BSc(Hons) Architecture (with Foundation Year)

Develop your professional portfolio and lay the foundations for your career on this exciting course with full Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) validation.

Why study architecture?

Architecture is constantly evolving, and an architect's role is to respond and adapt to change.

There is always a need for professionals who can provide well-considered and creative solutions to a range of problems within the building industry.

Whether you'll focus on sustainability, artistic concepts, detail design or simple ideas, a solid understanding of materials, methods and technology will allow you to find and provide effective solutions.

Why UWE Bristol?

BSc(Hons) Architecture teaches you the theoretical, historical, environmental, technological and professional factors influencing architecture.

This is one of five courses that cover different specialisms in architecture. We produce sought-after graduates with specialist knowledge and the skill to create exciting buildings.

Learn from industry-experienced lecturers and visiting tutors, many of whom run their own architectural practices.

Investigate the design, refurbishment, use and re-use of existing and new build structures with an emphasis on building technology. Produce creative solutions from artistic concepts through to detail design.

Develop your design skills and explore computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, modelling, and mapping as well as structural and environmental strategies to support activity. Create an impressive portfolio of design projects, many with real clients and sites.

Assess and review architecture on day trips and residential field trips in the UK and abroad. Gain real-world experience on internships and graduate ready for the next step in your professional studies.

Use your theoretical and hands-on skills to explore, develop and finely craft architectural design solutions.

Springpod Subject Spotlights video - try your course before you apply

UWE Bristol has partnered with Springpod, an online platform that provides immersive career and education opportunities. On this platform, you can sign up and log in to watch a Subject Spotlight video for our undergraduate Architecture courses. The video is entitled Redefining sustainability in architecture and the built environment. In this highly topical Subject Spotlight, Louise Ciotti explores environmental justice and redefining sustainability in architecture.

Where can it take me?

You'll be expected to work for an architectural practice for a year before joining a Part 2 course.

Our Part 2 course, the MArch, ranks among the top 20 in the UK.

When you graduate, your strong analytical and problem-solving skills will make you desirable to employers and you'll be prepared for a wide range of careers.

Take a look at our online yearbook of student projects from our architecture and product design courses.

In order to register as an Architect in the UK, you'll need to have completed Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 qualifications. Please contact us if you need advice about accredited qualifications and qualifying as an Architect in the UK.

The image above shows the fantastic work from one of our students (Laurence Cole, 2023 Architecture graduate).

Careers / Further study

After graduating this Part 1 course, it's standard practice to work for an architectural practice for a year to gain experience before joining a Part 2 course.

Our Part 2 course, the MArch, ranks among the top 20 in the UK. It's two years full-time but can be taken part-time.

If you don't continue your studies, you'll have developed strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with an analytical focus. These qualities are sought after by employers and can be applied in a wide range of careers.

Get inspired

Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.

We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.

Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.