Architecture BA (Hons)

Are you fascinated by the buildings and landscapes that make up the world around us? If you ask yourself why they are there, how they were created, and what the future might hold, then this is the programme for you.

 

We encourage a creative and individual approach to the future, knowing that more career paths are opening up each moment, and knowing that understanding design is crucial to the 21st century. RIBA Part I is awarded on completion of the degree.

Programme in detail

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. In recognition of this, the programme is divided into a series of modules, which allows you to explore design alongside humanities (urban studies, history and theory and technology (structure, construction and environmental design). 

Work Placement

Before commencing RIBA Part II graduates need to undertake one year’s full-time work in an architect’s office. To facilitate this, we provide informal help in putting potential employers in contact with graduates.

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 accredited). 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.

Design Year in London

You can spend your third year in London via our new undergraduate Design Year in London pathway. Drawing on our established strengths in Architecture, Industrial Design and Urban Planning, this pathway emphasises interdisciplinarity and industry connectivity, as well as the chance to work with virtual design and engineering technologies. Find out more here. 

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Planning and producing a winning portfolio

Alex Dusterloh gives tips to aspiring architects on how to produce a successful portfolio:

Department Key Facts

Number of first year students

123 Year One undergraduates in 2016

UK league tables

Top 10 - Complete University Guide

Graduate prospects

87% are employed or in further study within six months of graduating (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2014/15)

Research performance

Ranked 9th for Architecture in the Sunday Times/Times University Guide 2017

Facts and figures

 

Why this subject?

Benefit from our research-led and design focused teaching

We are founded on the integration of original research and high-quality teaching, dedicated to getting the best out of each and every student. We are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for research excellence (Research Excellence Framework, REF 2014) and our researchers are internationally known in their fields. Their work is diverse, extensive and wide-ranging, while joined by the shared aim of furthering knowledge and improving architectural design.

Be inspired in a dynamic city setting

Our location in the heart of the world heritage port city of Liverpool means we respond to its outward-looking international focus. With its impressive architectural heritage and award winning contemporary architecture (including the 2014 Stirling prize winning Everyman Theatre), Liverpool provides an excellent backdrop to our focus in both research and teaching on the design of cities and evolving urban conditions.

Support your creativity with solid practical skills

We understand art and technology as complementary aspects of the study and creation of architecture. We focus on creating architecture graduates who balance imagination and creativity with real-world knowledge and skills. All teaching staff are actively involved in professional consultancy and academic research which means that our students benefit from their extensive range of knowledge and expertise in preparation for their professional career.

Allow your creativity to flourish

We do not have a "house style", but instead encourage our students to develop their own design methodology based on an understanding of history, technology and architectural theory. We challenge our students to find individual solutions to complex design problems, but also enable choice by allowing you to choose from a variety of design briefs as well as assignments throughout the programme.

Thrive in our studio environment

Our students work in one of the most visually exciting architectural studios in the UK. The RIBA award-winning space stimulates creativity and reflects the working environment of architects in practice. Whether you are interested in design, built form, the construction process or urban regeneration, you will gain the unique skills here that you will need to work in the local, regional and international communities of the future.

Choose a university which is at the vanguard of Architecture education

We are the oldest university School of Architecture; the first in the world to have Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) accredited programmes, gaining accreditation in 1906. We were therefore responsible for setting the standard for architectural education and have maintained it ever since. Our alumni include Sir James Stirling, after whom the RIBA Stirling Prize was named.