combine functionality with creativity.

Architecture Studio 1A (Design Skills)

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 1B (Space and Form)

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 1C (Structure and Materials)

(20 credits)

History and Theory 1

(20 credits)

The Modern World

(20 credits)

In the final year, you will focus on applying all your learning to a major design project. This will demonstrate your ability to create innovative, sustainable, and culturally sensitive designs. You will also engage with professional practice modules, preparing for the next steps in your architectural career, including the opportunity to pursue further qualifications or enter the workforce.

Profession and Business 2

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 3A

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 3B

(20 credits)

Architecture Studio 3C

(20 credits)

Architecture Dissertation

(40 credits)

Course Page Disclaimer

  • 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. 

Further information

  • 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;

    ³Ò°ä³§·¡²õ  

    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.

  • 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 Opportunities 

    There 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

  • 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 â€” 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 â€” 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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).                

    1. 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;
    2. The ability to apply a range of communication methods and media to present design proposals clearly and effectively;
    3. Understanding of the alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction;
    4. 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;
    5. Knowledge of the context of the architect and the construction industry and the professional qualities needed for decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances.
    6. 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’).

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