Architecture BA
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.
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A Levels
AAA -
UCAS code
K100 -
Duration
3 years -
Start date
September
- Accredited
- Course fee
- Funding available
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects as giving exemption from RIBA Part 1.
3rd in the UK for architecture in the Complete University Guide (by subject) 2026 and 2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (by subject) 2025.
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.

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.

Modules
UCAS code: K100
Years: 2026
Core modules:
- Architectural Design and Communication 01
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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.
40 credits
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.
Central to this learning journey is the cultivation of a strong studio culture - a vibrant, collaborative environment encouraging peer learning, critical dialogue, and the development of a socially conscious design ethos. This module provides the essential building blocks for a thoughtful and technically proficient design practice.
A significant emphasis is placed on developing essential communication skills vital for any designer or architect. This includes mastering core techniques for visual representation, such as sketching, technical drawing, physical model-making, and introductory digital tools in addition to the core methodologies of design experimentation and testing.
The module cultivates effective verbal and written as well as drawn and modelled communication, enabling students to articulate design intentions, present work clearly, and engage constructively in design review presentations and peer group discussions. Through design tutorials and reviews, workshops and studio projects, students learn to synthesise architectural ideas, design thinking, and clear communication, building a solid base for subsequent years of study. - Architectural Environment and Technology 01
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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.
20 credits
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. - Architectural Humanities 01
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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.
20 credits
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. - Architectural Design and Communication 02
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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.
40 credits
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.
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.
Example core modules:
- Architectural Design and Communication 03
- Architectural Environment and Technology 02
- Architectural Humanities 02
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.
Example core modules:
- Integrated Architectural Design and Practice 01
- Architectural Environment and Technology 03
- Architectural Special Study
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.
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.
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
- 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
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GCSE Maths grade 4/C
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We will consider two Art and Design A Levels alongside at least one non-Art and Design related A Level or equivalent qualification
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We will consider your application if you have completed the UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design in combination with a non-Art and Design related A Level
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Relevant BTEC subjects include Engineering, Applied Science, Art and Design, Business or IT
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Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio is also required
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
- 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
-
GCSE Maths grade 4/C
-
We will consider two Art and Design A Levels alongside at least one non-Art and Design related A Level or equivalent qualification
-
We will consider your application if you have completed the UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design in combination with a non-Art and Design related A Level
-
Relevant BTEC subjects include Engineering, Applied Science, Art and Design, Business or IT
-
Evidence of artistic ability in the form of a portfolio is also required
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 school/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 (by subject) 2026
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide (by subject) 2025

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.
University rankings
( A world top-100 university
QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (98th)
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 and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2024, 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
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.