Architecture BA (Hons)

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

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.