Architecture BSc (Hons)

Course overview

You can make a major positive contribution to society by shaping our environment and surroundings, leaving a lasting impact and legacy.

• Professionally accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA¹), this course adopts a hands-on approach to learning with a focus on imagination, communication and context. We run skills sessions to support drawing and model making as an integral part of studio work.
• Coventry University is ranked 3rd for Student Satisfaction in the Midlands for Architecture in The Complete University Guide 2024. Our graduates can be found working in leading architectural practices, including Aedas RHWL, Faulkner Browns Architects, C.F. Møller Architects and Schmidt Hammer Lassen.

Why you should study this course

This course provides you with the opportunity to nurture your creativity whilst learning about the scientific and technical aspects of architecture.

The course encourages you to engage in critical thinking and creative problem-solving, emphasising the alignment of context, buildability, social responsibility, and ethical practice in addressing real-world challenges.

• This course focuses on the scientific evidence that underpins architecture in conjunction with art and design as a fundamental characteristic of architectural thinking.
• Centred around studio practice, teaching will encompass design, technology, cultural contexts and communication, together with professional practice. We will aim to develop your understanding of the relationship between global issues, local context and the reality of architecture.
• We have strong links with a growing network of West Midlands practices including IDP Group and Design Buro, many of which provide input to course management and development as current members of our Architecture Advisory Board.
• The BSc (Hons) Architecture course offers the first step to becoming a professionally qualified architect. The course is accredited by both the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). On graduation, you will be fully equipped for further professional qualifications in either artistically or technically orientated courses.
• We work closely with the RIBA West Midlands to further develop our industry connections. Coventry University's commitment to employability is highly valued by students and local employers. The involvement of industry professionals in teaching and mentorship will provide you with invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

Careers and opportunities

When you graduate from this course you should be well suited to working in a range of architectural practices and other design industries, such as interior or graphic design.

Careers could include working as an architect, architectural technologist or interior and spatial designer. A degree in Architecture can prove useful in related roles, such as a building surveyor, town planner, commercial/residential surveyor, teacher or lecturer, buildings inspector, conservation officer, landscape architect, planning and development surveyor or structural engineer. You may choose to further your professional or academic education.

On successful completion of this course, you will:

• understand the principles of constructional, structural and environmental systems and strategies, and the regulatory requirements in which an architectural project is designed and constructed
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: significant themes and developments in the history and theory of architecture, engineering and the arts; the interrelationship between architecture and the fine arts; the relevance and impact of wider policy, legislation and theory, including social, and economic factors; the duties of architects to the client and wider society
• understand the primary functions of shelter, including security and comfort, and apply knowledge of the available technologies to support these in a sustainable manner to an architectural design
• understand the cost control mechanisms which operate during the development of a project
• demonstrate knowledge of architectural practice management and understanding of influences by the regulatory and legislative frameworks, industry trends and professional multi-disciplinary inter-relationships.