Architecture Design Studies BA (Hons) | September 2027 entry | Courses

About this course

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.

Introduction

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.

What you'll learn

Structural and constructional principles
The theories and principles of environmental technologies, the relationship of environmental design and architectural technology to the climate, the development of a sustainable environment, and the impact that architectural decisions may have upon the natural world and its resources
The history and theory of architecture and urban design, the history of ideas, and the related disciplines of art and cultural studies
An appreciation of the influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues
The cultural context of architecture and urban design, and the related disciplines of art and landscape studies
How to make informed and considered judgements about the spatial, aesthetic, technical and social qualities of historical or contemporary designs
An understanding of architectural history and the key drivers informing change and development

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

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.

You will choose one optional module in each semester.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
STUDIO 1.1: DESIGN COMMUNICATION (ARCH101)	15
CONTEXT 1.2 ARCHITECTURE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (ARCH121)	15
CONTEXT 1.1: HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE (ARCH171)	15
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 1 (ARCH111)	15
TECHNOLOGY 1.2: STRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION (ARCH161)	15

Optional modules	Credits
STUDIO 1.2: DESIGN (ARCH103)	15
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING: AN INTRODUCTION (ENVS110)	15
SPATIAL DESIGN IN GAMES (SOTA104)	15
STUDIO 1.3: DESIGN (ARCH152)	30
CONTEMPORARY TOWN PLANNING (ENVS152)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we are currently reviewing all of our programmes. This may include refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. This page will be updated for students beginning in September 2027 by 1 September 2026 at the latest.

Year two

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.

You will take two optional modules in each semester.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 2 (ARCH211)	15
CONTEXT 2.1: HISTORY AND THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE (ARCH271)	15
CONTEXT 2.1: URBAN STUDIES (ARCH221)	15
TECHNOLOGY 2.2: STRUCTURAL DESIGN (ARCH261)	15
URBAN MORPHOLOGY AND PLACE-MAKING (ENVS256)	15
POLITICAL ECONOMIES OF GLOBALISATION (ENVS264)	15

Optional modules	Credits
STRATEGIC PLAN MAKING (ENVS210)	15
PLANNING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (ENVS218)	15
3D MODELLING AND ANIMATION FOR GAMES (SOTA203)	15
PROFESSIONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT (SOTA260)	15
IMMERSIVE MEDIA AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (COMM211)	15

Year three

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.

You will take one optional module in semester one, and another in semester two.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
CONTEXT 3.1: HISTORY AND THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE (ARCH321)	15
TECHNOLOGY 3.1: INTEGRATED TECHNICAL PROJECT DESIGN (ARCH361)	15
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 3 (ARCH311)	15
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT (ARCH371)	15
DESIGN STUDIES DISSERTATION (ARCH382)	30

Optional modules	Credits
URBAN DESIGN STUDIES (ENVS312)	15
POLITICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT (ENVS325)	15
URBAN AND REGIONAL REGENERATION (ENVS336)	15
PLANNING LAW AND GOVERNANCE (ENVS348)	15
PLANNING AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT (ENVS369)	15
BUILDING BETTER WORLDS (ENVS387)	15
CURATION AND HERITAGE (MUSI353)	15
URBAN DESIGN PROJECT (ENVS359)	15
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS WORK PLACEMENTS MODULE (SOTA300)	30

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

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.

How you're assessed

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.

Liverpool Learning Framework

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:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

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.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

Year abroad

Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.

Choose from up-to 26 countries
Experience another way of life
Inspire your future career or studies
Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
More likely to earn higher salary
More likely to be employed after graduating

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Year in industry

Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.

Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
Begin your professional network
Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.

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.

Your experience

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.

Explore where you'll study

Studio space - first floor — Studio space – first floor

Studio space - second floor — Studio space – second floor

Meet our Architecture students

Architecture – new extension

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

Why study Architecture at Liverpool?

Established in 1894, the Liverpool School of Architecture was the first university in the UK to award a RIBA-validated degree in Architecture
As one of the UK’s premier centres for architectural research and education, the Liverpool School of Architecture is the ideal place to pursue your architecture studies
We are ranked 10th in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian University Guide 2026) and within the world top 150 for Architecture (QS World University Subject Rankings 2026)
In the latest Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2021), we were rated 5th in the sector for overall research classified as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*)
We are strongly focused on research, and have many leading architectural experts based amongst our teaching staff
Our membership of the School of the Arts and wider University presents intriguing specialist opportunities, in fields such as autonomous building systems, arts and building design, and climate change risk mitigation
Work is underway on a major refurbishment of our premises, which will comprise a new-build addition of more than 2,000M. The £23 million scheme has been designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, and is expected to be completed by 2026.

The ambition the school of architecture has is unmatched by any other in the UK.

Kuda Mushangi, BA (Hons) Architecture 2017, MArch Master of Architecture 2020

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador

David Grant – Architecture

Careers and employability

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:

the Arts Council;
the construction industry;
and multidisciplinary think tanks;
games design and the fashion industry;
property development.

95% of students agree their main activity after graduation is meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £10,050
Year in industry fee - £2,010
Year abroad fee - £1,508 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £16,000 (applies to year in China)

The UK fees shown are for the academic year 2027/28. The international fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27 and will be subject for change for the academic year 2027/28. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

At first year level, where the course follows the K100 Architecture course, there is a limited requirement for graphical and model making materials. Most of these are supplied by the Architecture Course, but there will be some costs in purchasing course specific equipment (adjustable set square, pencils, erasers, pens, craft knife, glue etc). In the later years, where there are no studio modules the additional costs will only be those that might be associated with any academic course

You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification	Details
A levels	ABB Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB from A levels, with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.
GCSE	GCSE Maths and English grade C/4
Subject requirements	This course requires a portfolio to accompany standard UCAS application
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate	Distinction BB
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	DDD
International Baccalaureate	32 points overall with no score less than 4 or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,5,5 in 3 HL subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate	H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	ABB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB at A level.
Access	Considered if taking Art and Design Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction and 12 at Merit.
International qualifications	Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
Applications from mature students are welcome.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT	If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test	125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100
Pearson PTE Academic	61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic	70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500	Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990	Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511	0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991	0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced	176 overall, with no paper below 162
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature	Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B	Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score	Pre-sessional English course length	On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5	6 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0	10 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0	12 weeks	Online
5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0	20 weeks	On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5	30 weeks	On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0	40 weeks	On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 21 April 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions