Fees and funding

Information on fees, funding and additional costs when you study an undergraduate course in the School of Architecture and Landscape.

A Landscape studio in the Arts Tower
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Tuition fees

Everything you need to know about undergraduate tuition fees.

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General fees information

Our general information about tuition fees for those joining the University as a new student includes details about continuation fees, re-examination fees, re-submission fees and writing up fees.

Scholarships

There are university wide scholarships available, as well as external funding.

University undergraduate scholarship schemes


Additional costs for architecture students 

Undergraduate students can expect to incur some additional costs as part of their course, however, we aim to minimise these where possible.

We provide all undergraduate students with an annual allowance which is designed to help offset some of the costs for materials, printing, site visits and field trips. It is up to the individual student to manage this allowance and budget accordingly.

We have outlined some anticipated costs and also some resources architecture and landscape students have access to as part of their tuition fees.

Books

There are no compulsory textbooks you need to purchase.

Each course will provide a recommended reading list to students. It is not expected that you will read every book over the course of the year, but you are encouraged to read as widely as possible to inform your project work, and to gain a greater understanding of your field.

The University Library has an extensive architecture and landscape architecture collection, including access to journals, which is available to all students to support them in their studies. Key chapters will be provided to students.

Non-residential field trips

Undergraduate students will undertake a number of site visits throughout their studies.

While you cover the travel expenses, we often use more local sites to minimise costs and the annual contribution is designed to make them more manageable.

Residential field trips

You have the opportunity to take part in residential field trips in years one to three.

  • Year one: Travel and accommodation for one compulsory trip are covered by the school.
  • Year two: Optional field trip which takes place outside of term time and is paid for by students who choose to take part.
  • Year three: Travel and accommodation for one compulsory trip are covered by the school.

You may take part in other trips during each year - some students choose to stay overnight during site visits.

Equipment

We can provide applicants with guidance on the equipment recommended for students of architecture.

You don't need to buy any of these items before you arrive in Sheffield - you will just need basic drawing equipment from the beginning.

Digital

Our desktop computers are high spec and are loaded with the latest software, so it is not essential that you buy a high spec laptop if you don't yet have one, but it will help.

The University system is PC based, so a PC ensures compatibility, although many students do use Macs.

A lot of the software needed is available at a lower cost or for free from the University - it is better to wait until you start your course, when you can talk to the tutors, technical staff and students about the appropriate software.

Materials

During the course of the year, we anticipate that you will need cardboard, a range of papers, glues, spray mount, balsa-wood, spray paints and similar craft materials.

We would advise you to wait and see what is best to suit your needs and budget. All students work differently so costs incurred depend on the approach they take to the brief given.

We very much encourage students to use recycled materials in their models and presentations - not only is it sustainable, but also cost-effective and potentially innovative. We also advise students to work in teams or groups to acquire waste or unwanted materials from local companies.

Our print unit and workshop offer a range of printing and model making materials at a significantly lower cost compared to external suppliers.


Additional costs for landscape architecture students

Books

There are no compulsory textbooks you need to purchase, however, the following are recommended reading:

Recommended reading
  • Dee, C. (2001) Form and Fabric in Landscape Architecture, London: Spon Press.
    • Cathy Dee is a senior lecturer in the School of Architecture and Landscape at the University.
    • Her book on landscape design is a core introductory text for the many UK and International landscape courses. It provides an excellent introduction to the key principles of landscape design and is used extensively in the first-year design studio.
  • Boults, E and Sullivan C (2010) Illustrated History of Landscape Design, New Jersey Wiley and Sons
    • This book is a very accessible introduction to the international history of landscape architecture and includes lots of illustrations and examples.
    • It will give you a good background to the key landscape movements and importantly their social and political context.
  • Hutchinson, E (2011) Drawing for Landscape Architecture: Sketch to Screen to Site, London: Thames and Hudson
    • This is an excellent introduction to a wide range of graphic styles for landscape architects. Edward Hutchinson is a practicing landscape architect. His book brings together examples from a wide range of projects that he has worked on.
    • What sets this book apart from similar publications is its focus on landscape and the unique challenges and opportunities of communicating the temporal qualities of outdoor spaces.
    • Similar publications tend to draw on architectural styles and examples that are not always appropriate to the discipline of landscape architecture.
  • Philips, R. and Rix, M. (1989) Shrubs, London: Pan Books Ltd
  • Philips, R. Grant, S, Wellsted, T. & White, J. etal (1978) Trees in Britain, Europe and North America, London: Pan Books Ltd
    • These two books are a great introduction to tree and shrub identification and include large colour images of the key features.
    • They will continue to be useful in developing your plant knowledge throughout your studies.
    • They are available in paperback and hardback and there are usually second-hand copies on Amazon.
  • Benson, JF (Ed) and Roe, MH (Ed) Landscape and Sustainability (2000) Taylor & Francis
    • This unique book is about landscape, sustainability and the practices of the professions which plan, design and manage landscapes at many scales and in many locations; urban, suburban and rural.
    • Despite the ubiquity of 'sustainability' as a concept, this is the first book to address the relationship between landscape architecture and sustainability in a comprehensive way.
    • Available through the University library as an ebook.

Materials and stationary

Although none of the following is compulsory, we recommend that students have:

Recommended materials and stationary
  • A3 Cartridge paper sketch pad and bulldog clips.
    • We will be drawing outside (weather permitting) so bulldog clips are essential if it is windy.
  • A3 pad of Layout paper or similar.
    • This is a lightweight paper which is useful for technical drawing.
  • A roll of tracing paper or (much cheaper) baking paper/greaseproof paper.
    • Try not to get one that is too waxy.
  • Selection of pencils 2B or softer. It would also be good to have a few soft pastels or charcoal.
  • Technical drawing pens. A small selection of disposable fibre tip pens of different sizes coloured pencils.
    • You don't need to buy many (10 to 15) but try to get good quality for example Berol, Caran D'ache.
  • Watercolours. Small box set, student quality and a large brush no smaller than size 10.
  • Scale rule. This should include the following scales, 1:10, 1:100, 1:20, 1:200, 1:5, 1:500, 1:1250, 1:2500.
    • The triangular (in section) scale rules are the easiest to work with.
  • Your own scissors, masking tape, glue, modelling knife and plasticine.
    • You will be using models in your first semester both to develop your design proposals and to demonstrate your final design.
  • Digital camera. Phone cameras are fine, provided with the image is of a suitable quality.
    • You will need it for field trips, site surveys, plant identification, recording your studio work and taking pictures of your design models.

Non-residential field trips (compulsory)

Undergraduate students will undertake a number of site visits throughout their studies. In most cases, these are provided free of charge.

Where public transport is used for site visits in the Sheffield area, you will be expected to pay for your own.

Residential field trips (compulsory)

Travel and accommodation for the residential field trip that takes place at the beginning of year two are provided by the school. You will be required to provide your own food.

Professional accreditation

If you wish to become a chartered landscape professional at the end of your studies, you will have to become a Licentiate member of the Landscape Institute, before completing a Pathway to Chartership.

Compulsory study aids

The following specification is recommended for your own desktop/laptop.

An Intel i7 (or equivalent) processor or higher, at least 16GB RAM, and a dedicated graphics card (at least 2GB recommended) instead of one that's integrated into the motherboard (this isn't essential but will really help when working with 3D modelling etc.).

PC or Mac is down to personal preference.


Other fees

Our general information about tuition fees for those joining the University as a new student includes details about continuation fees, re-examination fees, re-submission fees and writing up fees.

Facilities

You will have full access to our facilities, including our design studios, print unitIT suiteworkshop and media unit.

Drawing tables, chairs, stools, drawers and lockers are provided in the studio.

Students outside engineering buildings

Visit us

Discover what sets Sheffield apart at our undergraduate open day on Saturday 23 November 2024.