BA Architecture with Foundation Year

• We're ranked 5th in the world and 2nd in the UK for Architecture (QS 2023 World University Rankings by Subject).
• Gain an insight into the practice of Architecture and enhance your personal and academic skills needed for undergraduate study in the field.
• Benefit from an ideal and accessible transition between School and University, or to support a change in career, you will gain expert support in developing design portfolios and first-hand insights into Architecture as a career path.
• Successful completion of the Foundation guarantees you a place on the BA (Hons) Architecture degree course at Manchester School of Architecture.
• Take advantage of facilities across two campuses, The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, as you study at the innovative collaboration between the two - Manchester School of Architecture (MSA).
• Enjoy automatic and free membership of the MSSA, the UK's largest student society of architecture.

Manchester School of Architecture is an innovative collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The Foundation course provides you with an ideal transition between School and University or as part of a career change.

The Foundation course will provide an accessible route to University-level study, help you develop design portfolios and provide insight into architecture as a career path.

You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practitioners and lecturers who provide you with a supportive environment to develop the fundamental skills needed to embark on a career in the field.

The foundation programme will prepare you for undergraduate study in architecture at Manchester School of Architecture.

We will help you develop your personal and academic skills, expose you to various communication and presentation techniques, show you how to understand and analyse project briefs and conceptualise design solutions, as well as giving you an insight into the practice of architecture.

The programme culminates in an architectural design studio project providing excellent preparation for learning at degree level.

You will be fully immersed into life at Manchester School of Architecture; working with fellow students when the opportunities arise and culminating your studies with a design studio project which relates to those undertaken by current students.

What's more, you'll be inspired by the world-famous city of Manchester - the industrial revolution birthplace turned 21st century metropolis - and its vibrant, contemporary and innovative architecture scene.

Manchester is a showcase for recent regeneration and historic context, much of which has been designed with the involvement of our current students and graduates.

The city recognises the value of high-quality design, together with innovative and pragmatic approaches to resolving practical issues.

32 points overall. 5,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.

The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;
• IELTS 6.0 overall, with no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification .

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.

Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .

Career opportunities