Architecture BA
2024-25 entryRecognised 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.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code K100
- 3 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- View 2025-26 entry
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects as giving exemption from RIBA Part 1.
Top 5 in the UK according to the Complete University Guide 2023, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, and The Guardian University Guide 2023.
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.
![Arts Tower Drawing studio](http://cdn.sheffield.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_single_column_1x/public/2019-05/Copy%20of%2018%20stuidio%201_0.jpg?h=03b2ae4d&itok=v8hf9and)
Shape the world around you with an expert-led, hands-on architecture degree, with full RIBA accreditation.
Immerse yourself in studio work to develop fundamental architectural skills and practical experience, whilst establishing your own design personality.
With our expert teaching team and close collaboration with practising architects, you'll apply both taught and practical knowledge to studio design projects that challenge you to think creatively and critically.
Lectures will support and inform your studio work, drawing from expertise across sciences and humanities, whilst working closely with and alongside your coursemates will sharpen your collaborative skills and critical eye.
Under the guidance of specialists from across the field, in your third year, you'll undertake a major design project that will give you the opportunity to showcase your skills to address a range of cultural, technological, conceptual and representational ideas.
Our teaching teams include practising architects and professional academics from a range of architectural backgrounds, committed to providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the world.
Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects as giving exemption from RIBA Part 1.
Prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) subject to periodic review by ARB, for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects.
![Student working in architectural practice](http://cdn.sheffield.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_single_column_1x/public/2019-05/George%20Fisher.jpg?h=91e47419&itok=jzmyIZDt)
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: K100
Years: 2023, 2024, 2025
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 1
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: introduce the perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design.
30 credits - Architectural Design 2
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: widen perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design
30 credits - Communication 1
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This module introduces students to the main communication skills used in architecture, including spoken presentation, listening, various graphical techniques, model-making and information technology.
10 credits - Communication 2
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This module introduces students to the main communication skills used in architecture, including spoken presentation, primary research, various graphical techniques and information technology.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 1
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. This module presents principles of planet and place including:
10 credits
- climate literacy and climate justice, building in the era of the climate emergency
- principles of regenerative design and ecology
- historical overview of solar architecture - Environment and Technology 2
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC108) and the preceding module (ARC107) are paired thematically and present principles of planet and place, including in this module:
- designing with site and context
- designing with climate and microclimate
- designing with passive solar principles
- designing with air and water
- designing with materials and layers - Humanities 1
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ARC103 explores the reciprocal relationship between architecture, 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 course seeks to establish that architecture is 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 architecture's adaptability.
10 credits - Humanities 2
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ARC104 examines how the field of architecture is positioned in relation to its wider contexts - 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 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.
10 credits
The module will introduce histories and theories of architecture yet emphasise an interdisciplinary approach that mobilises knowledge and methods from across the humanities. It aims to contribute to your development as a critical thinker and researcher and help you both define your own personal agendas and tools and evolve informed and rigorous arguments in both words and images.
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 3
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the experience of the first year design studio. The scale of projects addressed increases from those encountered in the first year, with more complex briefs. Consideration is given to the issues of sustainability, the relation of buildings to their urban context and the design of outside spaces. The technical aspects of the work aim to further develop an understanding of building structure, construction, materials and services in relation to the overall design concept.
30 credits - Architectural Design 4
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ARC226 follows on directly from ARC225. Together they form an integrated sequence of projects for the second year design studio course. ARC226 continues the practical architectural design work of ARC225, but concentrates on the design of a medium-sized public building, including the integration of technical and environmental elements.
30 credits - Communication 4
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ARC202 is a module which introduces analytical and formal architectural drawing, drawing literacy skills and architectural representation at Year 2 level. It aims to consolidate and expand upon the culture of representation introduced in Year 1, to develop technical drawing skills and to broaden knowledge of and ability in graphic presentation. It includes measured and architectural drawing, portfolio presentation and graphical techniques. It is comprised of lectures, workshops and tutorials aimed at groups and individual students.
10 credits - Computer Aided Architectural Design
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An introduction to Computer Aided Architectural Design, including the basic CAD concepts of modelling, drafting, analysis and visualisation/presentation. The module aims to give students familiarity with a range of modelling, rendering and image processing software and also build a critical attitude towards them.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 3
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC207) and the following module (ARC208) are paired thematically and present principles of building and resources, including in this module:
- principles of building structures and foundations, materials for structure
- embodied energy (embodied carbon) in structures, structural design using low-carbon, low-environmental-impact, recycled and renewable materials
- barrier free design (accessibility) and design for fire safety - Environment and Technology 4
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC208) and the preceding module (ARC207) are paired thematically and present principles of building and resources, including in this module:
- principles of building envelope design, building materials, exterior and interior finishes
- embodied energy (embodied carbon) in envelope design and building finishes, options for low-carbon, low-environmental-impact, recycled and renewable materials - Humanities 3
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This module consolidates the production of architecture through buildings and designs with the production of disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, with a particular overall focus on the contemporary condition.
10 credits - Humanities 4
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This module covers a wide-ranging cultural and political history of architecture and its relationship between changing states of society, the development of urban culture and institutions, and the growth of knowledge and ideas. The module pivots between scientific knowledge and artistic and cultural development, and is intended to help students from both scientific, social sciences and arts and humanities backgrounds to begin to make connections and understand the broader context within which architecture is set.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Architectural Design 5
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
30 credits - Architectural Design 6
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
30 credits - Special Study
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An in-depth study of one of the following subject areas: architectural theory, architectural history, science and technology, structures, management, CAD, landscape architecture, town planning. The special study is an individual piece of work, allowing students to explore a particular aspect of architecture in some depth. Precise topics will be discussed and agreed with the relevant tutor. In the majority of cases the work takes the form of a dissertation, but it may take other approved forms depending on the nature of the specialist work being undertaken.
20 credits - Environment and Technology 5
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC327) and the following module (ARC308) are paired thematically and present principles of people and comfort, including in this module:
- human comfort, human experience and architectural spatial qualities regarding lighting, daylighting and thermal perception
- an understanding of passive heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings considering operational energy (operational carbon)
Note that ARC327 is accompanied by sister-modules ARC307 (for LSC students) and ARC377 (for CIV students), which share content and assessment at the point of delivery. ARC308 is similarly accompanied by the sister-module ARC378 (for CIV students). - Environment and Technology 6
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module (ARC308) and the preceding module (ARC327) are paired thematically and present principles of people and comfort, including in this module:
- building services, passive and active building systems
- integrated design of structure and services with building envelope
- fire safety
- acoustic comfort
- embodied energy and retrofit
This module is also the culmination of the series of undergraduate modules in Environment and Technology and presents principles of how the various considerations are brought together within a holistic environmental and technical strategy. - Humanities 5
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ARC 303 is the final module in a sequence of humanities courses over the three years of the architecture degree. ARC 303 specifically focuses on urban history and theory and integrates architecture and related issues with a wider urban context. ARC 303 presents key factors and principles of urban development, historical and contemporary urban design and planning theories and exemplifies these through a series of urban case studies.
10 credits - Management Practice Law
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The module aims to explore and develop a greater understanding of practice in relation to the legal, economic and contractual scenarios. In particular there will be a focus on understanding the political and social and financial factors that affect the practice of architecture.
10 credits
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'll consult and inform students in good time 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.
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
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.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
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 in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AAAAB + A
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- A + AA
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit
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Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio is also required
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GCSE Maths grade 4/C
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We will consider your application if you have completed the UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design in combination with an A Level in an acceptable subject
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We will consider your application if you taken two Art & Design A Levels if these have been taken in combination with an acceptable subject
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Native language A Levels are not accepted
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Relevant BTEC subjects include Engineering, Applied Science, Art and Design, Business or IT
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 in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AAABB + B
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
-
Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio is also required
-
GCSE Maths grade 4/C
-
We will consider your application if you have completed the UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design in combination with an A Level in an acceptable subject
-
We will consider your application if you taken two Art & Design A Levels if these have been taken in combination with an acceptable subject
-
Native language A Levels are not accepted
-
Relevant BTEC subjects include Engineering, Applied Science, Art and Design, Business or IT
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
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
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.
School of Architecture and Landscape
Complete University Guide 2025
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
![UG students working in studio](http://cdn.sheffield.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_single_column_1x/public/2019-05/Copy%20of%2018%20studio%203.jpg?h=03b2ae4d&itok=ns7LCHmO)
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 have access to the latest digital techniques in our computer labs, which host a suite of professional Building Information Modelling and Computer Aided Design software. You can also take advantage of our digital review facilities and will have access to 360 degree capture technology.
Workshops and tutorials are embedded into each course to ensure you have the skills you need.
School of Architecture and LandscapeUniversity rankings
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
Fees and funding
Fees
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apply
Contact us
- Telephone
- +44 114 222 0349
- architecture-landscape@sheffield.ac.uk
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.