Architecture BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
An illustration of a building with people standing on platforms and steps leading to each floor

Architecture provides you with a great opportunity to design memorable works of art that individuals will use every single day. You will design new spaces and buildings around our every day lives and needs, while being challenged intellectually, artistically and creatively.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

K100

Start date

September 2025


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 Universtity is ranked 3rd for Student Satisfaction in the Midlands for Architecture in The Complete University Guide 2024. Our graduates can be found working in leading architectural practices, including Aedas RHWL, Faulkner Browns Architects, C.F. Møller Architects and Schmidt Hammer Lassen.
A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

This course provides you with the opportunity to nurture your creativity whilst learning about the scientific and technical aspects of architecture.

The course encourages you to engage in critical thinking and creative problem-solving, emphasising the alignment of context, buildability, social responsibility, and ethical practice in addressing real-world challenges.

  • This course focuses on the scientific evidence that underpins architecture in conjunction with art and design as a fundamental characteristic of architectural thinking.
  • 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.
  • We have strong links with a growing network of West Midlands practices including IDP Group and Design Buro, many of which provide input to course management and development as current members of our Architecture Advisory Board.
  • The BSc (Hons) Architecture course offers the first step to becoming a professionally qualified architect. The course is accredited by both the UK’s Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). On graduation, you will be fully equipped for further professional qualifications in either artistically or technically orientated courses.
  • We work closely with the RIBA West Midlands to further develop our industry connections. Coventry University's commitment to employability is highly valued by students and local employers. The involvement of industry professionals in teaching and mentorship will provide you with invaluable insights and networking opportunities.
3rd

for Student Satisfaction in the Midlands in Architecture.

The Complete University Guide 2024

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

arb architects registration board logo

Architects Registration Board (ARB)

This course is accredited by ARB for the 2025/26 intake. If there are any changes to the accreditation of this course, we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.


RIBA logo

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

This course is accredited by RIBA for the 2025/26 intake. If there are any changes to the accreditation of this course, we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.


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Engage with and explore the talents and achievements of our art and design Foundation Year course and final-year students.

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What you'll study

Your first year introduces you to the fundamentals of architecture including design, technology, communication and cultural context, with a look at the history and theory of architecture. We will teach you methods of hand drawing, sketching, model making and orthographic drawing as generators of creative exploration.

Modules

In your second year, you will have the opportunity to consider the importance of the tectonics of architecture and explore the wider holistic contextual implications of emerging contemporary urban planning. You should start to make informed choices about materials, structure and environmental design, using 3D modelling and digital drawing software as a tool for architectural exploration.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

The final year consolidates the modules taught in the previous years and provides an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive design project that incorporates the core subjects of design, technology and environment and reflects your own emerging design philosophy.

You will focus on the whole design process on a brief directly related to the urban fabric. For example, past students have worked on a Council House for the city of Coventry and the Centre of Peace and Reconciliation.

Modules

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

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


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

You may have the opportunity for international study visits2. 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 choose to take up 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, the 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.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed2.


Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 128
A level ABB
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include Art and Design, English and Mathematics.
BTEC DDD
IB Diploma 34 points
Access to HE Considered on an individual basis.

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

You will be required to submit a portfolio via email or alternatively attend a showcase activity session or audition (as is appropriate for your course) which can be virtual or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year
Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to 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.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

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.

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).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

*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.


Facilities

The Delia Derbyshire building lies at the heart of our Coventry city campus. This multi-million pound investment in the arts is home to the Schools of Art and Design, Media and Performing Arts, Humanities, and Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences. First opened to students in 2023, the spaces enable you to mix with like-minded students, getting hands-on with cross-disciplinary projects or immersing yourself in the studios with cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed-reality technologies. Our aim is to bring you sector-leading facilities helping you explore your way to your future career4.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

students using the virtual wall in the simulation centre

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.

Aerial view of an open space with stairways and desks

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.

 

 

 

Two students sat at a table with wooden models pieces

Architectural Studio

The multi-functional Architectural Technology Studio space acts both as a teaching and tutorial room. It houses 40 high spec computers which include Revit, Sketchup and AutoCAD. An informal area is available for group discussions, tutorials and making models.

 

 


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

Upon successful completion of your course, you may choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with 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.

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