Application and Selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

As well as having the required grades, you must have attended a UK state school/college and meet at least one of the following personal background criteria:

  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you live in an area where people are less likely to go to university - check your postcode
  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you have spent more than three months in public care or as a looked-after child.
  • You will be over 21 years old when you begin your course and have not been in full time education for at least three years.
  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you are the first generation in your family to enter higher education. (This means none of your parents step-parents, or guardians have any higher education qualifications such as a degree, diploma or certificate of higher education).
  • You have refugee status from the Home Office.

The Foundation Year is part of the Manchester Metropolitan and The University of Manchester's commitment to widening participation in higher education.

The course is open to UK applicants only.

We welcome applicants with alternative qualifications or experience - please contact us to discuss your situation.

UCAS course code

K101

Use the University of Manchester (M20) institution code.

Interview requirements

None

Portfolio requirements

We would like you to submit your portfolio and statement as a single pdf file uploaded to Manchester Self-service.

How to prepare your file

  • To submit your portfolio file please follow these instructions:
  • When you have constructed your portfolio, check to make sure that it is correct and that all the images and information can be viewed clearly.
  • The maximum pdf file size of your portfolio should be 20mb
  • Title your portfolio with your 10-digit UCAS number (eg. 1234567899) and make sure you do not include any spaces, punctuation or symbols eg. [ ] or any non-standard characters such as accented letters or those from different alphabets such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian etc.
  • Please do NOT password protect your portfolio.

To upload your portfolio:

  • Log in to Self-Service using your university username and password. (If you have not done so already, you will need to complete IT Sign Up via via https://iam.manchester.ac.uk/ to obtain these details.)
  • Click the Tasks tile which will take you into your To Do List.
  • Select Portfolio and then Upload file.
  • On the File Attachment page, click Add and then My Device to browse to your saved PDF file.
  • After selecting this, click Upload and then Done once complete.
  • Select Portfolio as the Attachment Type.
  • Click Save.

Please note that failure to submit the portfolio by the due date in your To Do list may result in your application being unsuccessful.

If you have any questions or difficulties putting together or uploading your portfolio, please contact msa.portfolios@manchester.ac.uk

We only use the information you send us as part of the admissions process for the Manchester School of Architecture.

Disability Support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Entry Requirements (2025 Entry)

A-level

BBB.

A mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.

We do not require a pass in the Science Practical Assessment.

See personal background eligibility criteria .

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall. 5,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.

The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.

Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Scottish requirements

Scottish requirements

We normally require grades BBBBB in Scottish Highers.

Applicants presenting a combination of Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are welcomed and should contact the academic school directly to discuss their portfolio of qualifications.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

We require minimum grade B from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

European Baccalaureate

European Baccalaureate

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

AQA Baccalaureate

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

Foundation year

International Foundation years will not be considered for admission to BA Architecture with Foundation Year.

If you are studying a Foundation year based in the UK please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to for guidance about the acceptability of this qualification.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma in a relevant subject area with grades DDM.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a relevant subject area. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an A-level at grade B.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a relevant subject area. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades BB.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grades BB.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades BB.

Other

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit in either a Humanities based subject or Construction/Engineering.

The specific course requirements are 60 credits are required with 45 at level 3 and 30 credits at Distinction and the remaining 15 credits at merit grade. We also consider other factors such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects are expected to achieve M1, M1, M2.

Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A-levels are expected to achieve a combination of M2 in the Pre-U certificates and grades BB at A-level in three distinct subjects.

T Level

T Level

If you are studying T levels please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to for guidance about the acceptability of this qualification.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement.

Core Maths

Core Maths

The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make.

However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics.

Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.

A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.

Home-schooled applicants

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.

We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.

If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.

Non-standard educational routes

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.

Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Further information for mature students can be found here .

Tuition Fees (2025 Entry)

Foundation year students

UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). On progression to any linked degree course, the standard UK and Channel Islands tuition fee would apply. For 2025/26, this is £9,535 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.

EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £31,500 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)

Additional information

A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,905 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.

Additional Costs

Specialist Costs

£80* plus optional £500*

An £80 Materials Fee is a compulsory cost to cover basic studio materials and paper throughout the year. This Materials fee will give tutors freedom to purchase resources for class (such as card for models, paper for drawings etc).

There are costs associated with producing a portfolio such as printing and a portfolio case, as well as materials for models and specialist clothing for site visits. Some students may also wish to have their own laptop and books. However, it is possible to work on university machines and to hire cameras, thus alleviating the costs incurred on some of these items. Estimated costs are approximately £300-£500 for a PC laptop and up to £100 for books and printing. The vast majority of relevant software is free to download by student licences. Campus printing starts from 5p per page.

The manner in which items are acquired can result in significant savings, e.g. the re-use and recycling of available materials in the production of models. All materials, printing (2D, 3D), laser cutting etc. are charged at a cost within the institution although many materials are recycled to avoid unnecessary costs.

Other Costs

£100* plus optional £500*

Study trips are likely to be UK based. A UK trip may cost between £100-200 including travel, food and accommodation. The anticipated cost of a European study trip is in the area of £400-500 inclusive of travel, accommodation and subsistence (plus any relevant visa costs). All overnight / residential trips will not be compulsory and an alternative will be offered.

* All amounts shown are estimates.

Financial Support

All students on the Foundation course will receive a one-off £1000 bursary to support course costs. This is managed by MMU.

As part of our ongoing commitment to widening participation, the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) also offers a Student Financial Support Package amounting to £750 for those with a household income of £25,000 or less as a contribution to aid you with some of the costs of getting started at university. This is managed by MMU, see further information here .

Additionally, you might be eligible for further scholarships offered by the University of Manchester. For more information, please see our undergraduate finance pages .

Course Enquiries

If you have any questions about the BA (Hons) Architecture course or the application process please contact the Admissions team at:

ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk