Funding
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money Matters
BA Architecture is an innovative collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester.
The course, which is appraised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA), allows you to take the first step to becoming an architect.
You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practice and research-active lecturers, who provide a rich and stimulating environment in which to study architecture.
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 wit...
3 years full-time
We combine traditional lecture-based teaching with workshop and design studio sessions.
Project-based learning is the basis of architecture education, and the studio is where this learning takes place. From the very start you will be involved in a variety of projects.
Skills in computing and visual studies will be developed through workshops related to studio projects.
The course has strong links with architectural practices across the North West and involves architectural practitioners in teaching.
You will start with a series of small projects where you will accumulate knowledge about the body in space and the design of small enclosures for specific activities. These studio-based projects are supported by a skills programme where the essentials of drawing, modelling and software based representation are taught. History and theory is taught through lectures and seminars, and you will write reports and essays based on desktop studies and building visits. Technology learning involves the production of case studies and models to demonstrate an awareness of the materials and detailing of buildings.
This unit establishes the principles and skills in research, analysis, argument and representation that support an understanding of architectural design.
This unit applies the developing knowledge and skill base to projects that begin to promote the integration of sensual, functional and technological considerations in architectural design in a contemporary cultural setting.
This unit introduces students to the historical, social and cultural contexts for architectural design and develops skills in research, analysis academic writing and visual representation.
This unit introduces students to the technological contexts for architectural design and develops skills in research, analysis technical design and visual representation.
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.
Many graduates study our Master of Architecture (MArch) course, which is recognised as a Part 2 qualification by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The BA (Hons) Architecture is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is currently revising its requirements for registration, and is removing from its requirements the award of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. The intention of the ARB is that its prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on 31st Dec 2027. Students entering the BA (Hons) Architecture course in Sept 2024 who take an additional year to complete the course will graduate in June 2028. Students will therefore graduate after the proposed end date for ARB prescription at Part 1 and their degree will therefore not be a prescribed ARB award. This will not impact any student’s ability to complete qualification as a UK registered architect, as the ARB will continue to accredit academic awards at master’s level only. The BA (Hons) Architecture is currently, and will continue to be, subject to validation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.
You will build upon your design knowledge through a series of interrelated projects that develop the context for architecture as a social and cultural act as well as one that is concerned with technology. History and theory courses can be chosen as you begin to define your own path as an architect. In technology, a specific focus on the ecological and environmental aspects of the profession forms a significant part of the course.
This unit consolidates design capability and introduces public and social programmes with associated issues of sustainability, inclusivity and greater complexity in building programme placing greater emphasis on relational abilities.
Humanities 2 places the focus on the wider physical, social and economic contexts for architecture and the professional practice of architecture. The course is delivered variously through lectures, seminars and workshops exploring analytical and descriptive frameworks.
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.
Many graduates study our Master of Architecture (MArch) course, which is recognised as a Part 2 qualification by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The BA (Hons) Architecture is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is currently revising its requirements for registration, and is removing from its requirements the award of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. The intention of the ARB is that its prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on 31st Dec 2027. Students entering the BA (Hons) Architecture course in Sept 2024 who take an additional year to complete the course will graduate in June 2028. Students will therefore graduate after the proposed end date for ARB prescription at Part 1 and their degree will therefore not be a prescribed ARB award. This will not impact any student’s ability to complete qualification as a UK registered architect, as the ARB will continue to accredit academic awards at master’s level only. The BA (Hons) Architecture is currently, and will continue to be, subject to validation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.
You will be guided to direct your own learning and, in an atelier-based system, define your own projects which are underpinned by the application of history and theory into your design studio activities. You will have a choice of history and theory courses and can select technology case studies from a given set. You will have more autonomy in Year 3 and therefore have more authority over your own work, which will give you confidence and assuredness as you prepare for the professional environment.
This unit develops knowledge and understanding of the historical, cultural and professional contexts for architectural design and extends skills in research,analysis, academic writing and visual representation.
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.
Many graduates study our Master of Architecture (MArch) course, which is recognised as a Part 2 qualification by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
The BA (Hons) Architecture is currently prescribed by the ARB (Architects Registration Board) at Part 1 level for purposes of registration as an Architect in the UK. The ARB is currently revising its requirements for registration, and is removing from its requirements the award of an undergraduate qualification in architecture. The intention of the ARB is that its prescription of Part 1 qualifications will cease on 31st Dec 2027. Students entering the BA (Hons) Architecture course in Sept 2024 who take an additional year to complete the course will graduate in June 2028. Students will therefore graduate after the proposed end date for ARB prescription at Part 1 and their degree will therefore not be a prescribed ARB award. This will not impact any student’s ability to complete qualification as a UK registered architect, as the ARB will continue to accredit academic awards at master’s level only. The BA (Hons) Architecture is currently, and will continue to be, subject to validation by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) at Part 1. The RIBA will continue to validate architecture qualifications at Parts 1, 2 and 3 – these are terms developed by the RIBA and its three-part validation pathway forms the typical route to RIBA Chartered Membership.
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.
GCE A-levels - grades AAA or equivalent
A mixture of science/maths and humanities/arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.
Art or Fine Art A-levels are particularly welcomed; however please note applicants with three arts-based subjects (for example Art, Graphics and 3D Design, or Art, Photography and Design and Technology) will not be considered.
General Studies is not considered.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in either Construction or Engineering – grades DDD
Pearson BTEC National Diploma in either Construction or Engineering – grades DD, in combination with A-level grade A
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in either Construction or Engineering – grade D, in combination with A-levels grades AA
Please note, BTEC Art and Design will not be considered either on its own or in combination with A-levels
Access to Higher Education Diploma in either Humanities subject areas or Construction or Engineering - Overall 60 credits are required with 45 at Level 3 awarded at Distinction level
T level - We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or grade 4. Equivalent qualifications may be considered
Applicants will have to demonstrate their creative and visual awareness by the submission of a digital portfolio and a written statement (via a blog) on request. We also consider other factors, such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.
For further details on the digital portfolio and written statement requirements please see the MSA website.
GCE A-levels - grades AAA or equivalent
A mixture of science/maths and humanities/arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.
Art or Fine Art A-levels are particularly welcomed; however please note applicants with three arts-based subjects (for example Art, Graphics and 3D Design, or Art, Photography and Design and Technology) will not be considered.
General Studies is not considered.
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in either Construction or Engineering – grades DDD
Pearson BTEC National Diploma in either Construction or Engineering – grades DD, in combination with A-level grade A
Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in either Construction or Engineering – grade D, in combination with A-levels grades AA
Please note, BTEC Art and Design will not be considered either on its own or in combination with A-levels
Access to Higher Education Diploma in either Humanities subject areas or Construction or Engineering - Overall 60 credits are required with 45 at Level 3 awarded at Distinction level
T level - We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme
We will ask for a portfolio of your work as part of your application.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
Applicants will have to demonstrate their creative and visual awareness by the submission of a digital portfolio and a written statement (via a blog) on request. We also consider other factors, such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.
For further details on the digital portfolio and written statement requirements please see the MSA website.
Full-time fee: £9,250 per 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.
Full-time fee: £30,000 per year. 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: £2,400
Optional estimate: £1,400
Included in this section are course materials, software, digital SLR camera, laptop, model making expenses, printing 3D printing. None of these modes of production are compulsory, and the manner in which items are acquired can result in significant savings, eg the re-use and recycling of available materials in the production of models. There is some requirement to print, but most submissions are digital. All materials, printing (2D, 3D), laser cutting etc. are charged at cost within the institution. The one off acquisition of a camera and laptop for the duration of the course is spread evenly across the three years. It is possible to work on university machines and to hire cameras, thus alleviating the costs incurred on some of these items.
Compulsory estimate: £600
Optional estimate: £1,500
Each BA year has a 5 day optional study trip abroad. An equivalent trip to a city in the UK is designed for those unable to travel for any reason. One might expect the UK trip to attract between £100-200 of expenditure on travel, food and accommodation. The anticipated annual cost of a foreign study trip is in the area of £400-500 inclusive of travel, accommodation and subsistence. The figures shown here highlight the upper end of expenditure on each of these options and should viewed as separate sums and not conflated to a greater total.
Compulsory estimate: £600
Students may wish to acquire good outdoor clothing, boots and other forms of protective equipment. Measuring devices, such as large tapes etc. could also be a useful part of an architecture students toolkit.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersBA Architecture graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity, and benefit from our strong links with national and international architectural practices.
They have gone on to successful careers in areas including:
Top employers of our BA Architecture graduates include Aedas, AR, Atkins, BDP, BroadwayMalyan, Foster + Partners, Hawkins\Brown, and Sheppard Robson.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)K100
Institution code: M40
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.