ObjectivesA number of notable 20th century architects argue that architecture exists at a meeting place between the material world and human life. Architecture education consists of five years of full-time study divided between two degrees. . This three-year BA (Hons) in Architecture prepares you for the two-year BArch degree. These awards carry exemption from the ARB and the RIBA Part 1 and Part 2 examinations respectively. The programme provides you with the initial training leading to professional qualification and is taught in three major divisions: Humanities, Technologies and Design Studio. In Humanities you learn about the human condition partly in its own right and mostly in its architectural manifestation through the teaching of sociology, psychology, philosophy and history of the built environment, extending from the landscape through building to product design. In Technologies you learn about the processes and techniques of building through the study of materials, building structures and constructions, environmental engineering design including issues of green building and sustainability. Sometimes these are lecture based courses, at other times they are delivered through seminars or workshops and wherever possible they are integrated with studio design projects.
Entry requirementsSelected entry requirements English language: Students whose first language or language of instruction is not English may be asked to provide evidence of fluency in English by achieving scores in English language tests as follows: IELTS 6.5, or TOEFL 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based), or equivalent qualifications. A level: Grades AAB. Grades may be attached to specific subjects depending on profile. Mixture of science/maths and humanities/arts subjects preferred. It is not necessary to offer art, although many of our candidates do. Please contact us for further information. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer. Two AS-levels may be accepted in place of one A-level. Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications. Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes. GCSE: Mathematics and English Language at minimum of grade C. Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University. International baccalaureate: Award of the Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall. Additional entry requirements Additional entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Academic titleBA Architecture
Course descriptionSpecial features Architecture education in Manchester has a long and noble history in the separate institutions going back into the nineteenth century. Norman Foster - now Lord Foster - is probably Manchester's best-known alumnus.
Exemption from Part 1 of ARB and RIBA professional qualifications upon successful completion of BA(Hons) Architecture.
As a member of the Manchester School of Architecture you are a student of both the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University and you become a graduate of both institutions.
Study abroad options include exchanges with schools in Poland, Finland, France and Italy, the USA and Australia.
Studio design within the school is flavoured by research interests that are grouped around MARC (University of Manchester Architectural Research Centre) and further organised under four Colleges: Materiality; Bioclimatics; Continuity in Architecture; Landscape and Urbanism.
Accrediting organisations
The BA programme follows the ARB and RIBA criteria for Prescription and Validation respectively, providing for exemption from their Part I professional qualification upon successful completion of the programme.
Associated organisations
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects); ARB (Architects' Registration Board).
Career opportunities
On graduation from the BA you will normally undertake a year of professional experience in an Architectural office under the direction of the School. This first experience of practice prepares you for your final two years of full-time architectural education in BArch. Alternatively, opportunities exist for BA(hons) graduates to undertake research for higher degrees. Each year a small but significant few go on into other fields such as advertising, banking, art history or web design. After the BArch all our graduates who want a job in practice obtain one while some will move into other fields including Masters Degrees or PhDs.
Course fees: Tuition fees for Home/EU students commencing their studies in 2009 will be approximately £3250 per year. These fees will be subject to change in the light of government announcements to all universities.