BA (Hons) Architecture

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: K100
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
120–128	BBB–ABB	DDM

Additional requirements

Access course: Diploma with 45 level 3 credits at merit.
Portfolio: Presentation of an acceptable portfolio of artwork.
IB requirements: 120-128 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include Visual Arts at SL or HL (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).
IELTS: All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Clearing entry requirements

We’re committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. Over Clearing, we’ll be taking a flexible approach so if you don’t have the advertised grades, you can submit a clearing application and we’ll review and consider your application on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB (creative subjects preferred such as Art, Media or Design)	DDM	Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Production, Design & Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land management and Production; Legal Services	Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit	120–128 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above to include Visual Arts at SL or HL (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

Interview: Portfolio Interview Required.

IELTS: All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB (creative subjects preferred such as Art, Media or Design)	DDM	Design Survey & Planning for Construction; Digital Production, Design & Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land management and Production; Legal Services	Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit	120–128 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at H4 or above to include Visual Arts at SL or HL (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core)

Additional requirements

Interview: Interview Required.

IELTS: All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Professional accreditations

The BA (Hons) Architecture is ARB (Architects Registration Board) prescribed and RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architect) validated course for Part I, based on its course content (including education aims, learning outcomes and assessment criteria); and evidence that the University has adequate resources in place to maintain and increase the achievement of pupils to standards required.

The following degrees – BA (Hons) Architecture; BA (Hons) Architecture (Sandwich); and BA (Hons) Architecture with Year Abroad - are currently ARB prescribed, subject to period review, for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects.

Why choose this course?

ARB Part I prescribed (or exempted) and RIBA Part I validated
Affiliation with RIBA Association of Architects (East & Herts)
Gain experience with award-winning architectural offices

Gain practical skills alongside theory

This course empowers you to satisfy the requirements of a brief and re-energise our environment. You’ll learn the technical knowledge to inspire your professional portfolio. We’ll teach you how to analyse, develop, test and communicate your ideas.  You’ll be working on drawings and models for domestic, public and commercial projects, such as houses, museums and cityscapes.  Be creative. Spend time in our fantastic studios and workshops. We have woodworking, metalworking and casting workshops to help you develop real-world skills. Try your hand at ceramics (for building facades), printmaking and life-drawing classes to enhance your sketching skills. Use our specialist computer software suites and even download software onto your personal laptop. With 3D printers, laser cutters, a welding booth and studio space at your fingertips, we’ll help you bring your idea to life.

Discover the history that has influenced architecture.  From garden cities, new towns built after WW2, to today’s contemporary cities.  How do the needs of society motivate design?  You’ll learn to be an innovative and responsible architect.  To evaluate a building’s purpose, the impact of materials and the cultural factors which underpin design.  You’ll gain insights in the international and national perspectives of the built environment. We’ll encourage you to question the role of technology, gender, politics and economics in design.  You’ll debate the issues confronting architects, including sustainability, urban sprawl and gentrification. By analysing theory and practice you’ll become confident in the founding principles of design philosophy.   

Every step of the way, you’ll be inspired by our expert teaching team including researchers, authors and acclaimed architects. You can benefit from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Future Architects network and the Student Mentoring Scheme. We have excellent links to industry, the RIBA and the Hertfordshire Association of Architects, these will allow your to start building you own network and finding exciting work placements opportunities.

Do you want a Professional Accreditation?

To become a registered architect, you need to complete Part 1, 2 and 3 of your studies. This degree programme is Part 1 prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Validated by the RIBA. Upon successful completion, you don’t need to take any extra exams when you graduate. You can progress straight to your Part 2.

What's the course about?

In the first year, you’ll learn skills in sketching, drawing and Computer Aided Design (CAD), as well as model making and 3D representation. We’ll teach you 2D and 3D analogue and digital technologies so you can visualise your design ideas. You’ll produce technical drawings to multiple scales. You’ll take part in demonstrations and workshop-based activities to understand how engineering and technology inform practice. We’ll teach you skills in problem-solving, research and analysis, as you explore the relationship between culture and design.   

In the second year, you’ll grow as a critical thinker. Your knowledge of culture and theory will fuel your creativity. Explore the fascinating relationship between buildings, people and the environment. Design a public building and public space. You’ll learn to integrate hand drawing with digital editing, CAD and 3D Modelling in your proposals.  We’ll help you improve your skills with 2D and 3D printing, CNC routers and laser cutters. You’ll learn technologies to map and analyse cities and infrastructures. Discover how design can complement the world around us. Be curious. How can architecture be functional and expressive? Through reflection and debate you’ll feel confident about your understanding of contemporary architecture and your place within it.   

In the third year, you’ll write your dissertation, a 6000-word essay on a topic that interests you. We’ll help you develop a professional portfolio as you work on real-life projects and pitch your ideas in a competitive environment. This is your chance to inspire. The pinnacle of your studies is a major project. You’ll investigate the use of space and analyse how architecture impacts a city and its population. You’ll use your expert design and technology skills to innovate. This is your chance to prove you’re ready for professional practice or postgraduate study. 

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6.  These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.  Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each. 

During your studies you will be able to comprehend the value of the built environment and will work on a retrofitting brief giving you the skills and opportunity to approach sustainability holistically, alongside ethical and aesthetical issues when you graduate. The study of sustainability is supported by teaching materials, workshops, cutting-edge software and innovative research carried out by the Arch+, the Carbon Zero Lab and the Centre for Future Societies.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Design Studio 1.1 - Design principles	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to architectural design through the study of architectural masterpieces. Through the study, reproduction, and proposed alteration of these iconic pieces of architecture, students are introduced to the importance of aesthetics, context, brief and programme within the architectural design process. Students are encouraged to question and consider the importance that architecture plays in daily life and examine the power of spatial experience through their studio projects. This module allows students to understand and explore means of representing observations, explorations and proposals, and to become familiarised with architectural communication conventions.
Design Studio 1.2: Private House	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores, through a large single-family dwelling, the basic design process and the role of the context in architecture for the consistent and logical development of a design proposal. Equally the students will be introduced to the importance to address a specific brief and considering a social response, that which constitutes culture and society. This module allows students to understand and explore means of representing observations, explorations and proposals. The students will elucidate the proposed strategy, programme, context, and position through their final submissions
Introduction to Technology and Sustainability	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the students to the technological and environmental aspects of architecture: structure, material properties and behaviours, sustainability and environmental design. This module is the first opportunity for the students to investigate the role of the history end evolution of technology in shaping the built environment. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students will understand the history and evolution of the technological and environmental aspects of architecture till nowadays
Design Technology and Sustainability 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is dedicated to developing a basic application of building technology aspects to the Design Studio 1.2 project. Students will be enabled to investigate for the first time the critical roles that building technology plays in the realisation of the design and execution of buildings. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students will develop a portfolio of technical drawings, diagrams and reports showing the basic integration of technology and sustainability into their design schemes.
Design Skills 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module allows students to develop basic design skills such as hand drafting, CAD and other media, to assist in the visual communication and presentation of design ideas. Moreover, the module equips students with the tools to represent design concepts in 3D through physical modelling using various materials, and through using industry-standard basic software packages. 2D and 3D hand drafting, digital development and representation are explored through various methodologies in a series of given tasks. Assignments are designed to support the Design Studio modules and assist students in developing their communication skills and design process
History and Theory of Architecture 1: Introduction	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the history and theories of Architecture intended as a vital component of innovative design. Students will be introduced to architectural history outside of the Western canon with a balanced representation in terms of gender, race and cultural context. Teaching and learning will support the Design Studio learning and will take the form of lectures, practical and theoretical seminars, visits and workshops. The module will enable students to begin to locate their design practice within a wider contextual, cultural and professional framework. To complement discipline-specific studies, this module aims to provide students with a repertoire of study skills of research, critical analysis and communication including academic conventions

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Design Studio 2.1: Public Building	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores the design of public buildings. It considers the relationship between people and buildings and how users perceive, understand and experience the built environment. Exploring buildings in relation to the context, aesthetics, structures and technology students will investigate the impact of their designs on people and the associated cultural meaning. The module addresses user needs, accessibility, scale, hierarchy and structure. Projects will typically be set within an urban context and focus on the design of a public building. Students are required to draw out conceptual ideas from a study of specific historical, social and physical aspects of the given area and develop their work to produce a design in response to a brief. The module consolidates learning from previous studies and extends students' knowledge and skill through the development of their own public building design proposals
Design Studio 2.2: Urban Design	45 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores societal aspects of architecture, the relationship between people, the city, and housing, and how users perceive and experience the built environment. Exploring urban context provides students with an understanding of the impact of their designs on existing places and communities. Students investigate the make-up of urban fabric, its networks and spaces, their place in context, and their cultural meaning. The module addresses user needs, scale and hierarchy, networks, accessibility, urban permeability and resilience. The sustainable housing projects are located within the urban context and focus on the analysis of an existing town. Students are required to draw out conceptual ideas from a study of specific historical, social and physical aspects of the given area and develop their work to produce a design in response to a brief. The module consolidates learning from previous studies and extends students' knowledge through the development of a housing proposal
Design Technology and Sustainability 2.1	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is dedicated to developing an advanced understanding of building technology aspects relating to the Design Studio 2.1, with a particular focus on the structural scheme, construction details and the associated building envelope parameters. Students are supposed to explore the economic aspects of building components and investigate their relationship with the whole. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students are supposed to develop a portfolio of technical drawings, diagrams and reports showing the understanding of the structure, material properties, environmental and sustainable design strategies and their integration into the design studio. Teaching activities could typically include case studies involving research and presentations of lectures/seminars delivered on a range of technological/constructional topics and specialist building performance analysis chosen to introduce the findings to peer groups
Design Technology and Sustainability 2.2	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is dedicated to developing an advanced understanding of building technology aspects relating to the Design Studio 2.2 project, with a particular focus on the impact of building technology on placemaking and urban scale developments. The sustainability and environmental parameters of the buildings are investigated in a more comprehensive way using industry-standard software packages. Students are introduced to building regulations, planning and legal requirements using their Design Studio 2.2 proposed scheme as a case study. Through a series of lectures, workshops, independent study, and tutorials students will develop a portfolio of technical drawings, diagrams and reports showing the understanding of the structure, material properties, environmental and sustainable design strategies and their integration into the design studio. Teaching activities could typically include case studies involving research and presentations of lectures/seminars delivered on a range of technological/constructional topics and specialist building performance analysis chosen to introduce the findings to peer groups.
Design Skills 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to develop advanced design skills and explore the integration of digital editing, CAD, BIM and 3D modelling in their design process. Students will be expected to produce and present architectural drawings with different media, and have full control of file management, including large project files and folder management. This module prepares students with the confidence to create and manage files for 2D and 3D printing and plan files for digital fabrication. Students will be enabled to use professional printing devices, including plotters, 3D printers, CNC routers and laser cutters Students will consider and implement various methods of drafting, notation, annotation and documentation using the conventional, computer or other related methodologies
History and Theory 2 of Architecture - People, Buildings and Cities	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module allows students to see the history and theories of architecture at the wider urban scale as a vital tool to further innovative and well-informed design practice. With a specific focus on people, buildings and cities, students will be introduced to architectural history outside of the Western canon with a balanced representation in terms of gender, race and cultural context. Students will consider a range of theoretical positions that inform recent and contemporary design practices at the urban scale. Key areas include the various cultural perspectives that have shaped design practice, including innovation, technology and sustainability. The module will build upon the repertoire of study skills of research, critical analysis and communication established at Level 4. Teaching and learning will be integrated into studio modules and will take the form of lectures, practical and theoretical seminars, visits and workshops

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Year Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Sandwich Year (Creative Arts)	0 Credits	Compulsory
The optional 'Sandwich' placement year may be undertaken between the levels 5 and 6. Students undertake the placement within a commercial, public or not for profit setting that is able to provide an appropriate learning experience related to the creative and cultural industries. A placement could take a variety of forms, including: * working in an external organisation; * working with a University company or professional team within the University; * self-employment within defined context and externally refereed. The placement duration would typically be sustained for at least 36 weeks (from a maximum of two separate placements, neither of which should normally be less than 12 weeks in duration), though may be sustained for a full year. While the School actively supports the placement process, ultimately it is the placement provider that will agree to manage and select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement a member of the academic staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.
Design Studio 3.1: Retrofitting	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module explores the strategic role of the re-use of the existing built environment as the first step to a zero-carbon future. Retrofit is often more cost-effective than demolishing and reconstructing. It preserves heritage value for communities. Compared to a new building, a retrofitted one has a much lower footprint on the environment. Students will analyse an existing building, appraise its current architectural and structural conditions, and investigate its history and value to the community. Through the application of specific design strategies, students will be able to design proposals that fit a given brief and update the building to the current needs in terms of use, aesthetics, sustainability and technology. The module brings together aspects from previous studies and requires students to integrate the knowledge and skills they have already learnt into a consistent retrofit design proposal
Design Studio 3.2 - Final Project	45 Credits	Compulsory
The Final Project module focuses on the development of a holistic approach to design. As per its connection with the other modules undertaken during the year, students will demonstrate the ability to integrate their theoretical, technology and sustainability research into a comprehensive design proposal. Engaging with the overarching theme of the year, students are expected to develop their own final project, including the programmatic, aesthetical, social, structural, constructional and sustainable aspects. The final project should provide evidence of the student's ability to engage with critical analysis and concepts development to create design solutions that implement the understanding of the impact of the new intervention on cities and communities. This module is designed to be a significant part of each student's graduate portfolio, its complexity and comprehensive resolution are intended to indicate students' readiness for professional practice or postgraduate study
Professional Studies	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the students to practice, management and law topics related to the business of architecture. The module covers planning, building regulations, CDM (health and safety), construction contract tendering, project planning and programming. The module investigates the purpose of the processes in the construction industry and society, some background, then the mechanics of the process and the architect's part in this. The relationships with other parties in the project and society are discussed. The talks relate to current practice including a view of expected change to come. This module is linked to the students' Design Studio work for a practical application of Professional Studies
Design Technology and Sustainability 3	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is dedicated to the development of a comprehensive understanding and exploration of advanced building technology aspects in relation to the Final Project module. With a particular focus on sustainability, life-cycle assessment and embodied carbon, this module provides the opportunity for self-initiated exploration of thematic cutting-edge technologies relating to design. Through a series of lectures, workshops and independent study, students will develop a portfolio of constructional details that integrate structural design, construction, and sustainability into their design studio. These could typically include case studies involving research and presentations of findings to peer groups, live project work (working on real projects with real clients in a competitive pitch situation) and lectures/seminars delivered by a variety of professionals specifically chosen to reflect a wide range of practice. Students will also illustrate their understanding of changing approaches, strategies, practices and opportunities within the industry through a series of diagrams, infographics and reports
History and Theory of Architecture 3 - Dissertation	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module intends to shape designers as informed practitioners who engage critically with their discipline, its history, the ideas which inform it and how it is likely to evolve in the future. This module will enable students to conduct an in-depth enquiry of an aspect of design culture with an emphasis on the analysis of appropriate social, cultural, economic, technical, historical and aesthetic issues linked to students' chosen topic and their Final Project work. The content of the module will be student-led and each student will bring their identified interests to the sessions. Independent learning will be supported through a programme of flexible study workshops, tutorials and learning support materials which will enable students to develop skills in research, organisation and planning, critical analysis, studentship (independent learning processes) and presentation including academic protocols

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

The programme supports the student in opportunities to undertake live projects which may arise through their own endeavour and works to build such opportunities into the student’s learning and assessment through negotiation of briefs and presentable outcomes. The term ‘live projects’ refers here to a range of activities that extends well beyond those that are primarily commercial and includes social enterprise projects undertaken in connection with community groups, arts organisations and other agencies. Where a student wishes to undertake a live project, it is a requirement that before it commences there is in place a learning contract that specifies clearly how it enables the student to fulfill the module Learning Outcomes, the materials to be submitted for assessment, the date of submission for that material, what the work means in terms of the student’s attendance and workload and an appropriate strategy for supervision by a tutor. That contract has to be agreed by both the module tutor and the Programme Leader.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course, all the way to graduation.
You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. Rest assured, no matter what you study, we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs (Learning Resources Centres) run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free.
In the School of Creative Arts, we also have a dedicated Student Liaison Officer. So you can access academic support with someone who understands the requirements of creative arts courses. Plus, there’s additional support if you have dyslexia. For international students, we also have a Creative Arts International Support Officer. You can feel confident that we’ll support you for all your educational, wellbeing and disability needs.

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Josip Pijević

Meet Josip. He was drawn to Herts because he wanted to grow his skillset, and was impressed by the University’s campus and location. He completed a postgraduate course at Herts too and is now looking to pursue further study.

Current job role	In employment and working towards further qualifications
Year of graduation	2019, 2022
Course of study	BA (Hons) Architecture, M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism

From undergrad to postgrad

The BA (Hons) Architecture course was still relatively new at Herts when Josip enrolled, and he saw it as an opportunity to grow his skillset and pursue a career in the profession. The campus facilities and the University’s proximity to London were also a plus for him.

Josip thoroughly enjoyed his undergraduate degree, in particular learning about sustainability, the use of AI in architecture, and human-centred design, all of which play a big part in the curriculum. He decided to complete his M.Arch at Herts too because of the quality of teaching he experienced during his undergraduate studies, and the opportunities M.Arch offered for Josip to help deliver undergraduate lectures and contribute to research.

As Josip says, ‘Herts is one of the few universities that offered an M.Arch Architecture and Urbanism course. It’s a great architecture programme, and the fact that it’s combined with urbanism helps you understand the wider context for any architecture project, from small-scale projects such as house extensions to larger ones like airports.

‘The tutors are amazing, and we had guest critics come from some of the top practices in the world, which allowed me to connect with professionals at an early stage. This opened doors for me, and I received a couple of job offers before I finished my M.Arch.’

Downtime

Josip lived close to campus during his studies, which he felt helped, particularly when the deadlines started rolling in. He says, ‘I would meet friends for a walk, go for food, or for a couple of games of table tennis. This was a lifesaver after a long study session and was certainly a highlight of final year for me.’

Josip’s advice

Josip’s advice for future and current students is to ‘do your very best’ at university and participate in as many extra-curricular activities as you can. Josip says, ‘This will allow you to connect with many interesting people and it will widen your knowledge of various subjects.

‘And always remember, your hard work will pay off in the end!’

Josip is now in employment and looking to get his Architecture Part Three qualification, which combined with his studies at Herts, will provide him with a strong foundation to achieve his future ambitions.

What's next for my career?

The course offers an excellent network of industry partners, you’ll study in an environment strongly connected with the ARB and RIBA and the Hertfordshire Association of Architects (the HAA is the local RIBA branch). You’ll have the opportunity to build your own professional network from the start of your degree and work closely with architectural practices both nationally and internationally on a variety of projects and collaborations. During your studies you’ll be able to participate in several organised activities such as site visits, practice visits, workshops and review sessions which will expose you to the industry.

In partnership with the RIBA and the HAA, you’ll be invited to a series of guest lectures, attended by local and well-known international architects that deliver inspiring speeches about the industry. In previous years, some of our guests were: Simon Alford (President of the RIBA and founder of AHMM), Chris Wilkinson OBE RA (Founder of Wilkinson Eyre), Sir Peter Cook RA (Founder of Archigram) and many others.

During the course of study, you will produce a series of projects which result in a professional portfolio representing a high degree of spatial and technical resolution that shows the development of a clear design approach and provides evidence of your employability relevant to your preferred career ambitions. You’ll be able to exhibit your projects at the Creative Arts final year degree show. The event will be attended by industry partners who actively reward prizes and scout for new talent. You’ll be able to showcase your projects, skills and some of our graduates were offered job opportunities after being scouted.

As an architecture graduate you can continue to the second stage of architectural education (ARB / RIBA part 2). You can also start your career within an architectural or interior architecture practice or join a multidisciplinary design consultancy. You could also move into areas such as urban design, real estate and retail design.
View our Alumni profiles

Josip Pijević
Key staff

Giuseppina Giuffrida (FHEA MA Ba Dip, ARB)
Sole Practitioner based in Hertfordshire supplying residential and commercial architectural and interior architectural service for private clients.
Ian Wyn Owen (BA (hons), DipArch, RIBA, PhD)
Postwar Design Theory, Vernacular Architecture, Urban Design, Semiology, Mythology, Digital and Virtual Technologies.
Ilona Hay (FHEA, MArch, BEDS, BA, ARB, RIBA)
Design & Technology, Live Projects- tectonic/ community/ sustainability/pedagogy, Dissertation. ARB examiner and CSG.
Professor Ljubomir Jankovic (MSc, PhD, FIAP, CEng, MCIBSE, MASHRAE)
Zero carbon design and zero carbon retrofit of buildings.
Find out more about Professor Ljubomir Jankovic (MSc, PhD, FIAP, CEng, MCIBSE, MASHRAE)
Dr Luigi Pintacuda (PhD RIBA ARB FHEA)
Programme Leader. Architecture and Urban Design, Conceptual Architecture, Architecture and Art, Architectural Education, Connection between Academia, Public Authorities and PSRB).
Dr Silvio Carta (Ing. Arch., PhD, DE, FHEA, ARB, RIBA, FRSA)
Urban Design, Façade Design, advanced 3D modelling, urban informatics, big data, and public space.
Thomas Trail (ARB, RIBA, AFHEA)
Architecture, Arts and Conceptual design.

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Architecture	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Architecture	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2024

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
25/09/2024	31/05/2025	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
22/09/2025	31/05/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
25/09/2025	31/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
23/09/2025	31/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Interview

We’ll invite you to a face to face interview, where possible. You’ll have the opportunity to share and discuss your portfolio. If you’re applying internationally or are unable to visit us in person, we’ll arrange for the interview to happen online.
We’re looking for evidence of art and design projects. We want to see a range of creative work that includes sketching, drawing and your ability to problem-solve. We want to see making experience in a workshop. What have you built? We also welcome examples of graphic design, photography and computer-aided drawing or design work. This is a chance to show us what you can do. To talk about what inspires you. We’re looking for - potential, passion, ambition. We can’t wait to hear from you.
For Portfolio Advice: BA (Hons) Architecture & BA Hons Interior Architecture & Design - watch our video
Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

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Apply through Clearing

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BA (Hons) Architecture

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: K100

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Clearing entry requirements

Additional requirements

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Gain practical skills alongside theory

Do you want a Professional Accreditation?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

My week at a glance.

Student Blogs

What I love most about my course.

Student Blogs

Why I chose Herts.

Alumni Stories

Meet Josip. He was drawn to Herts because he wanted to grow his skillset, and was impressed by the University’s campus and location. He completed a postgraduate course at Herts too and is now looking to pursue further study.

From undergrad to postgrad

Downtime

Josip’s advice

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane 