Architecture BA (Hons)

The BA Hons in Architecture is a studio-based, full-time course delivered over three academic years. There is an exit qualification of an Associated Bachelors (AB) after two academic years, with a further one academic year for BA Hons completion. The course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects and is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board. Successful completion of the course offers exception from RIBA Part 1 examinations.

The BA Hons in Architecture at Ulster engages in the complex and changing context of architecture, urbanism and landscape and the transformations taking place in society. Important aspects of this engagement are with the wider issues facing the profession and the provision of a creative context to investigate, challenge preconceptions, explore and fully engage the role of the architect in society.

In order to qualify and practice as an architect it is necessary to acquire the core group of skills that are necessary for a professional working life. In addition, in order to be awarded the university degree of BA (Hons) Architecture, it is necessary for you to demonstrate the intellectual skills and the knowledge, judgement and understanding expected at bachelor degree level.

The undergraduate architecture course is based on a modular structure across two semesters and the three-year course leads to the degree of BA (Hons) Architecture. The course curriculum leads to professional recognition and is guided by the Criteria for Validation set down by the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Prescription of Qualifications established by the Architects Registration Board. These criteria set out the minimum levels of awareness, knowledge, understanding and ability of architecture that you must acquire at key stages for RIBA/ARB Part 1 exemption in the process of qualifying as an architect.

The BA Hons Architecture degree at Ulster gives exemption from the RIBA/ARB Part 1 Examination.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Career options

Architects are not only involved in constructing new buildings and renovating existing ones but also collaborate on the design and planning of public spaces, rural developments and new cities. Architects work with clients, members of the broader public, local government and statutory agencies as well as many parallel disciplines engaged in the built environment; including surveyors, project managers, construction and civil engineers and building services engineers as well as landscape architects and artists.

At Ulster you will be taught to understand architecture as a response to complex social, cultural and built contexts and have the design skills to improve those situations. We equip you with traditional design skills but also ways of understanding and approaching problems.

Architecture crosses the traditional boundaries between art and science, which means that you are equipped to enter a wide range of careers. Studying architecture is an excellent way of broadening your education. After achieving the award of BA Hons Architecture, graduates can continue on to complete a further period in professional practice and a further period of full-time study at Ulster to become fully qualified architects recognised and licensed by UK professional bodies.