BSc (Hons) Architecture

From day one, you’re not just learning theory — you’ll be designing, building, visiting, critiquing, and using professional tools in real settings. UCLan makes sure you work with the same kinds of software, workshops, studios, and project briefs that professionals use. You’ll develop skills in design, construction technology, sustainability, conservation, and more, with exposure outside the classroom through site visits and even overseas expeditions. The studios are well-resourced; you have your own desk, drawing board, and storage. You’ll use up-to-date design software in labs, build models, work in design workshops, and collaborate with real architectural practices.

Here are more specific ways UCLan supports learning in this program:

Key Practical & Facility Highlights

• Design Studios & Resource Rooms: You’ll have dedicated studio space, including final-year studios, with your own desk/drawing board and storage.
• Computer Labs with Latest Design Software: Access to labs equipped with cutting-edge design tools. These are used for digital modelling, CAD work, and other architecture-relevant software.
• Architecture Workshop & Design Workshop: For model-making, construction technology, hands-on work with materials etc.
• Printing & Scanning Facilities: In-house printing and scanning close to studio spaces so you can produce large-format drawings/renderings etc.
• Architecture Resource Room / RIBA Technical Library: An extensive resource centre with architectural design, history, construction theory books, periodicals, National Building Specifications. Helps you research and frame your design projects with solid background knowledge.
• Live Projects & Community Engagement: You’ll work on live projects with local communities and professionals in Preston. Real briefs, real stakeholders.
• Field Visits & Overseas Expeditions: Regular field trips to study architecture in different contexts; plus an annual overseas trip to expose you to international architectural styles, urban forms etc.
• Sustainability, Conservation & Environmental Focus: Modules and projects emphasise environmental issues, sustainable design, and the conservation of historic buildings.
• Accreditations & Professional Pathways: The course is RIBA-accredited and also recognised by ARB, which means the curriculum meets professional standard. After some industry experience you can come back for the MArch Part II, which is required to become a registered architect.

Once you complete this degree, many graduates go into roles such as Architectural Assistant / Junior Architect, Draughtsperson / CAD Technician, Project Designer, or roles in Urban Planning or Construction / Building Surveying. The skills you gain — design thinking, technical drawing, project management, construction technology — are quite versatile and respected.
Here are the details:

What You’ll Gain & Opportunities During & After the Course:

• University services that help with your employability:
  • UCLan uses live briefs and real-world projects: for example, as part of the university’s £200 million Masterplan, architecture students have worked with contractors like BAM and architect firms like Hawkins\Brown in workshops and on-campus projects.
  • There is also an Architecture Society, which helps with networking, visits to practices, guided tours, sharing work & ideas — all useful to build your portfolio & contacts.
  • For those who need it, UCLan offers a Foundation Year route, so if your grades or experience are not yet enough, you can still start and progress into the full BSc.
• Employment stats & salary figures:
  • About 95% of BSc (Hons) Architecture graduates go on to work or further study 15 months after graduation.
  • The average salary ~ £24,000 at about 15 months post-graduation.
  • Further out (5 years or so), Architecture / Building & Planning graduates from UCLan tend to see salaries in the region of £30,500 (median), though ranges vary depending on location, role, experience.
• University-industry partnerships & live experience:
  • The Masterplan projects give students hands-on experience (live briefs, feedback from real contractors like BAM, workshops with practice firms).
  • UCLan has also set up an Architectural Technology Degree Apprenticeship with local companies (e.g. Collinson Construction, Cassidy and Ashton, Aew Architects). This gives you a path to gain employable skills while working.
• Accreditation and long-term value:
  • The program has recognition via RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) in some validated courses (e.g. in collaborations overseas) which shows international standards in architectural education.
  • The ARB (Architects Registration Board) rules are relevant for those who want to become registered architects. UCLan offers the path through to Part II recognition via their MArch/architecture postgraduate routes, especially if you do the foundation year and then progress.
• Graduation outcomes:
  • Graduates have gone on to work in roles with architectural practices (design firms), in private home design & housing companies (for example, one alumnus became an Assistant Designer at Redrow Homes).
  • Another alumnus has become a Senior Architect at a well-known practice, demonstrating that it is possible to move up beyond entry roles using the skills and networks you build at UCLan.

Further Academic Progression:

After finishing the BSc (Hons) Architecture you could:

• Continue to an MArch (Master of Architecture / Part II) at UCLan (or elsewhere) to achieve full professional qualification if you want to become a registered/chartered architect.
• Study postgraduate specialisations such as Architectural Conservation, Construction Management, Urban Regeneration, or Construction Law, depending on your interests.
• If interested in research or teaching, you could also pursue an MPhil or a PhD focusing on aspects of architectural theory, sustainable design, or built environment innovation.