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UCAS code K100
As the first UK university to award a RIBA-validated degree in Architecture, the University of Liverpool has a long and proud tradition of excellence in architectural education and research. Our approach to teaching embraces contemporary debates around sustainability, climate change, equality and diversity, reflecting the industry today.
The programme aims to provide a comprehensive foundation in architecture, which demands knowledge of many different but interrelated disciplines, and the development of personal as well as technical skills. RIBA Part I validation is awarded on completion of your studies.
Each year contains core modules in the history and theory of architecture; building structures and construction; and approaches to design. Environmental issues are considered at every level of study and you will also have an opportunity to learn about practice management. These knowledge modules will be combined with studio design, which accounts for 50% of your credits in each year.
We encourage a creative and individual approach to the future, allowing us to respond to your individual strengths and to the increasingly specialist, complex nature of future professional life. From day one, we will support and nurture your creative voice, both in the Design Studio and in the decisions you make regarding your study options.
Design Studies BA (Hons)
Students studying K100 have the option to transfer to the Design Studies BA (Hons) programme in Year Two (please note: this programme is not RIBA-validated). Students will specialise in the analysis and evaluation of ‘design’ understood as a complex historical and contemporary concept related to practices in architecture, planning, product manufacture, and the visual arts.
This programme is validated at Part 1 level by the RIBA. From September 2025 onwards, the Architects Registration Board (ARB) are no longer offering accreditation for Part 1 level courses and instead will only offer accreditation at master’s-level.
The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the independent statutory regulator of architects in the UK, and is also the UK's Competent Authority for Architects. In order to call yourself an architect in the UK you must be registered with the ARB.
ARB ensures that all registered architects meet the required standards and have the necessary qualifications to practise, as well as upholding relevant legislation and investigating any complaints made against a member.
In order to register in the UK, students who begin the BA Architecture course from September 2025 onwards will typically need to hold an ARB accredited UK qualification at masters-level, and a Part 3 or a practice qualification.
Completing the BA Architecture course is therefore an important step towards gaining entry to a masters-level qualification. The Liverpool School of Architecture is currently initiating approval for an ARB accredited masters-level qualification, to replace our outgoing ARB accredited Part 2 qualification.
Dating all the way back to 1837, the Royal Institute of British Architects is the UK's chartered body for architecture. It was founded to promote the advancement of architecture and maintain high-quality design and customer service. RIBA chartered membership is voluntary and is not a legal requirement to practise as an architect. However, membership allows an architect to use the term “chartered” and the RIBA suffix.
The typical route to becoming a Chartered Architect in the United Kingdom is a combination of academic studies at a university and practical experience. It involves training for five years at university and completing a minimum of two years practical experience before final qualification.
We were the first University in the UK to award an RIBA validated degree and have had continuous validation since. Our first degree, the BA Hons in Architecture is a three year degree giving RIBA Part 1 validation on completion. Our second degree is the Master of Architecture (MArch Hons) giving RIBA Part 2 validation. We recommend that our MArch graduates take the Part 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Practice in Architecture qualification through the route offered by the RIBA (Chester), with which we have close links.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one consists of compulsory modules, in which you will be introduced to the history and evolution of Architecture, developing foundational knowledge of the concepts and theories that will form the basis of the rest of your studies. We will look at the technology and principles of construction and structural design. Half of your module credits will be taken in studio design, enabling you to develop graphical and modelling techniques, and to nurture your creative voice.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
You will deepen your understanding through compulsory modules in architectural theory and design.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
You will study six compulsory modules, covering design, management, and history. Half of your credits will be taken in studio design.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Year one of the programme comprises a series of interconnected modules, which are designed to lay the foundation for future years. The initial aim is to teach basic graphic communication and to give you the tools to develop your own design agenda.
Year two modules put increased emphasis on the context of architecture such as urban design, responsibility to society, and relationships with the construction industry.
The final year of the programme provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate you have acquired the necessary knowledge and skill to embark on a professional career in architecture. Building on the expertise and understanding of the previous two years, the design modules allow you to develop the necessary skills to design medium and large-scale buildings with a high degree of complexity.
Written exams count for roughly 25% of your overall marks, with the balance coming from the creativity, reasoning and imagination you’ve shown in your work during the programme. In the studio modules, assessment is always carried out by a team of staff, who review all of the designs to arrive at a consensus on marks.
At the end of each academic year, portfolios of designs are reviewed by all architectural staff to reach a further consensus understanding of each student’s progress. We believe that excellent design is encouraged as much by what we teach, as by how far the student is prepared to pursue their architectural ideas.
We avoid a box-ticking approach to marking, looking instead for exploration and consistency in the design that demonstrates independence and invention. Our approach to marking by consensus gives, we believe, the best guarantee of fairness while encouraging personal experiment. The best coursework shows an awareness of the greater world of architecture and the building industry, and contributes to knowledge. We try hard to avoid templates of performance while keeping within best practice. To this end, guidance issued is as clear and precise as we can make it, whilst expecting that creativity will dominate.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
Students studying Architecture BEng at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about Architecture BA (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme .
The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.
The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from modern studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a new, £23 million extension.
Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The ambition the school of architecture has is unmatched by any other in the UK.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The BA in Architecture is a first step into the profession, into which many of our graduates go. The programme is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at Part 1 level and is an important step towards gaining entry to a masters-level qualification (MArch), which is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).
This programme is also an ideal preparation for further study and hugely valuable in a whole range of other careers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in the following:
We also hold an End of Year Degree Show to conclude your BA studies and showcase the range of work produced during your time on the programme. We invite a number of architect firms to attend the event, many of whom have gone on to make job or work experience offers to our graduating students.