Metadata
Title
ArchitectureBA
Category
undergraduate
UUID
2ede36725cf141539ac8f1610c501659
Source URL
https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2026/architecture-ba
Parent URL
https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2026
Crawl Time
2026-03-17T04:03:19+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown

ArchitectureBA

Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2026/architecture-ba Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/2026

2026-27 entry View 2027-28 entry

Architecture BA

School of Architecture and Landscape

Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), our Architecture BA provides you with a broad knowledge ranging across the sciences and humanities. Through lectures, studio-based design work and professional experience you'll explore how architecture improves the lives of those who inhabit and use it.

Send enquiry Apply for this course

Hide

Apply for this course Send enquiry Chat to a student

Explore this course:

Course description

Why study this course?

Study a fully accredited course

Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects as giving exemption from RIBA Part 1.

Become part of a top-ranking school

3rd in the UK for architecture in the Complete University Guide (by subject) 2026, 4th in the UK for Architecture, Guardian University Guide (by subject) 2026 and 3rd in the UK for Architecture in The Times UK University Rankings (by subject) 2026.

Make use of expert facilities

Study in collaborative, open-plan studios with panoramic views of Sheffield, and make use of on-site facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model-making.

This course is under review for 2026 entry. Please contact us for further information.

Our RIBA-recognised Architecture BA delivers a comprehensive foundation, bridging the sciences and humanities. Through dynamic lectures, intensive studio-based design, and real-world professional experience, you'll discover how architecture profoundly improves lives.

Shape the built world with an expert-led, hands-on degree that has full RIBA accreditation.

Immerse yourself in studio work to master essential architectural skills and practical experience, all while forging your unique design identity. Our expert team and close collaboration with practising architects ensure you apply taught knowledge to studio projects that demand creative and critical thinking.

Lectures inform and elevate your studio practice, drawing on expertise from the sciences and humanities. Working closely with coursemates will sharpen your collaborative and critical skills.

Under specialist guidance in your third year, you'll tackle a major design project. This is your chance to showcase your skills, addressing complex cultural, technological and conceptual ideas.

Our teaching team - comprising practising architects and professional academics - is dedicated to equipping you with the expertise needed to make a positive impact on the world.

Accreditation

Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), granting exemption from RIBA Part 1.

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Modules

We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry. Your first year modules are confirmed. For other years of study, the information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover, although there may be changes before you begin. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.

Title: Architecture BA course structure\ UCAS code: K100\ Years: 2026, 2027

First year

Second year

Third year

First year

Core modules:

Architectural Design and Communication 01 : This foundational first-year module serves as a crucial introduction to the interconnected disciplines of Architectural Design and Communication. Students will explore fundamental architectural principles, experimenting with concepts of space, form, function, and place. Simultaneously, they are immersed in the design process, learning iterative methodologies for problem-solving and creative exploration.\ \ Through group work students will begin to learn about the social context of design projects and the ways in which collaboration with user groups and communities might enhance the development of design proposals. The module embeds learning within critical contemporary issues, placing a strong emphasis on climate and social justice. Through socially engaged design projects, you will be required to consider the environmental impact and societal responsibilities inherent in design decisions.\ \

**40 credits**

Architectural Environment and Technology 01 : This foundational module introduces first year architecture students to the essential interplay between the built and natural environments. It establishes a critical understanding of how buildings respond to, are shaped by, and impact their surroundings. \ \ Students will explore core principles of environmental physics relevant to architecture, including heat transfer, solar gain, natural and artificial lighting, and basic acoustics, learning how these factors fundamentally influence design decisions and occupant comfort. The module introduces methods for climate analysis, orientation and site assessment, enabling students to understand the environmental context of architectural projects.\ \ Students will be engaged in discussions relating to Climate Justice, the Climate Emergency and the responsibility of the architect to understand the impact of design decisions on the embodied and operational carbon cost of a building project. Students will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of how architectural technology, materials, and sustainable discourses and processes relate to colonialism and empire\ \ Students will gain an introductory overview of common building materials and fundamental construction techniques, considering their inherent properties, structural behaviour, and environmental implications. \ \ Key concepts of sustainable design will be introduced, focusing on passive strategies, energy awareness, and the importance of resource efficiency. Simple building services related to heating, ventilation, and water will be discussed in principle. \ \ Through lectures, case studies, and a close connection with studio design work, this module provides the essential environmental and technical knowledge base required to inform responsible and responsive architectural design proposals developed in parallel studio modules and future studies.

**20 credits**

Architectural Humanities 01 : The course explores the reciprocal relationship between architecture, landscapes, the built environment and society, introducing a broad range of inhabitations and domestic settings across the world and across time. Through a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach lectures will examine how humans have approached their needs for shelter and inhabitation, and the relationship between domestic types and public life, both in the past and in the present. The relationship of buildings to landscapes across a range of scales is explored. The course seeks to establish that architecture and landscapes are socially contextualised through style, symbolic references, typologies, use, materiality, meaning, structure, layout, and form, and also through the framing of human activities and rituals. By adopting a global approach the course engages with broader questions of locality, exchange, and adaptability.\ \ The course examines how the field of architecture is positioned in relation to wider issues - in particular, climate breakdown. Neither architecture nor climate are simply technical phenomena: both are social, political, and cultural; both raise questions about resources, land, economics, labour, policy, infrastructure, and more. We will explore these entanglements starting from a series of building case studies, and moving outwards to explore the wider landscape, material and immaterial networks that constitute architecture and climate. You will begin to position yourself in relation to these and other networks, and reflect on how you might encounter them in your future. Lectures will relate the physical making of the modern world to political, social, and other constructions.

**20 credits**

Architectural Design and Communication 02 : Building directly upon the foundational principles and skills introduced in Semester 1, this second module challenges students to apply their learning to architectural design problems of increasing complexity and specificity. While continuing to explore core concepts of space, form, and function, the emphasis shifts towards integrating design thinking with detailed contextual analysis, including site conditions, precedent studies, and programmatic requirements. The iterative design methodologies learned previously will be employed with greater rigor, demanding more focused experimentation and critical evaluation of proposals.\ \ Students will further develop their collaborative skills, applying insights gained from initial group work to navigate more nuanced design scenarios that require careful consideration of social dynamics and community perspectives. Engagement with the themes of climate and social justice moves beyond identification towards the exploration of potential integration into design proposals.\ \ Communication skills are further refined, demanding greater precision and clarity in visual, verbal, and written formats. Students will enhance their proficiency in sketching, technical drawing, physical model-making, and digital representation, using these tools not just for individual exploration but also for constructing a design narrative. Expectations for presenting work and engaging in critical discourse during design reviews and peer discussions are elevated, fostering more sophisticated understanding of the subject. \ \ The strong studio culture remains vital, supporting students as they tackle more demanding tasks and synthesize technical skills, contextual understanding, and critical awareness, solidifying their foundation for the second year of the course.

**40 credits**

Second year

In your second year, you will continue to develop a knowledge and understanding of the representational conventions in architecture and landscape as well as the ability to use them appropriately. You’ll also gain an awareness and understanding of key histories, theories, philosophies and methodologies of architectural design.

Core modules:

Third year

In your final year, you will develop knowledge and ability to implement architectural technologies, environmental design and construction methods, and the way that these may be integrated in a design. You will also be able to develop both a design brief and a design proposal in response to that brief, with an awareness of the needs of the potential users.

Core modules:

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

Learning and assessment

Learning

We adopt the model of architectural education which focuses primarily around the design studio. This is supported by lectures, seminars, field trips and workshops.

We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.

Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over one million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

Learning support facilities and library opening hours

Our approach to architectural education is underpinned by our world-class research and our strong links to practice. In the design studio you will be guided by academic tutors and practicing architects who bring their expertise to your projects. Some run their own practices, others specialise in areas such as sustainable design, all bring the latest in architectural thinking to help guide your projects.

Assessment

We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry and are in the process of confirming the assessment methods. The information here gives you an idea of the types of assessment which may be included. There may be changes before you begin your studies.

You will be assessed through both group and individual coursework, which may include design portfolios, written reports or presentations. Feedback will be given via individual and group tutorials and studio based design reviews.

Entry requirements

With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

Standard offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ AAA

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : AAB + B in Core Maths

International Baccalaureate : 36

BTEC Extended Diploma : D*DD

BTEC Diploma : DD + A at A Level

T Level : Distinction in the Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction T Level, including grade A in the core component

Scottish Highers : AAAAA

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : A + AA

Access to HE Diploma : Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

Access Sheffield offer

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:\ AAB

A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification : AAB + B in Core Maths

International Baccalaureate : 34

BTEC Extended Diploma : DDD

BTEC Diploma : DD + A at A Level

T Level : Distinction in the Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction T Level, including grade A in the core component

Scottish Highers : AAAAB

Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels : B + AA

Access to HE Diploma : The award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

English language requirements | 

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Equivalent English language qualifications

Visa and immigration requirements

Other qualifications | UK and EU/international

Pathway programme for international students

If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.

Graduate careers

School of Architecture and Landscape

Our graduates often go into architectural practice for a year or two before doing a two-year MArch in Architecture - either at Sheffield or another school. They also pursue careers in the built environment or move on to a specialist masters course.

Employers include AHMM, ARUP, Building Design Partnership, Haworth Tompkins Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins\Brown, and Penoyre & Prasad.

Graduates of our degree courses are well prepared for a career in roles such as: built environment consultant, government and local authority advisor, creative and strategic policy maker, architectural critic and journalist, arts and heritage manager and design and illustration.

[The collaborative culture at Sheffield has helped me connect with industry

Lily Kuik

Architecture Intern, Arup Singapore, \ Architecture BA](https://sheffield.ac.uk/architecture-landscape/undergraduate/profiles/lily-kuik)

School of Architecture and Landscape

3rd in the UK for architecture

Complete University Guide (by subject) 2026

2nd in the UK for architecture

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (by subject) 2025

4th in the UK for architecture

Guardian University Guide (by subject) 2026

Come to Sheffield and join some of the best architecture students in the UK - our students have won prizes at the RIBA Student Awards and the Royal Academy Summer Show. They've been shortlisted in the European Architecture Medals and the Inspiring Graduate Awards. Our staff are doing world-class research, helping to make the school a leader in our field across the UK and internationally.

We believe in architecture that makes a difference. We know that it has the potential to improve the lives of those who inhabit and use it.

Through our internationally acclaimed teaching and research, we explore the social, spatial and environmental implications of architecture. As a Sheffield student, you will engage with real issues affecting the built environment and specifically the challenges of the Climate Emergency and zero carbon design.

We encourage you to explore ideas and collaborate with other students. Through group tutorials and peer review you'll learn how to express your opinions, and value the opinions of others. Sheffield is the perfect place to develop your personality as a designer.

We provide a balance of theory, design work and professional experience delivered within the context of a strong studio culture. The studio acts as a laboratory for trialling your creative and critical ideas, and for developing fundamental architectural skills. You'll share ideas during group tutorials, collaborate and review other students' work. This encourages you to express your own opinion and to value the opinions of others, as you begin to develop your personality as a designer.

The School of Architecture and Landscape sits high up in the Arts Tower, offering unrivalled panoramic views across Sheffield and beyond. This is where you will spend the majority of your time in the design studio.

You'll also attend lectures across the campus and take advantage of our drawing studios and facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.

Facilities

Our generous open-plan studios promote collaboration and you will be able to take advantage of our facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.

You'll also have access to the latest digital techniques in our computer labs. Workshops and tutorials are embedded into each course to ensure you have the skills you need.

School of Architecture and Landscape

University rankings

A world top-100 university\ QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd)

Number one in the Russell Group (based on aggregate responses)\ National Student Survey 2025

92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent\ Research Excellence Framework 2021

University of the Year for Student Experience\ The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Number one Students' Union in the UK\ Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

Number one for Students' Union\ StudentCrowd 2025 University Awards

20th in the UK targeted by the largest number of Top 100 Employers in 2025-26\ High Fliers 2026

Student profiles

[I love Sheffield's creative approach to architecture

Holly Barber

Undergraduate student, \ Architecture BA](https://sheffield.ac.uk/architecture-landscape/undergraduate/profiles/holly-barber)

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees

Fee status help

Additional costs

The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

Examples of what’s included and excluded

Funding your study

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

£2,500 per year scholarships for international students

We're offering automatic scholarships worth up to £10,000 to overseas fee-paying students starting their studies in September 2026 - no additional application required.

Our selection process

After you've applied, we'll ask you to submit a portfolio of your own artwork. We'll be looking for observation skills, criticality, invention and representation. The portfolio should consist of ten reproductions of art or design work. You'll receive full details of the requirements, format, submission and assessment criteria after we've received your application.

Generally we don't ask candidates to attend an interview. However, if you're a mature student or if you don't have conventional academic qualifications, we may invite you to an interview.

Visit

University open days

We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

Open days: book your place

Online events

Join our weekly Sheffield Live online sessions to find out more about different aspects of University life.

Sheffield Live online events

Subject tasters

If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

Upcoming taster sessions

Offer holder days

If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

Campus tours

Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

Campus tour: book your place

Apply

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com

Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

Contact us

Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

Contacts for prospective students

School of Architecture and Landscape

The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

Our student protection plan

Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

2026-2027

Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:\ www.ucas.com

Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), our Architecture BA provides you with a broad knowledge ranging across the sciences and humanities. Through lectures, studio-based design work and professional experience you'll explore how architecture improves the lives of those who inhabit and use it.

No No No No Course description Modules Learning and assessment Entry requirements Graduate careers Department University rankings Student profiles Fees and funding Placements and study abroad Extra info box