BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY · UNITED KINGDOM
Architecture with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)
Bachelor's · Taught in en · UCAS K100
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
€19k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- RIBA and ARB AccreditedProfessional Accreditation
- State-of-the-art Parkside Building facilitiesModern Facilities
- Strong industry connections and live projectsIndustry Engagement
- Exemption from RIBA Part 1 ExamProfessional Pathway
- Founded in 1909Long-standing Tradition
- 90% of graduates in work/further study within 6 monthsGraduate Employability
The BA (Hons) Architecture with a Foundation Year program at Birmingham City University is designed to cultivate innovative thinkers and future leaders in architecture. This course frames architecture as a "radical act of care," encouraging students to redefine contemporary architectural practice. Taught in the advanced Parkside Building at the City Centre Campus, the program is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), with successful completion granting exemption from the RIBA Part 1 Prescribed Examination. The foundation year provides essential skills and knowledge, preparing students for the rigorous demands of the undergraduate architecture degree. This includes fundamental principles of architectural thinking, such as drawing, visual communication, spatial design, model-making, and digital skills, alongside an exploration of architecture's cultural, social, and environmental contexts. Students will be immersed in Birmingham's diverse urban environment, using the city as initial inspiration to study neighbourhoods, cities, and regional and global networks. The curriculum emphasises practical engagement through industry connections in the second and third years, fostering direct links with architectural firms and helping students secure work experience. The university collaborates closely with RIBA West Midlands and Birmingham City Council, providing valuable real-world opportunities. From the first year, students begin building an online portfolio of their work and projects. The program also offers opportunities to participate in Co.LAB, a collaborative initiative for live projects with other disciplines and community partners, providing hands-on experience in one-to-one scale interventions and real-world practice.
Careers
Graduates from this Architecture program are well-prepared for a range of careers in architectural practice and related fields. The course's strong industry connections, participation in live projects, and exposure to leading firms provide a solid foundation for professional development. The focus on developing a strong portfolio and engaging with practitioners helps students transition into the workforce effectively.
- Architectural Assistant (Part 1)
- Architect (after further study and experience)
- Architectural Designer
- Urban Designer
- Architectural Technologist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- International students are charged £16,900 per year for tuition. This fee covers everyday tuition and examination costs, as well as Students’ Union membership.
- What are the entry requirements for the BA (Hons) Architecture with a Foundation Year?
- You need 88 UCAS Tariff points, and a Grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths. For A Levels, the requirement is CCD, with preferred subjects like Art and Design, Maths, or Science.
- What English language proficiency is required?
- International students need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5.
- What is the duration of the programme?
- The programme includes a foundation year, followed by the undergraduate degree. Specific duration details beyond the foundation year are not provided.
- What career paths can graduates pursue?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as an Architectural Assistant (Part 1), Architectural Designer, or Urban Designer. Further study and experience are needed to become a fully qualified Architect.
- How do I apply for this programme?
- Applications are typically made through UCAS. You will need to register, complete the application form, provide referee details, pay a fee, and submit supporting documents like academic transcripts and English language test scores.
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff points88 UCAS Tariff points
GCSE MathsGrade C/4 or above (or equivalent Level 2 qualification)
A LevelCCD or equivalent. Preferred subjects: Art and Design, History, Geography, English, Languages, Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry), Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Maths, Music. Excluded: General Studies; Travel and Tourism.
Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma / Extended Certificate)88 UCAS Tariff points. Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent. Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent. Preferred subjects: Art and Design, Business and Economics, Construction and Built Environment, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Languages, Land Based and Environment, Music, Performing Arts and Drama, Science. Excluded: Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Early Years, Customer Service, Citizenship, Accounting, PE and Sport, Public Services and Uniformed Services, Travel & Tourism.
T LevelPass overall (C or above on the core). All subjects accepted, Design, Surveying and Planning preferred.
Access to HE DiplomaPass with 60 credits, 45 credits at Level 3. Construction, Planning, Built Environment subjects preferred, other subjects considered.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications88 UCAS Tariff points. Preferred subjects: Art and Design, Business and Economics, Construction and Built Environment, Design Technology, English, Geography, History, Languages, Land Based and Environment, Music, Performing Arts and Drama, Science. Excluded: Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Early Years, Customer Service, Citizenship, Accounting, PE and Sport, Public Services and Uniformed Services, Travel & Tourism. Media subjects considered individually.
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications88 UCAS Tariff points
WJEC Level 3 qualifications88 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)Minimum of 88 UCAS Tariff points from five Higher level subjects. Required: Maths at Ordinary level grade O4/C3 or above or Higher level grade H7/D3 or above.
Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher88 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD).
Welsh Baccalaureate88 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent.
UAL Level 3 Extended DiplomaMerit overall
Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media)Merit overall
International Baccalaureate DiplomaMinimum of 24 points overall. For students without GCSE Maths C/4, a grade 5 in Maths (Standard level) from IB Diploma is accepted.
IELTS AcademicOverall 6.0 with no band below 5.5
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits. For international qualifications, specific requirements for EU/International students should be checked. If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the admissions office for clarification.
Fees
Tuition (international)£16,900 per year
Tuition (home)£9,250 per year
LivingAs part of your Student Visa application, you will need to demonstrate sufficient funds for your first year of study, estimated to be around £12,000 per year for living costs. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Tuition fees cover everyday tuition, examination costs, and Students’ Union membership. They do not cover textbooks or other course materials. Your fee status (Home or Overseas) is determined by your connection to the UK or EU; you may complete a Fee Status Questionnaire if you believe you qualify for Home fees. Payments can be made online via credit or debit card, or by alternative methods such as cheque or bank transfer. Further details on payment policies are available on the university's Finance policy pages for international students.
How to apply
1. 1. Register with UCASGo to the UCAS website and create an account. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, date of birth, and address. A username will be automatically generated, and you will choose a password. Make sure to keep these details safe for future logins.
2. 2. Log in and complete your applicationAccess your UCAS account to fill in the application form. Full instructions are available on the UCAS website. You can save your progress and return to it later. All applications must be completed in English.
3. 3. Provide referee detailsNominate one referee who can comment on your academic abilities and suitability for higher education. This must not be a family member or friend. UCAS will contact your referee directly if a reference is required.
4. 4. Pay the application feeThere is a one-off application fee payable to UCAS upon submission of your application form. This can typically be paid online using a credit or debit card. Ensure you have the cardholder's consent if it's not your own card.
5. 5. Submit supporting documentsBe prepared to provide copies of all relevant documents supporting your academic qualifications and English language proficiency. For international students, this will include academic transcripts, certificates, and English test scores like IELTS. You may also need to submit a portfolio of work, depending on the course, but this was not specified for this architecture program in the provided text.
Accreditation
This course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Successful completion grants exemption from the Royal Institute of British Architects Part 1 Prescribed Examination.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
International students are charged £16,900 per year for tuition. This fee covers everyday tuition and examination costs, as well as Students’ Union membership.
What are the entry requirements for the BA (Hons) Architecture with a Foundation Year?
+
You need 88 UCAS Tariff points, and a Grade C/4 or above in GCSE Maths. For A Levels, the requirement is CCD, with preferred subjects like Art and Design, Maths, or Science.
What English language proficiency is required?
+
International students need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5.
What is the duration of the programme?
+
The programme includes a foundation year, followed by the undergraduate degree. Specific duration details beyond the foundation year are not provided.
What career paths can graduates pursue?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as an Architectural Assistant (Part 1), Architectural Designer, or Urban Designer. Further study and experience are needed to become a fully qualified Architect.
How do I apply for this programme?
+
Applications are typically made through UCAS. You will need to register, complete the application form, provide referee details, pay a fee, and submit supporting documents like academic transcripts and English language test scores.