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UCAS code:
K100
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Institution code:
S82
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Location:
Ipswich
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Duration:
Three years full-time. |
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Typical Offer:
2023-24 and 2024-25 entry; 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level). |
Introduction
Professional Accreditation
Our BA (Hons) Architecture is prescribed with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as Part 1 and the course received the RIBA Candidate Status in 2021. Successful completion of our full-time three-year undergraduate degree carries exemption from the ARB Part 1, which is the first stage in qualifying as an architect. Only those who complete all three parts of the ARB/RIBA requirements, will be able to register as an architect in practice in the UK.
Further information about the University's relationship with the ARB is available in the PSRB register.
Our Vision Statement
The BA (Hons) Architecture at Suffolk is a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary programme of study. With us you learn Architecture as a driver for global and situated culture underpinned by three principles: ecologies, pedagogies and technics. You will study how to design buildings, spaces, and urbanities resilient and adaptive to rapid environmental, social and economic change. With your Architectures you will address people’s needs and modes of life on a macro to micro scale by means of critical and creative practice.
Plaice Architects.jpg
Design work by Timothy Leat, Architectural Assistant at Plaice Architects.
Our Studio Culture
This year our program is supported by the practices below among others:
Visiting Professor Appointment
The University of Suffolk’s Architecture Department has appointed their first Visiting Professor. Meredith Bowles from Mole Architects is a well renowned expert in the profession and will support the Department’s ambitions to be recognised as a changemaker for Architecture education. Mole Architects is a leading practice designing low energy, contemporary buildings, with a particular emphasis on regional character.
Drawing design synthesis.jpg
Perspective hand drawing for Design Synthesis 1 by student William King.
Course modules
Full downloadable information regarding all University of Suffolk courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record.
This module introduces fundamental principles and theories that frame architecture from a contextual point of view. It provides definitions and analysis of key terms such as: representation, language, form, function, grid, rhythm, perspective, scale, proportion, gender, memory as well as meanings of space, place and site. The module covers selected historical periods of art and architecture, contextual systems of thinking in art and design and the work of selected authors in international art, architecture and design scenes.
This module establishes the basics of the visual language of architectural design as creative art and familiarise students with a wide range of media and methods. The module focuses on the conceptualisation, fabrication and presentation of ideas that use the image and the model as two complementary elements that often overlap and identify with each other. It does so from a creative and artistic perspective.
This module creates the basis for the technical understanding and knowledge of materials, structures and systems. It focuses on the practical application of principles and conventions architecture and introduces project management and the relevant construction regulatory framework. Furthermore, the module explores the language of architectural design in 2D and 3D through the use of analogue tools and computing skills for digital production with a focus on drafting, and detailing.
This is the core architectural design studio module. It focuses on the fundamental principles of architectural design creation, defined as operation, condition and merging. The module initiates knowledge and understanding of the key principles and terms of architectural design as formal and spatial articulation. It introduces user and site as context in the making of architecture and familiarise students with the key processes of projects by working against briefs, using precedents and core concepts.
This is the history and theory and research methods module. It focuses on the most influential thought of critical theory and its application in practice through research. It draws upon concepts and contexts drawn from the arts, humanities and sciences. It create a platform for discovery, investigation, and interpretation of theoretical issues and approaches of philosophical and contextual nature and promotes interdisciplinary thinking.
This is the technical knowledge, construction and management module. It provides advanced knowledge and understanding of structures, materials and building performance, underpinned by sustainability principles. It expands upon building services and regulations as well as methods that frame environmental design. It thoughtfully combines the above with training in Building Information Modelling (BIM) principles as well as project management.
This uniquely designed module brings together a wide range of disciplines that study the city, and through a critical and creative perspective it will explore architecture and the urban environment as framed by specific sociocultural and political contexts. Focusing on heritage and curatorial practices, students train in activities related to participatory design and conservation, creative regeneration, activism and site-specificity. This module promotes specialised interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of the urban environment.
This is the core architectural design studio module. It focuses on issues of integration and regeneration looking at the micro and macro scale of architecture as intervention and object, to include cultural and financial parameters. The module presents architecture as making insightful gestures that apply to objects, spaces, and environments of complex nature. It moreover addresses the role of the architect in a team, and their direct connection with the materiality, the process, and the completion of work as built product.
This the theory and history module that focuses on the development and production of an academic research essay (dissertation) in response to a series of lectures and seminars on space and place. The research process is guided closely by a specialist supervisor and is enhanced by scholarly discussions on specialised topics related to architecture, art and design. The final outcome, the dissertation, is presented in an open student-led symposium.
This module positions the graduates in the profession and offers understanding of the ethos and role of architects in practice. Students position themselves as upcoming architecture professionals and reflect upon the ethos and social responsibility of the architect within a project and the society. This module provides the necessary knowledge around construction, the relevant processes and regulations as well as the role of the architect in such.
This is the core design studio module which defines the award of Bachelor with Honours in Architecture. It is much more rigorous than Design Synthesis 1 and 2 and facilitates a self-initiated project underpinned by social and environmental agendas and/or innovative construction systems. It promotes architecture as multifaceted practice with a scope for change making and offers opportunities for specialisation and gaining expertise for life in practice or further study.
Career opportunities
This course prepares you for industry based on the latest criteria and expectations. The skills we teach essential within the industry and are transferable to other contexts. Upon successful completion and relevant graduate placement/training, you may work in roles such as:
- architectural assistants, architectural designers and technicians
- artists, visualisers, and illustrators
- tutors and teachers in architecture, design technology, and art and design
- urban designers, officers in planning and the local authorities
This course also fully prepares you for postgraduate study in Architecture, Architectural Design, Urban Design, Construction Management, Engineering, and most art and design specialisms. Our graduates work in practices such as Foster + Partners, KLH, NJ Architects, and as freelance professionals.
The BA (Hons) Architecture is in the process of acquiring professional accreditation (ARB/RIBA Part 1).
Student profiles
Fees and finance
2023-24
- UK full-time tuition fee: £9,250 p.a
- UK part-time tuition fee: £1,454 per 20 credits (please contact the Student Centre for further information)
- International full-time tuition fee: £14,598 p.a (inclusive of lab-based fee)
Further Information
At University of Suffolk, your tuition fees provide access to all the usual teaching and learning facilities that you would expect. However, there may be additional costs associated with you course that you will need to budget for.
Entry requirements
2023-24 and 2024-25 entry; 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level).
Applicants are also required to have GCSE English and maths grade 4/C or above, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. Applicants who do not hold these qualifications may be considered on an individual basis based upon their overall application and the course applied for.
Applicants are accepted based on their performance in an interview and portfolio review.
IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the students' first language.
Take a look at our portfolio guidance for more information and advice for your portfolio.
If you have previously studied at higher education level before you may be able to transfer credits to a related course at the University of Suffolk and reduce the period of study time necessary to achieve your degree.
Staff
Facilities and Resources
As a student, you will benefit from allocated architecture studios with high calibre IT and AV equipment, including PC workstations, interactive screen and sketch and pin-up walls. We have designed the interior of the studios specifically for our course. The studios are situated in a dedicated and recently refurbished arts facility where are students work creatively in:
- Architecture studios
- Wood, plaster and metal workshops
- Dedicated PC and Apple suites
You will have access to the latest technology for your coursework, including laser-cutting (arts workshop), 3D scanning and 3D printing in a business-oriented lab.
You will have free access to The Architect's Film Club, established in partnership with RIBA Suffolk, and the opportunity to complete study visits abroad with the course and independently via our international partner Schools, including the world-renowned Architecture and Built Environment Department at TU Delft, and the School of Architecture at the National technical University of Athens.
