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Architecture BSc (Hons)

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

2024-25 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

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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

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:

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.

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.

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.

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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

Construction and Environmental Fundamentals - 20 credits

Experimental Design and Communication - 40 credits

This module introduces you to basic elements of architectural design which integrates learning across different subjects and disciplines. You will learn to communicate your design ideas and proposals through freehand sketching and drawing, modelling and a range of other graphic techniques. You will undertake a series of design exercises to explore the relationship of place, space and human needs to architectural form. Responding to simple briefs and the context of a site, you will lead to small scale architectural proposal which relates to cultural context, materials, construction and environmental aspects of building.

Compulsory

Spatial Design - 30 credits

This module enables you to develop a comprehensive architectural proposal. Exploring the design process and theoretical concepts, you will apply your knowledge and awareness of architecture in relationship to environmental design, human wellbeing, technology and construction.

Compulsory

Material Cultures and Histories - 20 credits

This module explores architectural and urban history through selected themes and periods. It focuses on the changing patterns of urban settlements and their buildings, as seen within the context of the broader political, social, economic, and cultural conditions, while considering the impact of new materials and technology on architectural production.

Compulsory

Digital Skills 1 – 10 credits

This module builds on your manual drawing and representation skills. You will begin to explore representation which balances physical and digital environments. This will include information digitalisation, digital representation, digital drawing, modelling, collating and post editing.

Compulsory

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

Assembly and Environmental Systems – 20 credits

This module is designed to expand knowledge of construction technology, environmental design and building materials that cohesively contribute to successful building design, through the study of larger scale buildings, including the design of single and multi-storey framed structures. You will also develop environmental knowledge with the aim of creating sustainable spaces, adapted to the needs of the user and executed to the appropriate standards of architectural design.

Compulsory

Urban Design and Communication- 40 credits

The module introduces you to the urban design discipline and the investigation of the architecture of the city to identify those factors that contribute to the transformation of urban environments. The focus will be on large-scale proposals that respond to the site and context while introducing urban placemaking and master-planning and the relevant communication and representation skills. Urban design theories and themes will be analysed with a particular focus on sustainable developments and environmental strategies.

Compulsory

Residential Design – 30 credits

This module enables you to investigate and test alternative forms of housing. You will design a housing building typology which relates to public/community related secondary. You will record, understand and evaluate a site and its context, using a wide variety of methods and criteria to build a relationship between the building user and the public realm.

Compulsory

Architectural and Cultural Critiques – 20 credits

Digital Skills 2 – 10 credits

This module explores advanced applications of digital opportunities in order to generate, analyse and prototype architectural design propositions. You will be introduced to a range software and methodologies which subsequently allow complex modelling and analysis of proposed architectural projects against a range of environmental, sustainability, wellbeing and buildability criteria.

Compulsory

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

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

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

Design, Planning and Ethics – 20 credits

This module brings together learning about how architecture operates in professional practice in the UK and using the overall framework of RIBA stages 0 and 1 to prepare a design brief for an urban strategy. You will be formulating and defining a project-specific design brief. This understanding of the practice framework then helps define the parameters for a major design project.

Compulsory

Contemporary Debates and Research – 20 credits

This module discusses contemporary and potential future trends of design in relation to societal perspectives. The module is designed to enable a sustained and in-depth investigation into your specialist area of interest negotiated with tutors. Drawing and expanding on historical and theoretical knowledge in architecture, tectonics, urbanism and the arts, will strengthen your intellectual inquiry and research skills. Research, writing and presentation will build the development of a personal theoretical approach and explore interdisciplinary thinking - how theory informs practice.

Compulsory

Interdisciplinary Collaborative Project -20 credits

This module provides you with the opportunity to explore how to set up and run an architecture practice in the UK taking into consideration the relevant ethical, legal and management principles. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with students from, for example, the built environment and construction engineering courses in a group project. You will develop a practical understanding of some of the key stages involved in a project by taking part in a project-specific simulated role play scenario. You will be representing the role of architects amongst other professions.

In addition to practising your specialisms, you will learn how to manage a project. Typical scenarios will look at aspects of a project from its initial design inception through to its tender submission and presentation by working in interdisciplinary groups. Team working will enable you to explore collaborative problem solving from multiple perspectives and understand the concept of professionalism within digital global practice.

Compulsory

Comprehensive Design – 40 credits

Architectural design is a complex and challenging process which requires the ability to creatively synthesise and integrate a diverse range of knowledge and skills. The portfolio from this module will include a broad range of work demonstrating your ability to create an integrated architectural solution. You will be asked to develop the design of a specific building in terms of the structural, constructional and environmental strategies that underpin its design.

Compulsory

Applied Construction and Environmental Sciences – 20 credits

The module builds on your technical knowledge and connects that knowledge with advanced application in a major building project. You will carry out research into systems, techniques and materials, and will apply these investigations to create a complex building that is sound and creative in terms of environmental, structural and constructional competence.

Compulsory

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.

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:

South East Asia

Russia and Central Asia

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.

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.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

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 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

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.

How to apply

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
AHU076

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

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 permit 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.

⁴Facilities

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.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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