Immerse yourself in the art and science of Architecture through studio-based learning and placement experience. Take your first steps to becoming a qualified Architect.
Our RIBA part 1 approved degree is a great place to start your training to become an Architect. Our course gives you the practical and creative skills you need to explore, analyse and communicate architectural proposals. You’ll combine project work in design studios and studies in history, theory and the science of architecture with practical experience gained in practice. Through integrating all aspects of architecture, you’ll learn how to successfully control, compose and construct internal spaces and external forms.
At Bath, we focus your studies around studio work from the start. This is where you’ll work collaboratively to produce integrated design solutions. And, more importantly, where you’ll develop the practical skills to realise your creative potential.
Individual and group projects challenge you to integrate the principles of structural, environmental, and sustainable design into your work. You’ll use your expanding knowledge of materials and the assembly of building elements to inform how you approach design. A unique part of our course is the opportunity to work with civil engineering students on some projects during your degree. This cross-discipline teamwork gives you an insight into the design problems and professional relationships you could experience in your career. And it improves your understanding of the technical aspects of designing structures.
We also offer you a distinct study experience to most other universities in the UK through our integrated placements. You’ll go on two placements (lasting between three to six months) as part of your four-year degree, fulfilling the practical experience element needed for a RIBA part 1 qualification.
Learn from experts in the field
You’ll learn from academics with expertise in architecture and the built environment, including innovative materials and sustainable design. Their international collaborations and research activities feed into undergraduate teaching and contribute to your learning experience. You'll have a dedicated tutor for each design project along with specialist tutors, many of whom are practising Architects.
Use specialist facilities
Our 4 East South building houses purpose-built research and teaching space for our architecture students. You'll have access to design studios and be designated a space available for you through the course to support your architectural work in drawing and modelling. Our students have secure storage, access to printing, plotting, integrated review spaces with digital presentation facilities and access to kitchens. You'll also have access to undergraduate workshops for model making through traditional means, as well as a wide range of CAD/CAM machines with staff available to help and advise on your projects.
Our course is fully prescribed by the ARB and validated by the RIBA, giving you the educational basis and professional experience you need to complete the first step toward becoming a qualified Architect. Like many of our students, you can continue this journey with us on our Master of Architecture and RIBA part 3 courses.
A degree at Bath can open up a variety of career opportunities to you. The high standard of creative and analytical skills, and training you graduate with will equip you to work in a range of industries. You could also choose to pursue a career in other design-related roles such as film-making or museum curation
Develop and explore your architectural identity as you continue your journey to becoming a qualified Architect on our accredited course.
Our course meets ARB/RIBA requirements for part 2 architectural education, giving you the enhanced architectural knowledge and practical experience you need to create complex design proposals.
Our course integrates a semester-long placement at the start of your first year. Combining academic with professional experience in this way will help you relate design and management theories to practice. It also develops your understanding of the changing role of the Architect in the construction industry.
Lectures in your second semester cover a range of topics from architectural history, theory and science to sustainability and urban design. You could also have the opportunity to take a field trip and workshop based in another city in the UK or Europe.
In your second year, you’ll investigate design in more depth through research and studio projects. This gives you the chance to focus on areas of architecture that interest you. Through group project work, you'll analyse architectural possibilities to create sustainable building and urban design solutions. You’ll study a city of your choice and develop a project brief for your final studio project.
A Department to inspire and support you
Our Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering provides you with a supportive academic environment to study in. You have designated studio space throughout your studies and will be supported with printing, workshop and computing facilities. You’ll learn from academics and specialists in architecture and design. You'll also benefit from the support of tutors and specialist consultants on every design studio project.
Helping you to improve your career prospects
You’ll graduate able to evaluate materials, processes and techniques used in complex architectural designs and building construction. Your problem solving, project management and teamwork skills, and professional judgement will prepare you for a career as an Architect. Our graduates go on to work at leading architectural practices with many securing a position before they graduate.