UCAS code K10D
Architecture Design Studies allows for a greater flexibility in course choices than the prescriptive Architecture qualification, enabling students to explore their personal interests in the wider field of architecture by including a range of courses chosen by students, delivered other University of Liverpool departments, including Sociology, Planning, Music and Geography.
The Architecture Design Studies programme aims to provide a foundation in the general field of architecture and other related disciplines. It seeks to generate an enthusiasm for architecture, a spirit of inquiry, and to stimulate life-long learning.
As well as a first step towards professional activity, architecture design studies can be an enjoyable preparation for further study or other careers. It demands knowledge of many different but interrelated disciplines and the development of personal as well as technical skills. All students begin in year one on a common course with the BA (Hons) Architecture RIBA Part I validated route, to provide some experience of design process, before students specialise in later years through a wide range of courses offered by other University of Liverpool departments.
The programme encourages investigative and critical approaches to architecture, and the development of research and specialist skills. It combines individual creativity with knowledge and understanding of a broad variety of technical and cultural issues. The aim is to provide a broad academic programme in architecture and cognate disciplines, which does not contain the design project modules needed by future architects, but which will equip graduates with useful skills and knowledge of the field.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In year one, 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. Studio design modules will enable you to appreciate creative design process and learn architectural conventions.
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 two has two strands: a continuation of your understanding of architectural processes and context, and a number of additional modules that you have the opportunity to choose. These courses are drawn from outside of the School of Architecture and feature sociology, planning, geography and psychology.
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 three continues to develop core architectural understanding while more optional modules allow further broadening of student interests. A core module in third year is a two-semester dissertation course in which students can devote significant time to researching an area of particular interest to the student, something both useful in itself and potentially important to moving toward employment opportunities or further study at postgraduate level.
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.
The course comprises of a series of lecture-based courses, with seminars, group work and one to one tutorials. As the choice of courses in largely driven by each student it isn’t possible to provide a comprehensive description but the majority of teaching will be delivered on campus, with additional support through online Teams based conversations.
Architecture Design Studies does not have a studio design component, so the course is arranged as a number of lecture based courses which deliver core material supplemented by seminars, one to one tutorials and self-directed research.
Each course assessed in different manners, which we attempt to provide in a series of ways to allow each student to demonstrate their knowledge in a range of submission formats. This comprise of essays, multiple choice quizzes, posters, reports, exams and presentations.
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.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
Learn more about year in industry
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.
Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs 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.
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The programme prepares its graduates for careers into a series of fields related to architecture and the built environment. Successful students may go on to work in architectural journalism, art history, museum curatorship and arts administration, executive roles in the construction industry and architects’ offices, as well as the wide range of careers open to graduates in arts and social science disciplines. The programme also prepares graduates for further full-time education at Masters level or in vocational degrees such as Town and Country Planning.
Architecture graduates can follow a few options. 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: