Architecture

Architecture - BA (Hons) - ARB/RIBA Part 1

UCAS code K100

This is an archived page and for reference purposes only

2017

Architects have the potential to change people’s lives. They provide the vision to imagine new environments and breathe life into existing buildings. They are part of the creative profession that helps to build our communities.

Overview

It’s not just about creating beautiful buildings. At Kent, our design approach takes into account how people want to live and work in the 21st century, as well as environmental concerns.

Kent School of Architecture has a forward-thinking philosophy and that means you have stimulating debates as well as developing your own creative ideas and practical skills.

Our degree programme

Our BA (Hons) degree is the first step towards qualifying as an architect. You study areas such as regeneration, sustainability, landscape, community, and urban life. You also develop the practical design skills needed within the profession.

You are encouraged to be creative and experiment through models, drawings and digital representation – gaining confidence through your project work.

We also arrange optional field study tours to complement your studies. In recent years, students have been to:

  • France – Lille and Paris
  • Spain – Barcelona
  • Germany – Berlin
  • Italy – Rome
  • Austria – Vienna
  • the USA – San Francisco and Washington DC.

 (Please note that our field trips can involve extra costs that are not covered by your tuition fees.)

Work placement or study abroad

You have the chance to take a work placement or study abroad for a term in your second year. Previous study destinations have included:

  • Virginia Tech (US)
  • École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage de Lille.

Study resources

Our open-plan studios are at the creative heart of our teaching. It’s a place where our students can work on projects, sharing ideas and inspiring each other.

The hi-tech Digital Crit spaces provide a more formal environment for sharing work and getting feedback. They are also used to present finished work.

Overall, our facilities include:

  • modern design workshops
  • dedicated model workshops
  • laser-cutting facilities
  • computer studio and labs
  • Digital Crit spaces for presenting designs, including uTouch HD screens
  • an excellent library collection of books, journals and electronic resources.

Extra activities

Many of our students like to join the Kent Architectural Student Association (KASA). It is run by students and in previous years has organised:

  • social events
  • design competitions
  • talks from experts in architecture, graphic design, product design and art.

The School of Architecture also puts on special events that you are welcome to attend. These may include:

  • open lectures
  • research seminars
  • exhibitions
  • conferences and symposia.

Professional network

Kent School of Architecture has a wide professional network and invites guest speakers from inspirational practices such as:

  • Farrells
  • Carl Turner Architects
  • Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
  • Guy Hollaway Architects.

Think Kent video series

In this talk, Dr Timothy Brittain-Catlin from the Kent School of Architecture examines new ways of writing and talking about buildings and asks if being a critical failure in architecture really matters.

Independent rankings

Architecture at Kent was ranked 7th in The Guardian University Guide 2017.

For graduate prospects, Architecture at Kent was ranked 7th in The Complete University Guide 2017. Architecture students who graduated from Kent in 2015 were the most successful in the UK at finding work or further study opportunities (DLHE).

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

Teaching and assessment

We use a variety of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, studio-based work and field study trips. Students also attend tutorials, seminars, small group discussions and one-to-one design sessions, giving them a range of feedback opportunities to improve their skills.

Assessment is by a portfolio of work, which includes design project coursework, written assignments and examinations, alongside research papers and technical reports. We place particular emphasis on sketchbooks and notebooks assembled over the academic year, which contribute to the student’s own personal development plan.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

  • provide a broad education in architecture, primarily for those who will continue in architectural education and who will practice architecture
  • develop students’ intellectual, creative and imaginative powers within architectural design to the fullest possible extent
  • promote study of the practice and tradition of architecture within its social, cultural and environmental contexts, in order to develop knowledge and understanding
  • develop an understanding of the professional practice of architecture and in particular to develop and implement team skills
  • develop construction and environmental skills appropriate to architectural practice and to understand the influence of technology and the relevance of sustainability
  • promote the importance of an integrated approach to building design and to explore how an appropriate balance is achieved between competing demands
  • encourage a keen awareness of contemporary theory, technology and practice in order to provoke students’ creativity and innovation.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Stage One

  • The critical and contextual dimensions of architecture and design with respect to cultural, social, ethical, historical and theoretical considerations.
  • Design processes and the development of a design/architectural language.
  • The influence of environmental design technology on the production of a sustainable, safe and healthy built environment.
  • Structural and constructional principles, the properties and meanings of materials, and the ways that these may inform and influence design decisions.
  • The integrative relationship between space, structure, environment and materials.
  • The history of, and current debate about, design and architecture.
  • The verbal and graphical means of communicating design solutions to both professional and non-professional audiences.
  • The relationship between the disciplines of interior design, interior architecture, and architecture.

Stage Two

  • The breadth of architecture and design within its historical, cultural and social context.
  • Design processes and the development of a design/architectural language.
  • The influence of environmental design technology on the production of a sustainable, safe and healthy built environment.
  • Structural and constructional principles, the properties and meanings of materials, and the ways that these may inform and influence design decisions.
  • Cultural theory and modernism.
  • The verbal and graphical means of communicating design solutions to both professional and non-professional audiences.
  • The relationship between the disciplines of interior design, interior architecture and architecture.

 

Intellectual skills

Stage One

  • Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.
  • Evaluate and research sources of information and evidence.
  • Synthesise information from a number of sources.
  • Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a body of knowledge.
  • Utilise problem-solving skills.
  • Analyse, evaluate and interpret the evidence underpinning design practice.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the legislative constraints and guidance on the development of the built environment.

Stage Two

  • Develop further the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.
  • Evaluate research and a variety of types and sources of information and evidence critically.
  • Synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of theory and practice.
  • Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.
  • Utilise problem-solving skills to generate sophisticated design solutions.
  • Analyse, evaluate and interpret the evidence underpinning design practice critically and initiate change in practice appropriately.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the legislative constraints and guidance on the development of the built environment.

Subject-specific skills

Stage One

  • Understand creative design skills such as a consistent and methodological approach within a theoretical context.
  • An awareness of the advantages of collaborative working practices.
  • Test and analyse architectural and technical design options against developed briefs.
  • The ability to manipulate both colour and light to modify the character of space and surface.
  • An ability to plan in response to functional, spatial, aesthetic, technical and social requirements, within the scope and scale of a wider environment
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate verbally and graphically, using appropriate media and drawing conventions.

Stage Two

  • Understand creative design skills such as a consistent and methodological approach within a theoretical context.
  • Work both as a creative and imaginative individual and as part of a team within the area of architectural design.
  • Adopt a critical attitude towards the design brief.
  • The ability to measure, predict and analyse sound, light and thermal factors in buildings and to respond to them creatively.
  • An ability to plan both in the horizontal plane and in section in response to functional, spatial, aesthetic, environmental requirements, within the scope and scale of a wider environment.
  • The ability to use verbal and graphical means of advanced communication including physical models, computer and 3D drawings.

Transferable skills

Stage One

  • Research and consider sophisticated design problems in the light of contemporary criticism.
  • The ability to analyse information and experiences, formulate independent judgements, and articulate reasoned arguments through reflection, review and evaluation.
  • Develop an ability to solve design problems and articulate solutions comprehensibly in visual, oral, and written forms.
  • An ability to engage in design thinking which is logical and imaginative.
  • Acquire independent judgement, critical self-awareness and ability to identify strengths and weaknesses. Ability to manage time effectively.

Stage Two

  • Research and consider sophisticated design problems in the light of contemporary criticism.
  • The ability to analyse information and experiences, formulate independent judgements, and articulate reasoned arguments through reflection, review and evaluation.
  • Develop an ability to solve design problems and articulate solutions comprehensibly in visual, oral, and written forms.
  • An ability to engage in design thinking which is logical and imaginative
  • Acquire independent judgement, critical self-awareness and ability to identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Ability to manage time effectively.

Careers

Graduate destinations

Many of our graduates go on to work in well-known architectural practices, such as:

  • Farrells
  • Grimshaw
  • HLM Architects
  • HOK
  • Jestico + Whiles.

Our graduates have also followed careers in professions related to design, graphics and visualisation.

Help finding a job

Kent School of Architecture has links to professional practices and this network is very useful to students when looking for work in an architectural practice. You are encouraged to network at our events, and we run special sessions to help you with writing your CV.

The University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

  • apply for jobs
  • write a good CV
  • perform well in interviews.

Career path into architecture

To qualify as a professional architect requires a specific route of study and work experience.

  • Your BA (Hons) degree provides an exemption from the Part 1 examinations required by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
  • After graduation, you work for at least six months in an architectural practice.
  • You then continue your studies on the MArch degree programme, which takes two years and provides exemption from the RIBA/ARB Part 2 examinations.
  • Following the MArch, you continue to work in an architectural practice until you have a total of 24 months of professional experience (including the previous period of work).
  • You are then eligible to take Part 3 of the ARB/RIBA examinations, which lead to full professional registration as an architect.

Career-enhancing skills

You graduate with an excellent grounding in architectural knowledge and a range of professional skills in:

  • visual and verbal presentations
  • digital media
  • model-making
  • freehand drawing.

To help you to appeal to employers, you also develop key transferable skills in:

  • computing
  • analysing data
  • writing well.

You can also gain extra skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.

Independent rankings

Architecture students who graduated from Kent in 2015 were the most successful in the UK at finding work or further study opportunities (DLHE).

For graduate prospects, Architecture at Kent was ranked 7th in The Complete University Guide 2017.

According to Which? University (2017), the average starting salary for graduates of this degree is £19,000.

Professional recognition

The BA (Hons) Architecture (Part 1) and MArch (Part 2) programmes are fully prescribed by the ARB and have been validated by RIBA for the maximum period.

Entry requirements

All candidates need to provide confirmation of i) observational skills ii) artistic conceptual and creative thinking iii) analyses of colour form and space.

They must do so via a) a formal qualification such as A level grade B or above in Fine Art, or IB Visual Arts 5 at HL or 6 at SL or b) a portfolio which must contain observational drawings and a range of forms including painting, sketching, design, photography, models and textile design. The portfolio must be submitted in digital format either online or by uploading a PDF to the portal.

Please note that candidates with a formal qualification may still be asked for a portfolio.

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice. 

It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

New GCSE grades

If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement
A level

AAB. Only one of General Studies or Critical Thinking can be accepted against the requirements

GCSE

Mathematics grade C

Access to HE Diploma

The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. 

If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall including Mathematics 4 at HL or SL

International students

The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.

If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.

Meet our staff in your country

For more advise about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events. 

English Language Requirements

Please see our English language entry requirements web page.

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme. 

General entry requirements

Please also see our general entry requirements.

Fees

The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:

UK/EU Overseas
Full-time

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

UK/EU fee paying students

The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.

In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

General additional costs

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Funding

University funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details. 

Government funding

You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.

The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support for the duration of their course.

Scholarships

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.

The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.

The Key Information Set (KIS) data is compiled by UNISTATS and draws from a variety of sources which includes the National Student Survey and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. The data for assessment and contact hours is compiled from the most populous modules (to the total of 120 credits for an academic session) for this particular degree programme. Depending on module selection, there may be some variation between the KIS data and an individual's experience. For further information on how the KIS data is compiled please see the UNISTATS website.

If you have any queries about a particular programme, please contact information@kent.ac.uk.