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Your first three years at MSA give you a thorough insight into how architects work. It can prepare you for your year out in an architectural practice, which you must do before you continue on to your Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), or lets you take relevant, creative skills into the workplace.

Key Facts

  • The School of Architecture is rated 7th in the UK in The Times Good University Guide for 2009.
  • Strong links with architectural practice in the Northwest and architectural practitioners involved with the teaching.
  • The course is jointly run by MMU and the University of Manchester. You will benefit from the considerable resources and expertise in teaching and research available in both institutions and receive an award from both institutions.

You will study

Year 1 gives you the opportunity to develop your architectural creative process through a series of studio design projects and skills workshops. The emphasis is on helping you begin to develop a way of thinking, working and designing as an individual designer with an understanding of human nature and spatial experience.

During Year 2 you will further develop your design processes and critical thinking skills. Your skills will be tested through various projects using your own design solutions. You will gain an increased awareness of architecture within both rural and urban contexts.

By Year 3 you will identify what contemporary architecture means to you. You will establish your theoretical position through a variety of projects leading to one major project where your design initiative and intuition is needed to formulate and communicate your architectural designs.

Assessment

Assessment is by project review, assignments, essays and written examinations.

Professional Recognition

Architecture education consists of five years of full-time study divided between two degrees. These are the three year BA (Hons) in Architecture followed by the two year BArch degree, which carry exemption from the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 1 and Part 2 respectively. On graduation from the BA, you normally undertake a year of professional experience in an architectural office under the direction of the School. This first experience of practice prepares you for your architectural education in BArch.

Career Opportunities

Graduates go on to work as architects for leading architectural and design practices. Alternatively, opportunities exist to undertake research for further postgraduate degrees.

Location

All Saints, Manchester and University of Manchester

Mode

A three years full-time course

Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff Points
A2 grades AAA. General Studies not accepted.
Specific Subjects
BTEC National Diploma DDD. GCSE grade C in English Language and Mathematics. A mixture of science/mathematics and humanities/arts subjects is preferred at A2.
International Baccalaureate
36 points
Specific Requirements
Drawing test.

    How to Apply

    Applications for the BA (Hons) Architecture course are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The UCAS code is K100.

    For the UCAS institution code you can use either M20 for the University of Manchester or M40 for the Manchester Metropolitan University. The university that you select makes no difference in the consideration of your application and your final degree will be awarded jointly by both universities. However, you should not apply to both M20 and M40.

    Enquiries

    Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 6923
    Email: sed.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

    Frequently asked questions

    Where is the course based?

    The Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) is a joint school of the University of Manchester & the Manchester Metropolitan University. You will have registration status at both institutions and your degree certificate will be endorsed by both.

    Does it matter where I apply?

    No, all applications are treated equally. Therefore, if you enter both institutions on your UCAS form (M20 & M40) for the K100 course you will have wasted one of your choices.

    Do you interview candidates?

    No - we have discovered by experience that we cannot predict which candidates will be good at architecture by interviewing, so we have stopped doing it.

    What about Mature Students?

    The School welcomes applications from candidates of all ages. Work/life experience can be considered for mature applicants without formal qualifications; we do, however, require a pass in GCSE English & Maths.

    How many places are there?

    There will be places for 140 Home/EU students in the First Year. You must try to submit your application by the 15th January UCAS deadline. Applications received after this date will be stamped as 'Post 15 Jan' and considered at our discretion.

    When can I look around?

    Come to one of our Open Days at either the University of Manchester or the Manchester Metropolitan University. Due to the popularity of the course, it is not possible to arrange tours of the school on an individual basis. If you decide to make an independent visit our Admissions Officer will happily answer any questions if she is available.

    All UK based applicants who receive an offer will be invited to a specific course Open Day - we will normally hold about four a year.

    What grades do I need?

    Most successful candidates achieve AAA at A-level, or 36 points at International Baccalaureate, or some equivalent standard.

    What subjects should I study at A level?

    Many candidates offer Art A-level, but it is not essential. Applicants often mix arts and science subjects such as Art, Maths and a language, but Maths, Physics & Chemistry is perfectly acceptable as would be History, English & Religious Studies. However candidates who combine Art with Design-Technology for two of their three A levels or who offer sports-science or similar put themselves at a disadvantage.

    Do I need to submit a portfolio?

    No - but we may require you to do a drawing test.

    What is the drawing test?

    Because Architecture at Manchester is a design-oriented course most candidates will be asked to supply samples of their drawings by post. We will write to you requesting six A4 drawings with hints on what to draw.

    Where can I find a Hall of Residence?

    All student accommodation will be provided by The University of Manchester.

    Where can I find out more?

    Refer to the university websites (www.manchester.ac.uk or www.mmu.ac.uk ) for information on accommodation, tuition fees and general information about student life.