BA (Hons) Architecture
(RIBA Part I exemption)

BA (Hons) Architecture course seeks to explore the ‘interface' between disciplines, systems, concepts, and people, supported by a structured ‘exchange' of ideas, knowledge and propositions amongst students, tutors, practitioners, theorists and specialists.

Design and research activity engages the course with associated disciplines within the School of Architecture, Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) and Birmingham City University, and with the wider context of the City and Region. These cross-disciplinary relationships are explored through theoretical and live collaborative practice.

Course Structure and Direction

The first year of the course provides a broad ‘foundation' to the study of architecture and landscape architecture in the context of the ‘urbanised field', and the physical and ideological relationship between them, informed by the theme of ‘habitation'. Principles are established in reading and interpreting the non-designed and designed environment, sustainable development and technology, supported by an introduction to a wide range of representational media.   

This leads to an exploration of the role of policy in the formation of urban and architectural constructs in second year, and the idea of the architect as coordinator or facilitator in the act of construction, informed by the theme of ‘production'. Techniques and methods in sustainable development and technology are studied and evaluated, complemented by the Elective programme which allows students to engage with design and production practices across Birmingham Institute of Art and Design.

The final year considers the architectural physical and cultural context from the local to the global, at the same time looking towards cross-disciplinary practice to test innovative approaches at diverse scales through issues such as the study of dynamic cities and understanding the implications of new digital technologies, informed by the theme of ‘mobility'. Strategies in sustainable development and technology are developed and tested against architectural projects.

Your Learning Experience

The exchange of ideas and knowledge amongst student groups and tutors occurs through a variety of media and environments, most significantly via studio events, study trips, workshops, lectures and seminars. Informal and formal feedback is provided through group work and tutorial guidance as part of a shared learning experience that aims to encourage responsible, self-motivated practice, realising the critical capacity of our students.

Assessment

There are assignments and course work in subjects. Project work is assessed by portfolio review both periodically and in summary at each year end.

Entry Requirements

Secondary Education Qualifications

At least 5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above, including English and Maths, and a mix of science/maths and humanities/arts subjects.

GCE/VCE, A Level tariff: 320 points [ABB] from a mix of science/maths and humanities/arts subjects Including one 12-unit award or two six-unit awards.

The following subjects are preferred:

• History/geography/english/languages.
• Double award in science or separate science such as physics, biology or chemistry.
• Maths.
• Sociology/philosphy/ sychology.
• Art/design/music.

The following subjects are discouraged: General Studies, Business Studies, Computer Studies.

Not accepted: NVQ (National vocational qualifications), Advanced modern apprenticeship.

Further Education Qualifications:

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Construction (and Built Environment).

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Art and Design DDM (320 points).

BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design:

• Distinction (285 points) plus GCE/VCE A and/or AS Levels in subjects other than Art with at least one in which assessment is essay based (see recommendations above) to 35 points.
• Merit (225 points) plus GCE/VCE A and/or AS Levels in subjects other than Art with at least one in which assessment is essay based (see recommendations above) to 95 points.
• Pass (165 points) plus GCE/VCE A and/or AS Levels in subjects other than Art with at least one in which assessment is essay based (see recommendations above) to 155 points.

Advanced Diploma in Construction and Built Environment.

Advanced Diploma in Creative and Media.

Advanced Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies (commences 2009).

Advanced Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (commences 2009).

ASL (Additional & Specialist Learning) plus Progression Diploma in above subject equivalent to 320 points.

Higher Education Qualifications

Course currently exempt from ELQ status.

Not accepted: BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND), BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC), Foundation Degrees.

Mature Students

Applications from mature students (+21) with alternative qualifications and/or work experience will be considered on their merits. As a minimum, applicants should have a portfolio demonstrating their creative abilities in a range of media.

International Qualifications

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 26 points. Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 320 points are welcome.  (Non English speakers require IELTS 6.5, with at least 6.0 in writing, TOEFL 580 or equivalent).

A digital portfolio will be required.

Application Procedure

Stage 1: Qualification checking.

Stage 2: Digital portfolio submission (in PDF or PowerPoint format), maximum 15 slides:

Slide 1: Name, contact details, application number.
Slide 2: 150 word statement on reasons for studying.
Slides 3-12: (i.e. 10 in all) Project images with captions/title, date and media used.
Slide 13: Favourite building actually visited (own photo) and favourite building anywhere with titles and location.
Slide 14: Favourite place actually visited (own photo and favourite place anywhere with titles, designer (if appropriate) and location.
Slide 15: Favourite book/journal/filom (on landscape/ architecture/ design/ theory)  Author, title, etc.

Stage 3: Portfolio review by admissions team, selection of candidates for assessment day.

Stage 4: Assessment Days based on group project with informal assessment at end and opportunity for staff to meet applicants.

Portfolio Guidance

The invitation to submit a digital portfolio is the candidate's opportunity to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their creative abilities, and to illustrate their interests in and commitment to the study of architecture. Candidates are not expected to demonstrate experience of architectural design, other than through, for example, sketchbooks, carefully considered photography or (images of) model making in the consideration of spatial awareness or exploration of an idea. Experimentation and expression in a range of media is to be encouraged and composition of text and images should be treated as an exercise in graphic communication.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the course are encouraged to apply for employment as assistants in architectural practice, and on completion of their year out are invited to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture (RIBA Part 2 exemption). The School also offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 exemption), meaning that students have the opportunity of undertaking their entire architectural education at Birmingham School of Architecture.

Alternatively, this is an excellent qualification for progression into related design fields, journalism or academia.

Apply now through UCAS

Architecture course page from the BIAD prospectus (PDF)

Birmingham School of Architecture 2009 Yearbook (PDF)