Architecture BA
School of Architecture
This course is no longer taking applications for 2021-22 entry. View 2022-23 entry or find another undergraduate course.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code K100
- 3 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
Course description
Our three-year BA Architecture degree provides a balance of theory, design work and professional experience.
Lectures give you a broad-based understanding of architecture, and draw on the sciences and humanities. You'll be taught by experts who are at the forefront of their respective fields.
You'll then apply your knowledge to the studio through a series of design projects. Projects develop in scale and complexity until the major design project at the end of the third year, which addresses a range of cultural, technological, conceptual and representational ideas.
Our studio acts as a laboratory for trialling your creative and critical ideas, and for developing fundamental architectural skills. You'll share ideas during group tutorials, review other students' work, and begin to develop your personality as a designer.
Practising architects join our staff during studio classes, and bring with them topical ideas and skills from the world of architecture.
Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects as giving exemption from RIBA Part 1.
Prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) subject to periodic review by ARB, for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: K100
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 1
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: introduce the perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design.
30 credits - Architectural Design 2
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: widen perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design
30 credits - Communication 1
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This module introduces students to the main communication skills used in architecture, including spoken presentation, listening, various graphical techniques, model-making and information technology.
10 credits - Communication 2
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This module introduces students to the main communication skills used in architecture, including spoken presentation, primary research, various graphical techniques and information technology.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 1
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This module is the first in a series on building environment and technology. It introduces the constructional and structural principles of small buildings and the ways in which buildings modify the thermal aural and visual environments.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 2
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A continuation from ARC107, this module describes the constructional and structural principles of small buildings and the way in which buildings modify the sensory environment.
10 credits - Humanities 1
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The overall aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of how the field of architecture is positioned in relation to contemporary as much as to past issues. It will provide basic knowledge of particular moments in the recent history of the architecture and will familiarise you with some of its figures, concerns and events. Though the emphasis is on western architecture, it will include and encourage discussion of the way the architecture has been shaped and is being shaped around the world. As an Architectural Humanities module, it will not only focus on the history and theories of architecture but will also emphasise a more interdisciplinary approach that mobilises the knowledge and methods of the humanities. The module will look at ‘situating’ as the way in which the position, voices, agendas of, and issues concerning architecture are expressed and represented. It is a means to invite you to define your personal interest and take on architecture discipline and practice and to develop your own agenda within this wide open-field. This module will contribute to your development as a critical thinker and researcher who can evolve informed and rigorous arguments in both words and images.
10 credits - Humanities 2
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ARC104 concerns the reciprocal relationship between architecture, the built environment and society, exploring the issues through a broad range of case studies. It will focus on a range of buildings, mainly dwellings. Through a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach, cases will include, for instance, vernacular, indigenous and everyday buildings to show how architecture worked when people built for themselves directly without recourse to building specialists and mechanised technology. The course seeks to establish that architecture works through different categorisations, such as style, symbolic references, typologies, use, materiality, meaning, structure, layout, form, but also through the framing of human activities and rituals. The cross-cultural approach prompts the question if there are aspects that remain specific to a local context and if in some cases, some of these can be regarded as universal, or not.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 3
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the experience of the first year design studio. The scale of projects addressed increases from those encountered in the first year, with more complex briefs. Consideration is given to the issues of sustainability, the relation of buildings to their urban context and the design of outside spaces. The technical aspects of the work aim to further develop an understanding of building structure, construction, materials and services in relation to the overall design concept.
30 credits - Architectural Design 4
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ARC226 follows on directly from ARC225. Together they form an integrated sequence of projects for the second year design studio course. ARC226 continues the practical architectural design work of ARC225, but concentrates on the design of a medium-sized public building, including the integration of technical and environmental elements.
30 credits - Communication 4
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ARC202 is a module which introduces analytical and formal architectural drawing, drawing literacy skills and architectural representation at Year 2 level. It aims to consolidate and expand upon the culture of representation introduced in Year 1, to develop technical drawing skills and to broaden knowledge of and ability in graphic presentation. It includes measured and architectural drawing, portfolio presentation and graphical techniques. It is comprised of lectures, workshops and tutorials aimed at groups and individual students.
10 credits - Computer Aided Architectural Design
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An introduction to Computer Aided Architectural Design, including the basic CAD concepts of modelling, drafting, analysis and visualisation/presentation. The module aims to give students familiarity with a range of modelling, rendering and graphics programmes.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 3
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ARC207 introduces the technology of medium-scale buildings. It comprises three lecture courses: Construction and materials, Architectural Structures (steelwork) and Environmental Design (thermal analysis and systems).
10 credits - Environment and Technology 4
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A continuation from ARC207, this module describes the technology of medium-scale buildings. It comprises three lecture courses: Construction and materials. Architectural Structures. Environment and Services.
10 credits - Humanities 3
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This module covers a wide-ranging cultural history of architecture and its relationship between changing states of society, the development of urban culture and institutions, and the growth of knowledge and ideas. The module pivots between scientific knowledge and artistic and cultural development, and is intended to help students from both scientific, social sciences and arts and humanities backgrounds to begin to make connections and understand the context within which architecture is set.
10 credits - Humanities 4
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ARC 204/254 consolidates the production of architecture through buildings and designs with the production of disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, with a particular overall focus on the contemporary condition.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 5
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
30 credits - Architectural Design 6
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
30 credits - Special Study
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An in-depth study of one of the following subject areas: architectural theory, architectural history, science and technology, structures, management, CAD, landscape architecture, town planning. The special study is an individual piece of work, allowing students to explore a particular aspect of architecture in some depth. Precise topics will be discussed and agreed with the relevant tutor. In the majority of cases the work takes the form of a dissertation, but it may take other approved forms depending on the nature of the specialist work being undertaken.
20 credits - Advanced Structures and Environment
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The module investigates the technology and environment of buildings, mainly at medium-scale and also introduces the technology of urban-scale environments. It consists of component lecture courses: Sustainability, Lighting, Structures and Acoustics. The emphasis is on the integration of the different aspects of building technology with each other and with architectural and engineering design in its entirety. This includes: environmental impact of specifications, sustainable technologies, infrastructure, structures and aspects of comfort. The module provides knowledge required in level 4 studio work and in architectural practice.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 6
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This module describes the technology and environment of medium-scale buildings. It is to be taken in association with the studio design module. Acoustics, lighting, environment, services and sustainability are examined in the context of the complete architectural design.
10 credits - Humanities 5
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ARC 303 is the final module in a sequence of humanities courses over the three years of the architecture degree. ARC 303 specifically focuses on urban history and theory and integrates architecture and related issues with a wider urban context. ARC 303 presents key factors and principles of urban development, historical and contemporary urban design and planning theories and exemplifies these through a series of urban case studies.
10 credits - Management Practice Law
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The module aims to explore and develop a greater understanding of practice in relation to the legal, economic and contractual scenarios. In particular there will be a focus on understanding the political and social and financial factors that affect the practice of architecture.
10 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
We adopt the model of architectural education which focuses primarily around the design studio. This is supported by lectures, seminars, field trips and workshops.
Our approach to architectural education is underpinned by our world-class research and our strong links to practice. In the design studio you will be guided by academic tutors and practicing architects who bring their expertise to your projects. Some run their own practices, others specialise in areas such as sustainable design, all bring the latest in architectural thinking to help guide your projects.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB + B in Core Maths AAB with at least one acceptable subject + B in Core Maths
International Baccalaureate | 36 34
BTEC | D*DD in a relevant subject DDD in a relevant subject
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAAAB + A AAABB + B
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A + AA B + AA
Access to HE Diploma | 60 Credits overall, including 45 at Level 3, with 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit 60 Credits overall, including 45 at Level 3, with 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
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The University of Arts London (UAL) Diploma and Extended Diploma can be considered in combination with at least one acceptable A Level subject
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Relevant BTEC subjects are Applied Science, Art and Design, Business, Construction and the Built Environment, Engineering and IT
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Portfolio and GCSE Maths grade 4 or grade C
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
School of Architecture
Come to Sheffield and join some of the best architecture students in the UK - our students have won prizes at the RIBA Student Awards and the Royal Academy Summer Show. They've been shortlisted in the European Architecture Medals and the Inspiring Graduate Awards. Our staff are doing world-class research, helping to make the school a leader in our field across the UK and internationally.
We believe in architecture that makes a difference. We know that it has the potential to improve the lives of those who inhabit and use it.
Through our internationally-acclaimed teaching and research, we explore the social, spatial and environmental implications of architecture. As a Sheffield student, you will engage with real issues affecting the built environment.
We encourage you to explore ideas and collaborate with other students. Through group tutorials and peer review you'll learn how to express your opinions, and value the opinions of others. Sheffield is the perfect place to develop your personality as a designer.
We provide a balance of theory, design work and professional experience. We have a strong design studio culture. The studio acts as a laboratory for trialling your creative and critical ideas, and for developing fundamental architectural skills. You'll share ideas during group tutorials and review other students' work. This encourages you to express your own opinion and to value the opinions of others, as you begin to develop your personality as a designer.
The School of Architecture sits high up in the Arts Tower, offering unrivalled panoramic views across Sheffield and beyond. This is where you will spend the majority of your time in the design studio.
You'll also attend lectures across the campus and take advantage of our drawing labs and facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.
Facilities
Our generous open-plan studios promote collaboration and you will be able to take advantage of our drawing labs and facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.
You'll have access to the latest digital techniques in our computer labs which host a suite of professional Building Information Modelling and Computer Aided Design software. You can also take advantage of our digital review facilities and will have access to 360 degree capture technology.
Workshops and tutorials are embedded into each course to ensure you have the skills you need.
School of ArchitectureWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
School of Architecture
The Complete University Guide Subject Tables 2021
Student profiles
Graduate careers
School of Architecture
Our graduates often go into architectural practice for a year or two before doing a two-year MArch in Architecture - either at Sheffield or another school. Our graduates also pursue careers in the built environment or move on to a specialist masters course.
Employers include AHMM, ARUP, Building Design Partnership, Haworth Tompkins Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins\Brown, and Penoyre & Prasad.
Graduates on our Architectural and Interdisciplinary Studies degree course are well prepared for a career in the built environment in roles such as: built environment consultant, government and local authority advisor, creative and strategic policy maker, architectural critic and journalist, and arts and heritage manager.
Our selection process
After you've applied, we'll ask you to submit a portfolio of your own artwork. We'll be looking for observation skills, criticality, invention and representation. The portfolio should consist of ten reproductions of art or design work. You'll receive full details of the requirements, format, submission and assessment criteria after we've received your application. If your portfolio is of a really high standard, we may make you a lower grade offer.
Generally we don't ask candidates to attend an interview. However, if you're a mature student or if you don't have conventional academic qualifications, we may invite you to an interview.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
This course is no longer taking applications for 2021-2022 entry. View 2022-2023 entry or find another undergraduate course.Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 0349
Email: architecture-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.