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Introduction
Architects are experts in the design of buildings and places, providing the setting for human life. Their primary skill is turning design concepts into reality. They work with engineers, contractors and other professionals to create sustainable, imaginative environments. This course embodies a fresh approach to architectural education that is rooted in its locality but with a broad global perspective.
The course is the first stage (Part One) of the three-stage process of qualification for architects. It is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). The teaching maintains a balance between theoretical and practical aspects of architectural training. Architecture is about meeting the needs of people in ways that respect their culture combined with the advances of technology and contemporary design.
Within the studio, we teach a wide range of skills: freehand drawing, surveying, CAD and model making. We also employ specialist part-time staff to develop specific skills, such as CAD and graphic composition. You will be encouraged to explore and develop a design, firstly by working in small groups and secondly by developing your own individual approach to design.
Architecture is fundamentally about meeting the needs of people in ways that respect their culture and values and the character and traditions of their communities - while offering them the best that new technology and contemporary international design culture can contribute to the shaping of their environment.
• The course is the first stage (Part One) of the three-stage process of professional qualification as an architect.
• The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Validated by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).
Why choose this course?
1. This is a course with a fresh approach to architectural education that is rooted in it its locality but has a broad global perspective.
2. We believe that architecture is fundamentally about meeting the needs of people in ways that respect their culture and values and the character and traditions of their communities while offering them the best that new technology and contemporary international design culture can contribute to the shaping of their environment.
3. At the core of our approach is a rigorous and open-minded understanding of the complex set of ideas summarised in the phrase ‘sustainable development’ and a belief in the importance of the crafts of construction in the creation of good architecture and places.
4. Our architecture course is a practical, project-based programme in which students work collaboratively in a stimulating, creative studio environment guided by a dedicated staff team offering regular tutorial support tailored to their individual needs. Our studios are equipped with up-to-date computers with a wide range of design and visualisation software and facilities for laser cutting and 3D printing.
5. Our large workshops give students the opportunity to make full-size building elements as well as models of all scales and sizes.
6. 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.
7. We believe in engaging with employers to develop, deliver and review courses that enhance our graduates’ opportunities for employment and career development.
8. We are situated in the heart of the city, close to the historic waterfront where the University is building its new campus and also within easy reach of the beautiful beaches and wild landscape of the Gower peninsula, Britain’s first designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’'
Overview
The course is intended for those whose ambition is to become a qualified architect, but is also a good choice for anyone who has an interest in architecture and design and is seeking a broad-based degree programme that can lead to a wide variety of career opportunities.
The programme of study is centred on a sequence of design studio projects that start in the first weeks with the exploration of space, form, colour and materials. By the end of the first years, students are designing small but complex buildings and places in detail.
The second year focuses on ideas of home and community through the design of houses flats and neighbourhoods and the public buildings that support social life.
The final year introduces students to larger scale buildings and the course culminates in a comprehensive design for a substantial cultural building in a real setting.
The core design studios are supported by a suite of contextual modules that provide students with a coherent body of relevant knowledge in three areas: environment and technology (structures, construction and building physics); history and theory (an overview of architectural history and theoretical writing from related fields); and, profession and business (basic construction law, building procurement, cost control and business management).
In the final year, each student writes a dissertation — an independent research study — on a subject of their own choice within the very broad field of architecture.
The course is the first stage (Part One) of the three-stage process of professional qualification as an architect. The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the University is seeking recognition of the course by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Modules
Year One – Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE & BSc)
• Architecture Studio 1A (Design Skills) (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 1B (Space and Form) (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 1C (Structure and Materials) (20 credits; core)
• History and Theory 1 (20 credits; core)
• Technology and Environment 1 (20 credits; core)
• The Modern World (20 credits; core).
Year Two – Level 5 (Dip HE & BSc)
• Architecture Studio 2A (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 2B (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 2C (20 credits; core)
• History and Theory 2 (20 credits; core)
• Profession and Business 1 (20 credits; core)
• Technology and Environment 2 (20 credits; core).
Year Three – Level 6 (BSc)
• Architecture Dissertation (40 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 3A (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 3B (20 credits; core)
• Architecture Studio 3C (20 credits; core)
• Profession and Business 2 (20 credits; core).
Entry Criteria
You will need 128 UCAS Tariff points from A levels or their equivalent.
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Assessment
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.
Career Opportunities
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.
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