BA Hons Architecture

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Architecture degree teaches you how to design buildings and craft meaningful spaces, blending artistic creativity with technical architectural thinking. It’s ideal for students who care about sustainability, human experience, and the role of architecture in shaping communities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

You begin by developing essential architectural thinking through Introduction to Architectural Thinking & Design, exploring space, form, and design principles. In Integrated Design: Small Interventions, you work on small-scale design projects that integrate representation, technology, and concept. The Research Basics module develops your skills to find, analyse, and question information, while Interdisciplinary Understanding encourages collaborative work with other disciplines on social and cultural design challenges.

Year 2

In Year 2, Integrated Design: Urban Interventions expands your design work into city-scale projects, and Integrated Design: Dwelling & Community encourages you to think about housing, shared spaces, and human interaction with the built environment. The Real-World Contexts module provides opportunities to work on practical design tasks for external stakeholders or communities. You’ll also create a Research Proposal to focus your final-year independent inquiry and guide your design projects.

Year 3

The final year brings together all your learning. In Integrated Design: Comprehensive Project, you tackle complex architectural briefs requiring creative, technical, and spatial resolution. Positioning in Practice helps you reflect on your journey and prepare for professional life or further study by building your identity as a designer. The Contribution module allows you to complete a substantial research or design project that demonstrates your understanding of theory, context, and practice.

Focus Areas

Architectural design, representation and drawing, environmental responsibility, contextual studies, community-centred architecture, sustainability in building systems, and professional preparation.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to conceive and communicate architectural solutions that are spatially rich, technically informed, and socially and environmentally aware. You will also develop strong research skills, professional readiness, and the confidence to work in architectural practice or pursue further study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA (Hons) Architecture programme is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), fulfilling the educational requirements for Part 1 of the architect registration process.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Cardiff Met’s architecture programme is highly creative and practice-oriented, benefiting from the School of Art & Design. Graduates are well-prepared for roles as architectural assistants, designers, or for further study toward becoming a registered architect. The course emphasizes hands-on projects, real-world experience, and strong links with industry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Architecture course at Cardiff Met is highly studio-based from the first year, giving you immediate experience in designing and developing architectural ideas. You work on projects that require creativity, technical understanding, and awareness of how spaces are used. The course emphasises sustainability, accessibility, and environmental performance, so your designs are grounded in real-world concerns. You’ll also develop research, presentation, and digital modelling skills while receiving feedback from professional tutors and visiting architects. Throughout the programme, you participate in workshops, field trips, and collaborative projects, culminating in a major final-year design project that integrates technical, creative, and contextual knowledge.

Key Experiential Learning Features

Design Studios
Central to the programme, studios allow you to explore design ideas individually and collaboratively, combining creative expression with technical problem-solving.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Work alongside interior design and architectural technology students, gaining experience in multidisciplinary project work.
Digital Modelling & Visualisation
Learn industry-standard software to produce CAD drawings, 3D models, and visualisations for design communication and analysis.
Workshops & Model-Making
Access studio workshops for building physical models, including hand-crafted prototypes and digital fabrication.
Sustainability & Environmental Design
Projects focus on energy-efficient design, environmental impact, and creating buildings that meet the needs of users.
Field Trips & Site Visits
Participate in site visits to understand context, construction methods, and architectural heritage, connecting theory with real-world practice.
Research & Contextual Studies
Develop critical thinking through modules in architectural history, theory, and professional practice, informing your design decisions.
Major Final-Year Project
Lead a self-directed architectural project, integrating design, technical, environmental, and contextual considerations into a coherent portfolio piece.

Why This Degree Matters for Your Future

Prepares you to become a professional architect, with strong design, technical, and research skills.
Builds experience in digital modelling, workshops, and real-world site work, giving you a competitive advantage in the industry.
Encourages creative, sustainable, and user-centered design thinking, aligning with current architectural practices.
Your portfolio and studio work are structured to support progression to postgraduate study, professional practice, or architectural competitions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Architecture programme develop the knowledge, creativity, and technical skills required to design functional and inspiring buildings. Typical career paths include architectural assistant, spatial designer, project coordinator, or sustainability consultant. The course balances creative design, technical expertise, and professional practice, preparing students for the next stages toward becoming a licensed architect or for work in multidisciplinary design teams.

University Services & Support
- Career and employability services provide guidance for placements, portfolio preparation, interviews, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
- Fully equipped design studios, digital modelling software, and workshops support practical learning and portfolio development.
- Opportunities to work on live briefs, competitions, and interdisciplinary projects with engineering or design students.
- Mentoring for entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to explore self-employment or start-up design ventures.
Graduate Employment & Salary
- Most graduates move into professional roles or further study within 15 months of graduation.
- Common roles include Architectural Assistant, Interior/Spatial Designer, Project Coordinator, or Environmental Design Consultant.
- Early-career salaries typically range from £24,000–£28,000, increasing with experience and responsibilities.
Industry & University Partnerships
- The programme maintains strong links with architectural practices and design firms, ensuring students gain exposure to real-world professional expectations.
- Students work on live client briefs, competitions, and collaborative projects that replicate industry workflows.
- Sustainability, digital design, and adaptive reuse are embedded in the curriculum, reflecting current industry priorities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value
- The BA (Hons) Architecture degree is aligned with professional standards, forming the first stage toward becoming a registered architect.
- Skills in design, digital modelling, and sustainability provide long-term employability across architecture and the wider built environment sector.
Graduation Outcomes
- Typical roles include:
  • Architectural Assistant
  • Interior / Spatial Designer
  • Project Coordinator / Manager
  • Sustainability or Environmental Design Consultant
- Graduates may continue into postgraduate study, research, teaching, or work in multidisciplinary design practices.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA (Hons) Architecture, students can continue their studies and professional development through:

Master’s (MArch): Progression to a Part 2 master’s programme in architecture, essential for full architect qualification.
Professional Practice & Chartership: Work in architectural firms and complete the required experience for Part 3 qualification and registration as an architect.
Doctoral Research (PhD): Opportunities include sustainable design, digital fabrication, adaptive reuse, or architectural technology.
Entrepreneurial Path: With studio and project experience, graduates can establish design studios or consultancies focusing on interior or architectural design.

Why This Degree Is a Great Fit for You

Comprehensive Design Training: Develop creativity alongside technical skills essential for professional practice.
Professional Preparation: Live briefs, placements, and mentorship provide real-world experience.
Sustainability Focus: Embedded principles of adaptive reuse and environmental design prepare you for modern industry demands.
Career Flexibility: Graduates can pursue licensure, postgraduate study, or launch independent design practices.