MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BA Hons Architecture
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Gloucestershire offers a comprehensive BA (Hons) Architecture program designed to provide a strong foundation for a career in the field. This three-year, full-time course is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the built environment. It's also a program that is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 1 level, a crucial step towards becoming a registered architect in the UK. The curriculum is structured to provide a balance of studio-based design work, technical knowledge, and theoretical understanding.
Curriculum: The program's curriculum is carefully crafted to provide a holistic architectural education. Students engage in studio projects, which form a significant portion of the course, allowing for hands-on design experience and the development of a personal design approach. These projects often tackle real-world issues and span a range of scales, from small objects to larger urban interventions. Alongside studio work, students delve into a variety of theoretical and technical subjects. These include the history and theory of art and architecture, building technology and construction, environmental design, and representation and communication strategies. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of design, technology, and sustainability, preparing students to create innovative and responsible architectural solutions. The university provides access to a dedicated studio space with modern facilities, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and VR headsets, as well as a traditional model-making workshop, to support the practical aspects of the course.
Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Architecture is an undergraduate program, the University of Gloucestershire fosters a research-informed learning environment. Academics teaching on the course are often actively involved in research, bringing their expertise and the latest industry insights into the classroom. The broader research activities within the Department of Architecture, Construction and Environment may encompass a variety of areas, such as the history and philosophy of architecture, environmentally responsible design, urban design, and the use of traditional and new sustainable building materials. This exposure to current research helps to develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills, encouraging them to engage with the evolving challenges and opportunities in the built environment. For those interested in pursuing research further, the university also offers postgraduate research degrees in related fields.
Industry Engagement: The University of Gloucestershire places a strong emphasis on industry engagement to ensure that its graduates are well-prepared for the professional world. The BA (Hons) Architecture program has been developed with input from local and national architectural professionals, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with the needs of contemporary practice. Students have the opportunity to work on projects that mimic professional practice, often collaborating with students from other related disciplines such as quantity surveying, interior design, and urban planning. The university also facilitates interactions with industry professionals through guest lectures, networking events, and potential opportunities for internships or live project briefs. The annual degree show provides a platform for students to showcase their work to a wider audience, including potential employers, further enhancing their employability.
Global Perspective: The program aims to provide students with a global perspective on architecture. While the core curriculum is rooted in the UK context, the course encourages a broader understanding of architectural precedents and practices from around the world. Students may have opportunities to participate in field trips to explore different architectural and urban environments, both within the UK and internationally, although additional costs may be involved. The diverse student body also contributes to a global outlook, fostering a collaborative and internationally aware learning environment. By exploring a range of social, economic, cultural, and environmental contexts in their design projects, students develop an understanding of the diverse factors that influence the built environment on a global scale.
Location
Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
A BA (Hons) Architecture degree from the University of Gloucestershire provides graduates with a versatile skillset, opening doors to a variety of career paths within the architecture and built environment sectors, as well as in related creative and technical fields.
Part 1 Architectural Assistant: This is the most common and direct career progression for graduates of an ARB-accredited Part 1 architecture program. In this role, you'll work under the supervision of a registered architect, gaining practical experience in design, drafting, 3D modelling, and preparing architectural drawings and documents for planning applications and construction. This is a crucial step towards achieving full architect registration.
Architectural Technician: Architectural technicians play a vital role in the design and construction process by specializing in the technical aspects of building design. They produce detailed working drawings, specifications, and construction information, ensuring that the design can be built effectively and to relevant standards. Your understanding of building technology and construction, gained through the degree, is highly relevant for this career.
Interior Designer: Graduates can apply their design skills to the field of interior design. This involves creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces for residential, commercial, or public buildings. Your understanding of space, form, materials, and the user experience developed during the architecture program is directly transferable to this role.
Landscape Architect: For those with an interest in the design of outdoor spaces, a career as a landscape architect is a possibility. This involves the design of parks, gardens, public squares, and other external environments, considering ecological principles, sustainability, and the interaction between people and the natural world. While a specialized Master's degree is often required for full professional status in landscape architecture, the BA (Hons) Architecture provides a strong foundation in design and site analysis.
Urban Planner/Urban Designer: With a focus on the bigger picture, urban planners and designers are involved in the planning and design of cities and towns. This can involve developing strategies for land use, transportation, housing, and public spaces, aiming to create sustainable and livable communities. The program's focus on urban studies and the social and environmental context of architecture can be a good starting point for this field.
Construction Project Manager: A strong understanding of building technology and construction processes, combined with project management skills, can lead to a career as a construction project manager. In this role, you'd be responsible for the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Quantity Surveyor: Quantity surveyors are the financial managers of the construction industry. They are responsible for estimating and controlling the costs of building projects, from the initial feasibility stage through to completion. While a specialized degree in quantity surveying is typical, the architecture program's focus on materials, construction, and economics provides a relevant foundation for understanding building costs.
BIM (Building Information Modelling) Technician/Coordinator: BIM is an increasingly important technology in the architecture and construction industries. A BIM technician or coordinator uses specialized software to create and manage digital models of buildings, facilitating collaboration and improving efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. Your experience with digital software and BIM during the degree would be a valuable asset in this field.
Exhibition Designer: The spatial and visual design skills developed in the architecture program can be applied to the design of exhibitions and temporary installations. This involves creating engaging and informative spaces for museums, galleries, trade shows, and other events, considering the flow of visitors and the presentation of information or exhibits.
Further Study and Specialization: Many architecture graduates choose to pursue further studies to specialize in a particular area or to gain the necessary qualifications for full professional registration as an architect (requiring a Part 2 and Part 3 qualification). This could involve a Master's degree in Architecture, Urban Design, Conservation, Sustainable Design, or other related fields. The BA (Hons) Architecture serves as a crucial first step on this academic and professional journey.
