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BA (Hons) Architecture

Harness the transformative power of design

Year of entry: 2024/25
Show year of entry: 2025

UCAS code

K100

Institution code

Y50

Length

3 years full-time

Typical offer

AAB (full entry requirements)

Start date

September 2025 (semester dates)

UK (home) fees

£9,250 per year

International and EU fees

£23,700 per year

Undergraduate Open Days

Book your place for our Open Days on 6 and 7 September.

Book your place

Applications for BA Architecture will open for 2025/26 entry.

Architecture at York is redefining architectural education to enact positive change. Challenge current practices and develop culturally-informed, sustainable approaches to shape tomorrow's landscape.

BA Architecture is a dynamic reflection of societal needs, embedding responsible design for public good. You’ll explore the history of architectural theory and practice, and how to apply these principles in response to the ever-evolving aspirations and challenges of society.

Sustainability is central to our ethos. We’ll encourage you to think critically about the environmental and social impact of construction, and consider sustainable solutions through a range of interdisciplinary modules. You’ll engage with local communities and cultivate the mindset to drive value-led architectural practice, applying innovative approaches relating building design to people’s needs. Our strong industry connections enrich your learning through real-world expertise and mentoring opportunities.

York’s rich architectural heritage and ongoing building and regeneration projects offer unique opportunities to gain real-world experience, and consider how future developments can complement and enhance heritage spaces.

Get involved with studio design projects and explore your creativity with our exceptional facilities. We’ll equip you with the technical and professional skills needed to navigate the complexities of the architectural industry, from writing design proposals and knowledge of statutory frameworks to digital design and model making.

You’ll graduate as a professional ready to contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.

Accreditation

The BA Architecture course will be applying for RIBA validation for Part 1 which is the first of 3 stages of qualification to become a qualified architect. The course has been designed incorporating the RIBA professional criteria. Our course documents will be submitted to the RIBA, and we will be seeking to be considered as a candidate course so that we can apply for validation for the first cohort who will graduate in 2028.

Student session at Whittam Cox Architects, the company designing York's new Architecture facilities.

79th in the world

for the study of Arts and Humanities in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2024.

Applied experience

Enrich your learning with design projects. Engage with local communities and discover how to relate responsible design to people's needs.

Course content

You will study 360 credits over the duration of your course: 

  • Year 1 - six core modules
  • Year 2 - five core modules and one option module
  • Year 3 - five core modules, including a 20-credit dissertation and a 40-credit integrated design project

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:

Placements

There are opportunities to spend time in industry as part of this course.

Year 1

In Year 1, you'll get on an exciting journey to learn the foundational principles of architectural design. Throughout your studies, you'll encounter modules that form the bedrock of your architectural education, nurturing essential skills and knowledge vital for your evolution as a proficient architect.

This year promises a rich tapestry of experiences, where you'll be captivated by the enchanting architecture of York. Immerse yourself in its historical charm as you unravel the narrative of architectural evolution. Gain insights into the intricate processes of building construction and deepen your understanding of the climate emergency, discovering your pivotal role in addressing this global challenge.

Prepare to be inspired as you board on this transformative exploration of architectures essence and significance.

Core modules

  • Architectural Design 1: Introduction to Architectural Design [self-space-presence]
  • Architectural Design 2: Introduction to Architectural Design [community-place-time]
  • Architectural Humanities 1: Architecture in Settlements and Cities
  • Design Technology 1: Principles of Structure and Construction
  • Environment and Citizenship 1: Introduction to Wicked Problems
  • Studio and Professional Skills 1: Demystifying York - Analogue Communication

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

In Year 2, your architectural journey continues to flourish. Through experimental dwelling projects, you’ll explore the profound interplay between architecture and society, honing your skills in creating spaces that resonate with human needs and aspirations. The Retrofit design studio will equip you with indispensable insights into architectural and urban regeneration, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of communities and built environments.

Our curated modules will cultivate your professional sense and broaden your creative horizons. Delve into the ethical dimensions of design and public engagement, as you navigate the complex intersection of architecture and society. Uncover the relationship between architecture, art, and heritage. Discover how these disciplines shape our collective identity and sense of place. You’ll explore the transformative potential of advanced technologies within architectural practice, embracing innovation as a catalyst for meaningful design solutions.

Enrich your learning a York Interdisciplinary Module (YIM). Choose from our diverse range of interdisciplinary options to deepen your understanding of sustainability. Broaden your perspectives and develop a socially-conscious approach to architectural practice. 

Core modules

  • Architectural Design 3: Dwelling
  • Architectural Design 4: Retrofitting
  • Architectural Humanities 2: Architecture in Settlements and Cities
  • Design Technology 2: Advanced Technology Applications
  • Studio and Professional Skills 2: Public Engagement, Analogue, Parametric and Digital Communication

Option modules

You will also study one optional YIM module, selected from across the suite of York Interdisciplinary modules (YIM). Examples may include:

  • Just and Equitable Nature-based Solutions

The options available to you will be confirmed when you start your course. 

Year 3

As you approach graduation, this transformative year is dedicated to honing your individual architectural identity, equipping you with the skills and confidence to embark on your career with purpose and self-confidence.

The Architecture Clinic, is an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with real-world projects and stakeholders. You’ll navigate the complexities of architectural practice and collaborate with clients and construction professionals.

Complementing this hands-on experience is your participation in the RIBA Mentorship Scheme. You’ll benefit from the guidance of a local architect, refining your professional conduct and expanding your network within the industry.

Year 3 is about self-expression and exploration. From crafting a multimedia dissertation that reflects your unique perspective on architectural humanities in contemporary contexts, to exploring specialised advanced technologies, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your distinctive voice and passions.

Your degree will culminate in an integrated design project, guided by our supportive staff. You’ll have the space to realise your architectural vision, setting the stage for a promising career ahead.

Core modules

  • Architectural Design 5: Architecture Clinic
  • Architectural Design 6 : Integrated Design
  • Design Technology 3: Specialisation and Innovation in Building Construction
  • Studio and Professional Skills 3: Practice Management and Exhibition

You'll complete an 5,000-word dissertation, Architects in context: Research-led enquiries into architects, culture and practice.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Generate design proposals that demonstrate an understanding of a body of knowledge, at the current boundaries of professional practice and the academic discipline of architecture
  • Critically compare between alternative materials, processes and techniques that apply to architectural design and building construction
  • Demonstrate adequate knowledge of the histories and theories of architecture and the related arts, technologies and human sciences
  • Deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry that demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of their field of study
  • Apply a range of communication methods and media to present design proposals clearly and effectively to demonstrate knowledge of the professional qualities needed for decision-making in complex and unpredictable circumstances within the architectural and construction industry contexts
  • Adhere to and apply appropriate guiding principles for ethical practice, building and fire safety, climate literacy and activism, creative design skills, and the cultural and intellectual rigour required for progressive professional practice and many other careers
  • Creatively relate the built environment (buildings and the spaces between them) to human needs, demonstrating an understanding of the relationship between people and buildings, and between buildings and their built and natural environments
  • Apply knowledge of systemic nature of complex global problems and the intersectionality of regenerative sustainability and community justice in the context of the built environment to facilitate value-led and empowered solution-oriented practice

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,250 £23,700

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

We are pleased to offer Academic Excellence Scholarships to the value of £1,000 for Architecture students who achieve AAA at A level (or equivalent). 

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why we’re gold-rated

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

We integrate conventional lecture formats with practical workshops and immersive design studio sessions. Project-based learning is central to our curriculum, so you’ll engage actively in the creative process. You'll develop your computing and visual skills through tailored workshops.

Field trips offer you real-world insights into design and construction. Our programme includes a fully funded overseas trip in Year 2, enriching your understanding of global architecture and cultural diversity, preparing you for a dynamic career ahead.

We have strong connections with architectural firms and local communities, enriching your learning through real-world expertise and mentoring opportunities.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

At York, you'll have access to a fantastic range of facilities, including:

  • Design studios with drafting and model making equipment 
  • Computer labs with CAD software
  • A curated building materials library
  • Digital fabrication facilities, including 3D printers, laser cutters and computer numerical control (CNC) machining for digital fabrication projects.

You'll have access to a rich variety of resources through the University Library.

Get to grips with emerging technologies in the Creativity Lab. Explore VR and AR, 3D design, podcasting, 360 filming and recording, photography and more.

Teaching location

You'll be based in the York School of Architecture on Campus East.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

Most of our modules are portfolio-assessed.

The adoption of portfolio assessment reflects the contemporary nature of Architecture practice. This approach encourages you to recognise the connections between each module, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the profession.

For all portfolio assessments, students will be informed of the weightings of constituent parts of the portfolio in the project briefs.

Careers and skills

This programme provide a foundation to develop into a wide range of career paths, which include:

Career opportunities

  • Architect
  • Architectural Designer
  • Architectural Illustrator
  • Architectural Journalist or Critic
  • Architectural Technologist
  • Architecture Educator
  • Building Information Modelling (BIM) Manager
  • Design Manager
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Historic Preservation Specialist
  • Interior Designer
  • Landscape Architect
  • Planning Consultant
  • Project Manager
  • Researcher in Architecture and Built Environment
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Urban Designer

Transferable skills

  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Critical thinking
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Digital literacy
  • Leadership skills
  • Project management skills

Entry requirements

Typical offer
A levels

AAB including Maths GCSE Grade 5(B) plus portfolio

Access to Higher Education Diploma 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher.
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
Cambridge Pre-U D3, D3, M2
European Baccalaureate 80% overall
International Baccalaureate 35 points
T levels We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Scottish Highers - AABBB

Advanced Highers - not required for entry

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Additional requirements

We also require GCSE Mathematics at grade 5 (B) or equivalent.

Your application will be reviewed and if you meet our entry criteria you'll be invited to an interview and also to submit a digital portfolio.

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to three A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities, YESS, YorWay to York. More about widening participation.
Contextual offers If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers.
EPQ We recognise the value of this qualification although it will not be included as a condition of entry. It may be taken into consideration when you receive your results.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Duolingo 120, minimum 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
KITE 459 Main Flight score with 426 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

  • How to apply

You'll submit a portfolio of work as part of your application to study BA Architecture. We've created a rough guide to help you compile your portfolio and showcase your skills.

Architecture portfolio v5 (PDF , 1,528kb)

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Dr Ehab Kamel
General enquiries

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York School of Architecture

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