Course overview
Our accredited Architecture BA Honours degree is your first step towards qualification as a professional architect, and you’ll leave with your own design style and distinctive way of working.
You’ll study topics that explore the cultural, historical and technological context of architectural design, and help you understand the implications of your design decisions. Our city will provide the ultimate case study for you, with an architectural legacy that few UK cities can rival.
Projects increase in complexity through the programme, gradually stretching your architectural thinking, skills and knowledge.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions Â
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- 10th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Architecture category)
- 9th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Town and Country Planning, Landscape category)
- 20th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Architecture category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 90 for Arts and Humanities – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 11th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (Architecture category)
- 9th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 (Town and Country Planning and Landscape category)
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
Our Architecture BA Honours degree is your first step towards qualifying as an architect. This design-based degree is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and provides exemption from the RIBA Part I examination. Successful completion of the degree also provides a pathway into future study on an RIBA Part 2 exempt and Architects Registration Board (ARB) accredited Master’s programme.
The Architects Registration Board is currently developing a new structure for architecture education. To find out more and view the timeline for changes, please see Tomorrow’s Architects: ARB consultation on education and training reforms.
At Newcastle, we offer all the qualifications to qualify as an architect, so you will not need to change universities or move away to complete your architectural education.
See The Route to becoming a Registered Architect in the Additional Information section below.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.Â
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design 1 | 60 |
| Architectural Technology 1.1: Explorations in Making Architecture | 10 |
| Architectural Technology 1.2: Principles of Constructing Architecture | 10 |
| Introduction to Architecture | 20 |
| Architectural Representation 1 | 10 |
| Architectural Representation 2 | 10 |
You’ll also develop a Dissertation Proposal at Stage 2. On this module you’ll explore topics, subjects and objects in student-selected seminar classes. These classes are known as Dissertation Electives.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design 2 | 60 |
| Architectural Technology 2: Construction in Detail | 10 |
| Construction, Energy, Professional Practice | 20 |
| Cities, Cultures, Space | 20 |
| Dissertation Studies | 10 |
You select from a wide range of year-long research-led design studios, each of which hosts a variety of tailored activities, including a residential field trip.
Studios start with group work. Here we’ll examine the broader intersectional context of the project that sets the themes and establishes the agenda for your longer graduation project.
In Semester 1, you’ll research and write your Dissertation, alongside the group work phase of studio. As part of your dissertation you’ll carry out either creative practice inquiry or sustained, long-form writing to examine your topic.
In Semester 2, your graduation project is developed. The Architectural Design module draws Architectural Technology teaching and learning into the studio.
This will enable you to form an architectural response to the concerns of: ethical practice intersectionality material heritage legacy and reuse the environment and climate change
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design 3 | 60 |
| Architectural Technology 3: Integrated Construction and Practice | 20 |
| Dissertation in Architectural Studies | 40 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Teaching is largely through studio design projects supported by lectures and personal research. A typical week will involve working in the studio, either in groups developing design projects or working independently.
Methods include:
- tutorials and support
- traditional lectures and seminars
- site visits and library-based research
You’ll be inspired by esteemed academics who deliver modules and studio-based teaching, as well as innovative architects, consultants and researchers.
Skills and experience
Practical skills
You’ll work on design projects that involve manual and computer-aided drawing and model making. You’ll learn from a breadth of arts, design and technical practitioners to develop design ideas through a range of media and methods.
Annual design charrettes bring together students across stages and programmes to experiment with hands-on approaches to current issues in architecture and the city.
Thinking through Making week in Stage 3 supports you to experiment with materials and test out construction prototypes that address urgent ecological and environmental concerns.
Field trips
You’ll also have the opportunity to take advantage of field trips to explore architecture in different places and cultural contexts.
Research skills
This course will develop your library-based research skills.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As an architecture student at Newcastle, you’ll join one of the largest and most dynamic Schools of its kind in Europe.
As one of the few academic schools in the UK to focus exclusively on the built environment and rated 4th for research power and intensity in the last Research Excellence Framework (REF), you’ll benefit from our expertise spanning the history, theory and practice of architecture, planning, urban design, and landscape architecture.
Develop professional skills in fantastic facilities with:
- design studios with CAD facilities and drawing boards
- our fully staffed model-making workshop equipped with a range of cutting-edge machinery including powerful laser cutters, CNC routers, Z Corp and MakerBot 3D printers
- an in-house self-service printing facility ‘Archiprint’ with 5 professional large-format colour printers and scanners specifically set up for your needs
Support
Parenting scheme
This scheme aims to help you adapt to student life and get the most out of your time here by putting you in contact with current undergraduate students who can share their knowledge and experiences.
Dedicated Student Recruitment and Wellbeing Manager
This key staff member offers support if you are experiencing particular issues that are affecting your performance whilst at University.
You can discuss confidential problems with them and receive relevant support and advice. They will also offer guidance about other University services that may be of benefit.
Your future
Join a network of successful graduates
The BA in Architecture is the first step towards qualification as a professional architect. The vast majority of our graduates choose to follow their degree with a year’s employment as an architectural assistant in an architect’s practice.
Newcastle graduates have an envious position in the job market and are well received by architectural practices.
Develop a strong set of skills for your future
Architectural education at Newcastle places a strong emphasis on developing your ability to visualise concepts and to translate your ideas in different forms, alongside a range of transferable skills. These skills have proven very attractive to employers in the creative industries.
We see these skills as an integral part of the architectural education we offer, placing graduates of both degrees in a strong position to obtain employment in numerous fields such as:
- architectural history
- architectural writing (e.g., fiction, criticism, journalism)
- property development
- construction management
- building physics (representation, simulation, calculation)
- planning
- urban design
- landscape architecture
- set design (e.g., film and theatre)
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Additional information
The route to becoming a Registered Architect
After completing your degree, there are two further stages to qualify as a Registered Architect and you can study them all at Newcastle University, including:
Master of Architecture MArch
Typically following a year out in practice, students return to university to complete the two-year Master’s in Architecture programme (MArch). Completion of this course leads to the degree of Master of Architecture and gives exemption from the RIBA Part II examination. It’s based on project work that focuses on culturally and technologically complex public buildings. You also develop a design thesis, often building on your practice experiences.
Professional practice and management are integrated into the programme, preparing you for the final phase of professional training.
Find out more about our Master of Architecture (MArch) programmeÂ
Diploma in Architectural Practice and Management
This is the final qualification for entry into the profession as an ARB-Registered Architect and for membership of the RIBA. It covers professional and business aspects of work, and is taken part-time while you work as an architectural assistant.
Find out more about our Diploma in Architectural Practice and Management
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.Â
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAA. Candidates may be required to submit a portfolio for review as part of the selection process. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| A minimum of 36 points. Candidates may be required to submit a portfolio for review as part of the selection process. | |
