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Architecture BSc (Hons)
Study level: Undergraduate
Architecture remains one of the most enjoyable and rewarding professions; in designing new spaces and buildings around our everyday lives and needs, you will be challenged intellectually, artistically and creatively.
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Course code
K100
Start date
September 2024
Course overview
You can make a major positive contribution to society by shaping our environment and surroundings, leaving a lasting impact and legacy.
- Professionally accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA1), this course adopts a hands-on approach to learning with a focus on imagination, communication and context. We run skills sessions to support drawing and model making as an integral part of studio work.
- Coventry is ranked as the 17th Best University in the UK for Architecture in the Guardian University Guide 2023. Our graduates can be found working in leading architectural practices, including Aedas RHWL, Faulkner Browns Architects, C.F. Møller Architects and Schmidt Hammer Lassen.
Rated Gold Overall
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2025Why you should study this course
This innovative course has been designed to respond to the challenges of the environmental, economic and social climate of the early 21st century. Coventry is a vibrant, connected city, internationally known for its Centre of Trust, Peace and Social Relations.
- Based in the School of Art and Design, the course instinctively draws expertise from the wide range of creative disciplines on offer. We believe in collaboration – merging studies in art, history and theory, studio and tectonics – providing opportunities to connect with architects, engineers and built environment professionals.
- Centred around studio practice, teaching will encompass design, technology, cultural contexts and communication, together with professional practice. We will aim to develop your understanding of the relationship between global issues, local context and the reality of architecture.
- You will be taught by current staff with significant professional experience, having previously worked in Austria, Argentina, Ghana, Uganda, Nepal and the UK. They have worked in conservation, healthcare, education and housing on commercial, residential, community-led participatory projects, and some are competition winning architects! (staffing subject to change)
- We currently have strong links with a growing network of West Midlands practices including IDP Group and Design Buro, many of whom provide input to course management and development as current members of our Architecture Advisory Board.
- We work with the RIBA West Midlands through the student mentoring scheme which provides potential placement opportunities for students, and are part of the new initiative ‘Learn It, Earn it’ which connects students directly with practitioners through a series of talks each year. These industry connections also provide potential opportunities for professional placements and collaborative projects. Previously, students have worked with organisations including Theatre Absolute, The Centre for Peace and Reconciliation and Coventry Canal Trust4.
17th
for Architecture
Guardian University Guide 2023
Accreditations and professional recognition
This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:
Architects Registration Board (ARB)
This course is accredited by ARB. If there are any changes to the accreditation of this course, we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
This course is accredited by RIBA. If there are any changes to the accreditation of this course, we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
School of Art and Design Showcase
Engage with and explore the talents and achievements of our art and design Foundation Year course and final-year students.
Find out more
What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:
- On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities2.
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 10-12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.
Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions or orders, and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:
- practical or project work,
- coursework,
- essays,
- individual assignments,
- presentations,
- group work.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
International study visits2 for each year are embedded in learning and form the basis of comparison with us. Past destinations have included Barcelona, Valencia, Rome, Paris and Berlin. Students in the past have had the opportunity to visit neighbourhoods with local architects who have detailed insights into the cultural and historical stories of place, to large scale public buildings such as the Opera House in Valencia.
You may have an opportunity to spend a year studying or working abroad. We currently have direct links with countries in Europe and beyond, including practices and universities in Canada, USA, Germany, Netherlands and Spain. Previous students have gone to work with practices including Schmidt Hammer Lassen in Copenhagen and Singapore. We are currently exploring opportunities for digital overseas learning in Iraq and Malaysia2.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.
Fees and funding
2024/25 tuition fees.
| Student | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £9,250 per year | Not available |
| EU | £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary** £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary** |
Not available |
| International | £19,850 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU Support Bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
Facilities
Facilities include a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects; immersive studios with cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed-reality technologies. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities in a unique environment.
Our digital and industrial workshops include 3D rapid prototyping, laser cutters and milling machines. These facilities are available to all students on our courses at no extra cost. These are subject to availability4.
Simulation Centre
You will have access to our Simulation Centre, which incorporates best practice building information modelling (BIM). Using a 3D model, the centre is designed so that you can view and walk through your project to add value, realise efficiencies and ensure every member of the construction team understands what is required of them and when.
Informal study areas
Our open access spaces provide students with informal computer access to all the specialist software required for their studies at any time. There are bookable spaces where students can meet with academics or work in small groups.
Architectural Studio
The multi-functional Architectural Studio acts both as a teaching and tutorial room, and is located in the Delia Derbyshire building, our home for the School of Art and Design. The Delia Derbyshire building is a purpose built creative facility playing host to Mac labs, PC labs, immersive studios, the hyperstudio, workshops and collaboration spaces and so much more.
Careers and opportunities
When you graduate from this course you should be well suited to working in a range of architectural practices and other design industries, such as interior or graphic design.
Careers could include working as an architect, architectural technologist or interior and spatial designer. A degree in Architecture can prove useful in related roles, such as a building surveyor, town planner, commercial/residential surveyor, teacher or lecturer, buildings inspector, conservation officer, landscape architect, planning and development surveyor or structural engineer. You may choose to further your professional or academic education.
On successful completion of this course, you will:
- understand the principles of constructional, structural and environmental systems and strategies, and the regulatory requirements in which an architectural project is designed and constructed
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: significant themes and developments in the history and theory of architecture, engineering and the arts; the interrelationship between architecture and the fine arts; the relevance and impact of wider policy, legislation and theory, including social, and economic factors; the duties of architects to the client and wider society
- understand the primary functions of shelter, including security and comfort, and apply knowledge of the available technologies to support these in a sustainable manner to an architectural design
- understand the cost control mechanisms which operate during the development of a project
- demonstrate knowledge of architectural practice management and understanding of influences by the regulatory and legislative frameworks, industry trends and professional multi-disciplinary inter-relationships.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have gone on to work in Coventry, London, Newcastle, Bristol and further afield.
Further study
You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Architecture MArch. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.
How to apply
UK students
International students
Disclaimers
