About this program
Architecture
The Welsh School of Architecture has a reputation for being one of the best in the UK. Our aim is to make the world a better place through contextually sensitive, sustainable and beautiful architecture.
Through our courses, we support our students to become well-rounded and capable individuals, by addressing the full range of skills required to be an architect. These include creative design, building construction and performance, environmental design, issues of sustainability, matters of professional responsibility and the duties of an architect, and an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of architecture and urban design.
The BSc/MArch is a unique degree course as, after successful completion of the three-year ARB/RIBA Part 1 BSc with at least a 2:1 (or equivalent qualification from another university), students will spend most of the first year of the MArch in architectural practice. This is followed by a single, final year based in the school.
Part 1 and Part 2 of the UK professional qualification for architects are fulfilled by the BSc and MArch degrees, respectively. Both degrees are approved by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Students intending to become a registered architect in the United Kingdom will need to complete a Part 3 programme, for example our Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture: Professional Practice.
Most of your time on these courses is spent in the design studio, working on architectural design projects that grow in scale and complexity as you progress through them. Many of the skills mentioned above are developed through and integrated into design. We offer a range of working spaces, workshops and computer aided design facilities to support this.
You will be taught both by permanent academic staff and tutors from local and leading UK practices, providing an exciting mix of design approaches and experiences. As the leading school of architecture in Wales, we have good links with the Welsh Government, construction industry bodies and professional practice locally, and we also have strong international links.
If you already have a first degree and wish to apply for the MArch Part 2 only, please visit our postgraduate pages for more information.
Admission requirements
Typical A level offer
AAA-AAB
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year One
Core Modules
- Architectural Technology 1B
- Design Principles and Methods 1
- Building through Time
- Architectural Design 1
- Architectural Technology 1A
Year Two
Core Modules
- Architectural Technology 2
- Design Principles and Methods 2
- Architecture in Context
- Architectural Design 2
Year Three
Core Modules
- Architectural Technology 3
- Issues in Contemporary Architecture
- Practice Management and Economics
- Design Principles and Methods 3
- Architectural Design 3
Year Four: Sandwich Year
Core Modules
- Design in Practice
- Research Preparation
- Reflective Practice
Year Five
Core Modules
- Design Thesis
- Dissertation
- Practice, Management and Economics
Scholarships & funding
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Tuition
- Tuition fees for UK and Ireland Students: £9,000 per year.
- Tuition fees for International Students: £23,450 per year.
For more information about tuition fee, please visit the university website.
Qualification
What skills will I practise and develop?
You will acquire and develop a range of skills valuable in a working environment, both discipline specific and more generic employability skills:
- Through design projects you will develop skills in analysis, creativity, problem solving, planning, organisation, decision making and attention to detail
- You will develop interpersonal skills such as empathy, ability to influence, listening and questioning
- Through group work you will develop team-working skills
- Through regular presentations, you will develop strong communication skills
- You will learn to deal with uncertainty and develop skills in adaptability and flexibility
- The intensive nature of the course means you will develop skills in time management and tolerance of stress
- You are specifically taught skills in Information Technology (and Computer Aided Design), information retrieval and basic research.
Career paths
Career Prospects
In 2015, 95% of graduates of the Welsh School of Architecture were in employment or continuing their studies within six months of leaving us.
Employers included architects’ practices, building energy consultants, town planning departments, construction companies and universities. Career destinations included architect, urban designer and research officer.
The majority of our graduates proceed to a career in architectural practice, and are found in many eminent practices in the UK and across the world.
Graduate Careers
- Architect
- Urban Designer
- Research Officer
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