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Manchester School of Architecture is an innovative collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The foundation course provides you with an ideal transition between School and University if you wish to study architecture but do not hold the formal entry requirements to enter an honours programme directly. The foundation course will provide an accessible transition to University-level study, help you develop design portfolios and provide insight into architecture as a career path.
You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practitioners and lecturers who provide you with a supportive environment to develop the fundamental skills needed to embark on a career in the field. The foundation programme will prepare you for undergraduate study in...
4 years (full-time)
Manchester School of Architecture is an innovative collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The Foundation course provides you with an ideal transition between School and University or as part of a career change if you wish to study architecture but do not hold the formal entry requirements to enter an honours programme directly. The Foundation course will provide an accessible transition to University-level study, help you develop design portfolios and provide insight into architecture as a career path.
You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practitioners and lecturers who provide you with a supportive environment to develop the fundamental skills needed to embark on a career in the field. The foundation programme will prepare you for undergraduate study in architecture at Manchester School of Architecture. We will help you develop your personal and academic skills, expose you to various communication and presentation techniques, show you how to understand and analyse project briefs and conceptualise design solutions, as well as giving you an insight into the practice of architecture. The programme culminates in an architectural design studio project providing excellent preparation for learning at degree level.You will be fully immersed into life at Manchester School of Architecture; working with fellow students when the opportunities arise and culminating your studies with a design studio project which relates to those undertaken by current students.
What's more, you'll be inspired by the world-famous city of Manchester - the industrial revolution birthplace turned 21st century metropolis - and its vibrant, contemporary and innovative architecture scene.
Manchester is a showcase for recent regeneration and historic context, much of which has been designed with the involvement of our current students and graduates.
The city recognises the value of high-quality design, together with innovative and pragmatic approaches to resolving practical issues.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,250 per year for the foundation year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £31,500 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study). The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Compulsory estimate: £80
Optional estimate: £500
An £80 Materials Fee is a compulsory cost to cover basic studio materials and paper throughout the year. This Materials fee will give tutors freedom to purchase resources for class (such as card for models, paper for drawings etc).
There are costs associated with producing a portfolio such as printing and a portfolio case, as well as materials for models and specialist clothing for site visits. Some students may also wish to have their own laptop and books. However, it is possible to work on university machines and to hire cameras, thus alleviating the costs incurred on some of these items. Estimated costs are approximately £300-£500 for a PC laptop and up to £100 for books and printing. The vast majority of relevant software is free to download by student licences. Campus printing starts from 5p per page.
The manner in which items are acquired can result in significant savings, e.g. the re-use and recycling of available materials in the production of models. All materials, printing (2D, 3D), laser cutting etc. are charged at a cost within the institution although many materials are recycled to avoid unnecessary costs.
Compulsory estimate: £100
Optional estimate: £500
Study trips are likely to be UK based. A UK trip may cost between £100-200 including travel, food and accommodation. The anticipated cost of a European study trip is in the area of £400-500 inclusive of travel, accommodation and subsistence (plus any relevant visa costs). All overnight / residential trips will not be compulsory and an alternative will be offered.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersGraduates of the programme will be well-equipped to continue their architectural studies at degree level. BA Architecture graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity, and go on to successful career in areas including:
Top employers of our BA Architecture graduates include Aedas, AR, Atkins, BDP, BroadwayMalyan, Foster + Partners, Hawkins\Brown, and Sheppard Robson.
Qualifying as an architect normally requires a combination of five years of study at university and a minimum of two years of practical experience before completing a final examination.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)
K101
Institution code: M20 (University of Mancheseter)
As well as having the required grades, you must have attended a UK state school/college and meet at least one of the following personal background criteria:
As well as having the required grades, you must have attended a UK state school/college and meet at least one of the following personal background criteria:
The course is open to UK applicants only.
We welcome applicants with alternative qualifications or experience - please contact us to discuss your situation.
How your application is considered
After an initial assessment of your UCAS application form, you will be emailed a brief on how to create a digital portfolio and the required elements. There are two parts to submit. However, here you can find some advice to make sure you feel prepared in making this.
Task 1: Visual Portfolio
Using your own artworks, tell us what is interesting and distinctive about your home and neighbourhood.
Through this visual portfolio you can share with us the characteristics of the place in which you live.
You might represent your neighbourhood through images of buildings, streets, parks and people.
We want to understand how you see the place.
We would like to see up to nine individual artworks. Everything you include must have been created by you.
You are free to use any kind of materials and style you choose. We want you to be as creative as possible to show us variety. This could include:
Task 2: Written Statement
You will be notified of the deadline to submit the portfolio of images and the statement once your initial UCAS application has been considered.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.