Â鶹´«Ã½

STUDY

Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Architecture (ARB Part 1)

Abstract lines on architecture
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: K100
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three years full-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)
Institution code: S82
UCAS code: K100
Start date: September 2025
Duration: Three years full-time
Location: Ipswich
Typical Offer: 112 UCAS tariff points (or above), BBC (A-Level), DMM (BTEC), Merit (T Level)

Overview

Professional Accreditation

Our BA (Hons) Architecture is prescribed with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) as Part 1 and the course received the RIBA Candidate Status in 2021. Successful completion of our full-time, three-year undergraduate degree carries exemption from the ARB Part 1, which is the first stage in qualifying as an architect. Only those who complete all three parts of the ARB/RIBA requirements, will be able to register as an architect in practice in the UK.

Further information about the University's relationship with the ARB is available in the PSRB register. 

Our Vision Statement 

The BA (Hons) Architecture at Suffolk is a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary programme of study. With us you learn Architecture as a driver for global and situated culture, underpinned by three principles: ecologies, pedagogies and technics. You will study how to design buildings, spaces, and urbanities, resilient and adaptive to rapid environmental, social and economic change. With your architecture, you will address people’s needs and modes of life on a macro to micro scale by means of critical and creative practice.

You will be taught by qualified Architects educated to the highest level, trained in a variety of contexts they will enrich your student experience with diverse cultural and professional references. With us, you will engage in world-leading events and current discussions about the future of architecture.

Our Studio Culture

Our course is supported by the local branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA Suffolk). Each year, we select a number of architects and specialists from practice to contribute to, and deliver, design projects for our agile studio, and advise and mentor students in practice.

This year our programme is supported by the practices below among others:

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is world-class and committed to our region. We are proudly modern and innovative and we believe in transformative education. We are on the rise with a focus on student satisfaction, graduate prospects, spending on academic services and student facilities.

1st

in the UK for student satisfaction for Art and Design courses

(The Complete University Guide 2024)

2nd

in the East of England for graduate prospects

(The Complete University Guide 2024)

11th

in the UK for social inclusion

(The Good University Guide 2023)

Course Modules

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our .   

Downloadable information regarding all Â鶹´«Ã½ courses, including Key Facts, Course Aims, Course Structure and Assessment, is available in the Definitive Course Record 

This module introduces fundamental principles and theories that frame architecture from a contextual point of view. It provides definitions and analysis of key terms such as: representation, language, form, function, grid, rhythm, perspective, scale, proportion, gender, memory as well as meanings of space, place and site. The module covers selected historical periods of art and architecture, contextual systems of thinking in art and design and the work of selected authors in international art, architecture and design scenes.

This module establishes the basics of the visual language of architectural design as creative art and familiarise students with a wide range of media and methods. The module focuses on the conceptualisation, fabrication and presentation of ideas that use the image and the model as two complementary elements that often overlap and identify with each other. It does so from a creative and artistic perspective.

This module creates the basis for the technical understanding and knowledge of materials, structures and systems. It focuses on the practical application of principles and conventions architecture and introduces project management and the relevant construction regulatory framework. Furthermore, the module explores the language of architectural design in 2D and 3D through the use of analogue tools and computing skills for digital production with a focus on drafting, and detailing.

This is the core architectural design studio module. It focuses on the fundamental principles of architectural design creation, defined as operation, condition and merging. The module initiates knowledge and understanding of the key principles and terms of architectural design as formal and spatial articulation. It introduces user and site as context in the making of architecture and familiarise students with the key processes of projects by working against briefs, using precedents and core concepts.

This is the history and theory and research methods module. It focuses on the most influential thought of critical theory and its application in practice through research. It draws upon concepts and contexts drawn from the arts, humanities and sciences. It create a platform for discovery, investigation, and interpretation of theoretical issues and approaches of philosophical and contextual nature and promotes interdisciplinary thinking.

This is the technical knowledge, construction and management module. It provides advanced knowledge and understanding of structures, materials and building performance, underpinned by sustainability principles. It expands upon building services and regulations as well as methods that frame environmental design. It thoughtfully combines the above with training in Building Information Modelling (BIM) principles as well as project management.

This uniquely designed module brings together a wide range of disciplines that study the city, and through a critical and creative perspective it will explore architecture and the urban environment as framed by specific sociocultural and political contexts. Focusing on heritage and curatorial practices, students train in activities related to participatory design and conservation, creative regeneration, activism and site-specificity. This module promotes specialised interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of the urban environment.

This is the core architectural design studio module. It focuses on issues of integration and regeneration looking at the micro and macro scale of architecture as intervention and object, to include cultural and financial parameters. The module presents architecture as making insightful gestures that apply to objects, spaces, and environments of complex nature. It moreover addresses the role of the architect in a team, and their direct connection with the materiality, the process, and the completion of work as built product.

This the theory and history module that focuses on the development and production of an academic research essay (dissertation) in response to a series of lectures and seminars on space and place. The research process is guided closely by a specialist supervisor and is enhanced by scholarly discussions on specialised topics related to architecture, art and design. The final outcome, the dissertation, is presented in an open student-led symposium.

This module positions the graduates in the profession and offers understanding of the ethos and role of architects in practice. Students position themselves as upcoming architecture professionals and reflect upon the ethos and social responsibility of the architect within a project and the society. This module provides the necessary knowledge around construction, the relevant processes and regulations as well as the role of the architect in such.

This is the core design studio module which defines the award of Bachelor with Honours in Architecture. It is much more rigorous than Design Synthesis 1 and 2 and facilitates a self-initiated project underpinned by social and environmental agendas and/or innovative construction systems.  It promotes architecture as multifaceted practice with a scope for change making and offers opportunities for specialisation and gaining expertise for life in practice or further study.

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WHY SUFFOLK

2nd in the UK for Career Prospects

3rd in the UK for spend on academic services

4th in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction

A student looking at an architectural model
Arts Degree Show 2023
Close-up of architect drawing table
BA (Hons) Architecture (ARB Part 1)
Art student looking up into cardboard structure.
Architecture Student
Corridor in the Arts Building
Inside The Arts Building

Entry Requirements

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Career Opportunities

This course prepares you for industry based on the latest criteria and expectations. The skills we teach essential within the industry and are transferable to other contexts. Upon successful completion and relevant graduate placement/training, you may work in roles such as:

  • Architectural assistants, architectural designers and technicians.

  • Artists, visualisers, and illustrators.

  • Tutors and teachers in architecture, design technology, and art and design.

  • Urban designers, officers in planning and the local authorities.

 

This course also fully prepares you for postgraduate study in Architecture, Architectural Design, Urban Design, Construction Management, Engineering, and most art and design specialisms. Our graduates work in practices such as Foster + Partners, KLH, NJ Architects, and as freelance professionals.

ARB (Part 1) prescribed with Candidate status for RIBA validation.

Your Course Team

Dr Leon Crascall

Leon is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Architecture. He has grown up locally and worked on a range of projects across East Anglia.

Leon Crascall staff photo

Aishani Jayasinghe

Aishani is a Senior Lecturer in Architecture and a practising architect of 20 years. Originally from Sri Lanka, she has a portfolio of more than 150 projects.

Dr Marco Spada

Urban planner and architect Marco specialises in urban narrativity, sustainability and circular economy, as well as the steel industry in developments.

Marco Spada staff profile photo

Benjamin Powell

Architecture Lecturer Ben runs his own practice established in 2017, while his teaching aims to improve the impact of architects on major issues in society.

Benjamin Powell staff profile photo

Paul Vonberg

Paul has worked on many of the country’s finest buildings, including Hampton Court Palace, St Martin in the Fields, the National Gallery, the London Library etc

Dr Alison Pooley

Alison will be leading the Sustainable Healthy Communities theme within the Suffolk Sustainability Institute.

Alison Pooley staff profile photo

Todd Strehlow

Todd Strehlow is a Visiting Lecturer for the BA (Hons) Architecture course.

Alan Wilkinson

Alan Wilkinson BSc(Hons) DipArch, RIBA has a background of four decades in architecture and a full involvement in all aspects of architectural endeavour.

Theo Jones

Theo Jones is an award-winning architectural designer, maker, researcher, and teacher based in London.

Meredith Bowles

Meredith is the Founding Director of Mole Architects Ltd, established 1998.

Bryan Wybrow

Bryan Wybrow is a qualified architect (RIBA) in practice since 2011 and director at KLH Architects in Ipswich.

Fees and Funding

UK Full-time Tuition Fee

£9,250

per year
International Full-time Tuition Fee

£15,690

per year

The decision to study a degree is an investment into your future, there are various means of support available to you in order to help fund your tuition fees and living costs. You can apply for funding from the Spring before your course starts.

UK Fees and Finance UK Bursaries and Scholarships International Fees and Scholarships

Ipswich Award

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is offering a £1,000 Award for students joining the Â鶹´«Ã½’s Ipswich campus. The Award is based on specific eligibility criteria based on your year of entry.

More information
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How to Apply

To study this course on a full-time basis, you can apply through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

Further Information on Applying
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Vanessa Sandri, BA (Hons) Architecture

"The structure and content of the degree are excellent with a mix of seminars, tutorials with professionals, site visits and study trips."

read more
Headshot of Vanessa Sandri

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