Architecture (Extended Degree) BA (Hons)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

The Architecture (Extended Degree) offers a five-year full-time path that includes a foundation year to build your creative thinking, technical skills, and confidence, especially if you don’t yet meet the standard entry criteria. Once you're through the foundation year, the degree becomes the same rigorous RIBA-validated, ARB-accredited programme as the standard BA (Hons) Architecture, combining design studio work, history/theory, technology & sustainability, and professional practice.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
In this Level 3 year you’ll explore essential ideas in architecture, interior architecture, and the built environment. You’ll study things like real-world practices in spatial design, sustainability, materials, plus environmental impact. The mode of learning mixes studios, lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops, so you get a solid base before the formal degree begins.

Year One
You’ll start doing core design projects: Introduction to Design Project 1.1 (40 credits) where you’ll work on small-scale spatial design exploring narrative, context, form and begin 2D & 3D representation; and Architecture Project 1.2 (40 credits) where you deepen that design practice. Alongside, you take Introduction to Theory 1 (20 credits) to understand architecture history, theory, technological paradigms, and Introduction to Technology 1 (20 credits) where you learn environmental literacy, ethical and regulatory aspects, and how technical concerns affect design.

Year Two
You’ll build on design skills with Architecture Project 2.1 and Architecture Project 2.2 (each 40 credits), handling more complex briefs, more independent work, and scenarios involving more realistic contexts and constraints. The supporting theory and technology modules (e.g. Architecture Theory 2, Architecture Technology 2) deepen your understanding of how history, environment, materials, regulation, sustainability and structural systems influence architecture.

Final Year / Later Years
In your last year(s), you complete two major design projects—one in a rural context, one in an urban setting—giving you scope to define a personal design approach, synthesising what you’ve learned in structure, sustainability, environment, and cultural context. Modules like Architecture Theory 3 and Architecture Technology 3 push you to critically justify technological, environmental, and structural decisions. You also have opportunities for European field trips to experience design influences first-hand.

Focus areas

Design creativity; History & theory; Technology & environment; Professional practice & law; Architectural communication; Sustainability & structural systems.

Learning outcomes

You will graduate able to conceive and communicate architectural designs for real contexts, integrate technical, structural and environmental knowledge into your work, solve design problems creatively, understand cultural and theoretical influences, and be articulate both visually and orally. You’ll also gain ability in independent research, ethical decision making, and professional readiness.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This programme is RIBA-validated and ARB-accredited at Part 1 level, meaning when you finish it you have exemption from RIBA/ARB Part 1 and are on the standard path to qualify as an architect. It also has accreditation by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM).

Reputation (employability rankings)

Over 97% of Architecture students at Northumbria said they “had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth” (NSS 2025).
Architecture at Northumbria is ranked in the top 15 in the UK for Teaching Quality & Student Experience by the Times Good University Guide 2025.
The Architecture, Built Environment & Planning group is ranked 11th in the UK for research power in REF 2021.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, this programme is designed so you don’t just learn theory — you do architecture. You’ll work in studio projects, use professional tools and digital tech, go on field trips, and do work that mirrors what real architects do. The purpose-built architecture studios give you your own desk (with drawing board, power, USB, cutting mat) and infrastructure to design and model, draft, render, and present. As you move through the years, you’ll tackle design projects (one rural, one urban in the final year), study sustainable/environmental design, technology and building systems, law, context and culture.

Here are the concrete ways your learning will be hands-on, using real tools, real contexts, often in teams:

Key Experiential Learning Elements

Studios & Physical Facilities:
You’ll work in dedicated, purpose-built architecture studios as part of the Sutherland Building extension at City Campus. You’ll have your own studio desk, full support from technical staff, access to plotting (large-format printers), 3D printing, and other model-making tools, plus IT labs as needed.
Digital Tools & Software:
While specific lists for every software version aren’t published in full, Northumbria’s curriculum has historically used tools like Autodesk Revit, 3ds Max, BIM (Building Information Modelling) tools, digital modelling, mixed media representation, and 3D/2D visualisation.
Also, the tech-enhanced learning environment means you’ll be using digital tools (for simulation, modelling, visualisation) as part of your day-to-day practice.
Design Projects & Studio Culture:
Half or more of your time is spent on studio design projects. These are real-world briefs, often site-based (local, regional). In final year, there are two major design projects: one urban, one rural, allowing you to explore very different kinds of architecture.
Field Trips & Study Abroad:
You’ll get opportunities for field trips to experience architecture in context: the programme includes a European field trip so you see significant buildings, cities, and historical/contemporary architecture in person.
Also, there is an option to study abroad (4-year course with study abroad) if you choose to extend the degree.
Portfolio & Peer / Tutor Feedback:
Assessment is largely via architectural design portfolios, with tutor feedback, peer review, mixing manual and digital representation: drawings (plans, sections, elevations) and models. You’ll refine both visual and verbal communication of your ideas.
Accreditation & Professional Relevance:
The course is ARB and RIBA Part 1 accredited so that upon graduation you get exemption from Part 1 professional qualification. It’s recognised by overseas bodies too (e.g. Board of Architects Malaysia) which helps if you plan to practice outside the UK.
Support & Community Learning:
You’ll be part of a design community: sharing studios with students across years (including Master’s level), getting mentorship from academic staff who are practitioners / researchers. This means you’ll learn not only in the classroom or studio, but from fellow students and staff.
Built Environment Hub / Laboratories:
The Architecture & Built Environment department has newly built laboratories, architecture studios, and a virtual reality suite within its facilities. These let you test, simulate, visualise, and experiment in ways that mirror contemporary architectural practice

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this Architecture programme typically go into roles such as:

Part I Architect / Junior Architect
Architectural designer or technician in architectural practices
Urban planner or environment consultant
Roles in project management, design coordination, or research in built environment sectors

These roles draw on a mix of creative design, technical competency, regulatory understanding, and environmental awareness.

Key Strengths & What You Get from This Programme

Here are the reasons why studying Architecture at Northumbria can give you a strong foundation, and what to expect in terms of employability, stats, accreditation etc.:

University Services Supporting Employability
- The Careers and Employment Service helps you with CVs, portfolio preparation, interview skills, networking.
- The Placements Team organizes optional paid work placements of ~40 weeks, usually after your second year. These are assessed via portfolio/logbook etc.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures
- Around 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation with this course.
- Average earnings ~ £22,500 three years after graduation.
- After 5 years, earnings tend to rise to around £26,500 – £28,000+, depending on how your career path develops.
University–Industry Partnerships & Real-World Experience
- The programme is vocationally informed, with strong relationships with local & national architectural practices, involving external examiners, practitioners in teaching, real design projects.
- Optional placements give you actual experience, exposure to industry standards, professional networks.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value
- The degree is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and offers exemption from RIBA Part 1, meaning you are already partway along the professional path to becoming a fully qualified architect.
- Being validated/recognized in this way is a strong signal to employers, especially internationally (where RIBA/ARB recognition helps).
Graduation Outcomes
- Low unemployment for this cohort: in some recent data, 0% unemployed 15 months after graduation (i.e. all graduates are either working or doing further study) for this course.
- Students report high use of what they learned in their current work: ~ 90% say they are using what they learnt during the course.

Why This Programme Is Strong

Architecture at Northumbria is ranked Top 25 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025.
The broader Architecture, Built Environment & Planning subject area was ranked 11th in the UK for research power in REF 2021, showing strong academic/research credentials.
The student experience is well regarded: Over 95% of students report being positively challenged to achieve their best work.

Further Academic Progression:

If after your BA (Hons) Architecture you wish to continue your studies, you have several options:

Pursue RIBA/ARB Part II (typically a Master’s in Architecture) to move toward full architect qualification.
Specialist Master’s degrees in areas like sustainable architecture, urban design, heritage conservation, digital architecture, or ecological design.
Academic/research pathway: MA or MSc and possibly PhD in architecture, built environment, or design technology if you wish to move into teaching or research roles.
Related fields like landscape architecture, planning, conservation or environmental design might also be possible.