BA (Hons) ARCHITECTURE WITH FOUNDATION YEAR (BA HONS)

Please note: this course is currently being validated for September 2025 entry.

We're updating our foundation year to create a shared programme across the College of Technology and Environment. You'll gain a broader experience, with new content on sustainability, AI, and a hands-on group project where you’ll tackle real-world tech challenges. The structure remains the same – three modules per semester – and all assessment is through coursework.

If you've already applied, we'll be in touch with more details soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact Ben Lishman, Associate Dean for Students, at ben.lishman@lsbu.ac.uk.

The foundation of your future

There's more than one way into a successful architecture career. If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) Architecture programme but you have the experience, maturity and determination to work in the sector, then this course is for you.

This foundation year isn’t a freestanding degree - but it’s the perfect preparation for one. Think of it as the first year in a four-year period of studying that will lead to the BA (Hons) Architecture degree at LSBU (upon successful completion of the foundation year).

Student showcase

Each year, we hold an End of Year Show in the LSBU Hub - an opportunity for students from across all years and Architecture programmes to showcase their creativity and network with future employers from leading architecture firms in the UK and overseas.

You can browse some of the work from the 2024 show on Dezeen.

Fantastic facilities

You will benefit from our extensive range of specialist facilities, including:

• Architecture Design Studios with inspiring and unrivalled views over the City of London;
• a Building Information Modelling (BIM) Centre;
• a Digital Architecture and Robotic Lab;
• a Strengths of Materials Lab;
• a wood workshop, laser cutting and 3D printing.

Why Architecture at LSBU?

High earning potential - our Architecture, Building and Planning graduates have a median graduate salary of £37,200 - the second highest graduate salary for this subject area in the UK (2023 LEO Data)

Our students regularly win prestigious RIBA Awards.

Entry Level Requirements

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
• Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Choose to study architecture and you'll gain more varied skills and employability than almost any other professional subject. Our central London location is the perfect place to find inspiration, as well as build your professional networks and take advantage of work experience opportunities. Our strong design and academic reputation creates excellent links into practice.

Your career

To qualify as an architect, you need to complete a 3 year (or part time equivalent ) bachelor's degree, plus a 2 year postgraduate master's degree (or part time equivalent), and two years' (minimum) professional practical experience, followed by the final RIBA part 3 course and examination. Whilst it’s a long process, once you’ve qualified your starting salary could be around £30,000 a year, rising with experience.

As an LSBU graduate you can apply for further study at any RIBA recognised schools both nationally and internationally. We also offer a MArch: Master of Architecture full-time and part-time course, along with our Level 07: Architect Apprenticeship course, all validated by the RIBA and prescribed by the ARB.

Each year, we hold an End of Year Exhibition in the LSBU Hub. This is an opportunity for students from across all years and Architecture programmes to showcase their creativity and network with future employers from leading architecture firms in the UK and overseas.

RIBA mentoring scheme

Working with the RIBA, the mentoring scheme gives our third year students an insight into architecture as a profession, and is another boost to your employability.

Our central London location is a great place from which to build professional networks – opportunities are concentrated in London and south east England.

We put considerable energy into developing quality professional links, inviting practitioners to contribute to teaching and studio sessions and holding lectures where external guest speakers include established and emergent architects and internationally recognised design researchers. These links help you gain the skills that employers really want.

Guest lecturers from the 2022/23 academic year included:

• Prof Iain Borden,  Professor of Architecture and Urban Culture at University College London
• Dr Andrew Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Architecture at University of Queensland
• Sophie McCarthy,  Design Director at Atomik Architecture
• Ian Bogle, Creative Director at Bogle Architects
• Stephen Hadley, Associate Director at Stanton Williams
• Kevin Coello,  Architecture Assistant at Stanton Williams

Accreditation

The foundation year modules are not accredited; however, the degree programme holds full accreditation from the following organisations:

Our degree courses are validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board for RIBA part 1, RIBA part 2 and RIBA part 3.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is the professional members' organisation for architects that champions better buildings, communities, and the environment through architecture.  They provide guidance on professional standards, training, support, and recognition that puts their members around the world at the peak of their profession.

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the UK's statutory body for architects.

Placements

As a graduate of the BS(Hons) Architecture course, you will be ready for professional practice and typically undertake a placement as an Architectural Assistant, RIBA Part 1.

You arrange this yourself, but our staff are on hand to help and your graduate design portfolio should support in your search for professional experience.