Architecture BArch (Hons)

Prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)* and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), this creative, project-driven course is designed to help you develop your own design approach and style.

You’ll be exposed to diverse aspects of architectural design, linking sustainability and urban design with business practice. This course will equip you with skills and knowledge to tackle contemporary issues related to the built environment, exploring the design, human, professional and technical influences needed to pursue a successful career in architecture.

Reflecting modern architectural practice, our studio culture encourages you to work collaboratively, share experiences and experiment with ideas. You’ll learn the art of creative communication through drawing, model-making and 3D visualisation in our industry-standard design studios and materials workshops.

Explore the work of our graduating students in our Student Showcase.

Find out how this course compares to BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology and BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design.

*The BArch Architecture at Nottingham Trent University is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is currently revising its requirements for registration, and is removing from its requirements the award of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. The intention of the ARB is that its prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on 31st Dec 2027.

Students entering the BArch Architecture course in Sept 2024 who graduate before 31st Dec 2027 will not be affected by this change. Students who take an additional year to complete the course will graduate in June 2028 and will therefore graduate after the proposed end date for ARB prescription at Part 1 and their degree will therefore not be a prescribed ARB award. This will not impact any student’s ability to complete qualification as a UK registered architect, as the ARB will continue to accredit academic awards at master’s level only. The BArch Architecture course is currently, and will continue to be, subject to validation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.

Where do Architecture graduates from NTU work?

Recent graduate roles include architects, architectural assistants and design team members at leading companies such as:

Benoy, Foster + Partners, Atelier New York, Terry Farrell and Partners, Dixon Jones, Balfour Beatty, PolkeyCollins, Peldon Rose Group, Virgin Media/

Becoming an Architect

The course has full Architects Registration Board (ARB) prescription, meaning successful completion satisfies the educational requirements needed for your RIBA Part 1 qualification. Following this, you’ll be ready to complete your first year of experience before starting Part 2, on your way to becoming a qualified architect. Take a look at the ARB Student Handbook for a guide to becoming an architect.

Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course.

Throughout the year, our Employability team runs a series of events specifically for students studying in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment. This includes our annual Architecture Exchange event which brings together current students and prospective employers for an evening of presentations, round table discussions and networking opportunities. We also run a Property, Design and Construction Fair, offering employers the opportunity to advertise graduate roles to our final year students.

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.