Architecture BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Architecture BSc (2024)
Architecture BSc offers students a wide and diverse range of experiences so that they can develop an independent, creative, experimental and rigorous approach to design. Students are guided towards discovering their own architectural vision as well as working collaboratively within a vibrant and exciting culture.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Programme starts
September 2025Application deadline
29 Jan 2025UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- AAB
- Subjects
- No specific subjects. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Contextual offer information
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Contextual offers are typically one to two grades lower than the standard offer. Grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.
- Points
- 36
- Subjects
- A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. No specific subjects are required but a comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.
Contextual offer
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Contextual offers are typically one to two grade boundaries (equivalent to A levels) lower than the standard offer. IB Diploma grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage
D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. No specific subjects are required but Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.
A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher). No specific subjects are required but comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design or UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication with the final overall mark of Distinction. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAB. No specific subjects are required but comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 1
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Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
Year 1 is centred on design studio projects which develop the central skills of observation, design process, critical thinking and representation, emphasising individual and collective expression of ideas through drawing, portfolio, modelling and 1:1 making. Year 1 initiates and introduces students to ideas of citizenship and the role of the architect within society.
This is complemented by lecture-led explorations of the history and theory of architecture, the making of cities and the built environment, the climate and technology, as well as a field trip in the second term.
In Years 2 and 3, design projects are developed in a studio environment by joining a Bartlett Design Unit. Design Units are communities of approximately fifteen students led by experienced design tutors. Each design unit has a specific architectural agenda allowing you to develop personal architectural interests and to work with architecture in relation to subjects as diverse as craft, film, history, philosophy and science.
Alongside the design work in Year 2 and Year 3 students take core modules in technology, history and theory, and professional studies engaging their awareness to issues of climate, environment and spatial justice. Students also undertake field work and and an optional field trip in the second term.
What this course will give you
As an architecture student at The Bartlett, your time will be spent in both the studio and the workshop, with approximately 70% of the programme taught and assessed through your design portfolio. Design teaching is delivered by leading practitioners, specialists and academics in small groups or on a one-to-one weekly tutorial basis with frequent review sessions.
As well as the vocational preparation required to become an architect, this course also introduces you to the wider societal forces that affect architectural production, stressing the indivisibility of the architectural, cultural, professional and technological realms. Alongside design teaching, our students take core modules in technology, history and theory, and professional studies, further engaging their awareness to issues of climate, environment and spatial justice.
Design modules are taught in one of our famous Design Units in Years 2 and 3, in which you'll develop your own unique project.
By studying with us, you will also be joining a faculty that was ranked #1 in the world for Architecture and the Built Environment, and remained #1 in the UK for the ninth year in a row, in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Architecture.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
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Year 1 (120 credits)
Design Projects (60 credits)
Environmental Design (15 credits)
History of Cities and their Architecture (15 credits)
Making Cities: The Production of the Built Environment (15 credits)
Structures, Materials and
Forming Techniques (15 credits)Year 2 (120 credits)
Design Projects (75 credits)
Design Technology I (15 credits)
Architectural Practice and Enterprise (15 credits)
History & Theory of Architecture
(15 credits)Year 3 (120 credits)
Design Projects (75 credits)
Design Technology II (30 credits)
History & Theory of Architecture
(15 credits)Year 1 comprises 5 compulsory modules, centred on studio Design Projects which develop the central skills of observation, design process, critical thinking and representation, emphasising individual and collective expression of ideas through drawing, portfolio, modelling and 1:1 making. This is supported by lecture-and workshop led modules on environmental, structural and material design technology, the making of cities and the built environment, the History of Cities and their Architecture.
In Years 2 and 3, the Design Projects are developed in a studio environment where students join one of our 14 Design Units led by highly experienced tutors. Each design unit has a specific architectural agenda allowing students to develop personal architectural interests and to work with architecture to develop individual portfolios in relation to subjects as diverse as craft, film, history, philosophy and science. In addition to the design projects in Year 2 and Year 3, students take core modules in Design Technology, History & Theory, and Professional Studies engaging their awareness of issues of climate, environment and spatial justice.
Students also have the unique opportunity to undertake a field trip in the second term in each year.
Compulsory modules
Your learning
The programme is based in the studio and the majority is taught through individual design projects. Most of the design teaching is on a one-to-one or small group weekly tutorial basis with frequent review sessions with tutors, many of whom are also practicing architects. History and theory, professional studies and technology core modules support the design work and are taught in lectures, seminars and workshops.
Students have the opportunity to undertake an optional field trip, to inform and inspire their design projects through cultural visits and site-related work. The estimated cost of the trip is £600, up to a maximum of £750 depending on the destination. A £250 subsidy is provided by the school. Students who choose to attend will need to pay an additional amount of up to £500 maximum.
Students on the BSc Architecture (ARB/RIBA) Part 1 programme will spend a varying amount of time in classes across the length of the degree. This equates to an average of 13 contact hours per week in year 1. This decreases to approximately 6 contact hours per week in the second year. In the final year of the programme, contact hours are around 5 hours per week, with students spending their remaining time working on their dissertations and finalist design work.
Assessment
70% of the programme is taught through a series of design projects and assessed through the design portfolio. The history and theory, professional studies and technology modules are assessed through a combination of coursework, essays and examination.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.
The foundation of your career
Architecture BSc students pursue careers in architecture, construction, built environment, and property industry sectors, as well as related sectors, such as performance and creative arts, engineering and manufacturing.
Our graduates’ jobs range from architects and other architecture-related professions, working at some of the most respected firms in the world, to using their highly transferrable skills as graphic, multimedia, and interior designers.
Many also go on to further studies.
(HESA Graduate Outcomes surveys 2017-2021)
Employability
Upon completion of the programme, students typically continue to proceed with their training to become Registered Architects by taking a year out in an architect's office in the UK or overseas and then applying for a two-year MArch or similar Postgraduate Degree in Architecture.
Accreditation
Successful completion of the Architecture BSc leads to exemption from Part 1 of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) examinations.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £31,100 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
The average cost for materials and study-related items, including end of year portfolios, is £750 in the first year and £1500 in the subsequent years of study.
Architecture students can expect to incur additional costs as part of their programme; however, the school aims to minimise these where possible. All students work differently so costs incurred depend on the approach they take to the brief given. The school encourages students to use recycled materials in their models and presentations – not only is it sustainable, but also cost effective and potentially innovative.
The school will contribute towards the cost of an optional field trip. Students who choose to attend will need to pay an additional amount of up to £500 maximum.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Funding may be available from The Bartlett School of Architecture or The Bartlett Faculty Office.
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
We are looking for evidence of a firm interest in science as well as a motivation towards further knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We expect our students to have a real curiosity and desire to contribute to society. We also expect them to be keen for the challenge of this innovative and research-connected course.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Once we have established that you meet (or are likely to meet) our entry requirements, we will contact you to request a digital portfolio of your design or creative work, giving you instructions on how to prepare this. Please do not send this unless requested to do so. This need not be included in your initial application. You may then be invited to interview. If so, this will be conducted online using Zoom.
Got questions? Get in touch
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