Course Overview

BA Architecture is an innovative collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.The course, which is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA), allows you to take the first step to becoming an architect.

You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practice and research-active lecturers, who provide a rich and stimulating environment in which to study architecture.

What's more, you'll be inspired by the world-famous city of Manchester - the industrial revolution birthplace turned 21st century metropolis - and its vibrant, contemporary and innovative architecture scene.

Manchester is a showcase for recent regeneration and historic context, much of which has been designed with the involvement of our current students and graduates.

The city recognises the value of high-quality design, together with innovative and pragmatic approaches to resolving practical issues.

Special Features

Benefit from the facilities and expertise of two universities  

Architecture sits within the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) - a unique collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).  

This allows you to use the workshops and studios, study spaces and students' unions across both campuses.   

You'll also benefit from the range of teaching expertise across our two institutions. 

Experience local fieldtrips  

Gain a real-world understanding of your subject normally through local fieldwork

Gain accreditation   

By completing this course, you will gain exemption from the ARB and RIBA Part 1 professional qualifications, contributing to you becoming a fully qualified architect in the future.  

Join the UK's largest Architecture student society  

Manchester Student Society of Architecture (MSSA) is the largest of its kind in the UK, giving you the opportunity to build valuable relationships with other architects, attend guest talks and enjoy plenty of social activities throughout the year.

Explore our BA students' work

Teaching and Learning

We combine traditional lecture-based teaching with workshop and design studio sessions.

Project-based learning is the basis of architecture education, and the studio is where this learning takes place. From the very start you will be involved in a variety of projects.

Skills in computing and visual studies will be developed through workshops related to studio projects.

The course has strong links with architectural practices across the North West and involves architectural practitioners in teaching.

Coursework and Assessment

Assessments are designed to provide you with feedback on your progress in understanding the subject and in developing essential skills.

All assessments are based on coursework, there are no exams.

Methods include project reviews, assignments, essays, and online assessments.

Career Opportunities

We're one of the most targeted universities by the nation's top employers.

BA Architecture graduates are highly valued for their confidence and creativity, and benefit from our strong links with national and international architectural practices. They have gone on to successful careers in areas including:

  • architecture;
  • advertising;
  • estate management;
  • project management;
  • real estate;
  • urban design;
  • web design.

Top employers of our BA Architecture graduates include Aedas, AR, Atkins, BDP, BroadwayMalyan, Foster + Partners, Hawkins\Brown, and Sheppard Robson.

Qualifying as an architect normally requires a combination of five years study at university and a minimum of two years practical experience before completing a final examination.

Many graduates study our Master of Architecture (MArch) course, which is recognised as a Part 2 qualification by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Find out more about career destinations of our Architecture graduates by reading our alumni profiles .

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Degree Award

As a student at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

You will, therefore, benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suites, making and media workshops, and much more.

Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate.

The joint award certificate includes each institution's crest and awarding body title.

What will you study?

Year 1

Gain an understanding of contemporary architectural practice. Year one covers: foundational principles in space-making; material expression; brief writing; contextual research; and the role of the humanities in the design process.
More details

Year 2

In Year 2, the multi-layered nature of the design process is explored, and urban theory and specialised sustainability knowledge is applied to design projects, transforming the aesthetic concepts of the first year into the techno-cultural strategies used by professionals.  More details

Year 3

In Year 3, you will begin to formulate your individual position on contemporary architecture and urbanism. More details