Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £9,535 per year
International/EU: £17,155 per year (£1,200 for placement year) -
How long will I study?
3 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
AA13
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Position yourself at the forefront of environmental building design and creative thinking
- Hone your design, drawing and modelling skills in in state-of-the-art design studios
- Work on real-world projects across diverse landscapes and architectural challenges
- Take on placement opportunities to gain real-world experience with UK-leading architectural practices
- Join a forward-thinking community of architects who are socially aware, environmentally focused and digitally prepared
With an emphasis on applied learning, this BArch Architecture course will help you develop your potential and achieve your goals, so you can shape the future of architecture.
Accredited by
This course is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects Registration Board.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Our academics bring a wealth of professional experience, cutting-edge knowledge and research into our studios. We also have a great team of visiting lecturers from some of the UK’s prestigious architectural practices.
In our workshop spaces you’ll have support from specialist technicians. Here you’ll have access to a range of design software, modelling equipment and digital fabrication machines.
You learn through:
- Small group seminars
- Studio design tutorials
- Lectures
- Workshop practicals
- Coursework
- Design portfolio assessments
- Physical model assessments
- Illustrated reports
- Essays
- Placement opportunities
- Verbal presentations
Assessment briefs throughout the course are designed to support and encourage individual and diverse exploration, set against common learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Key themes
This course provides a collaborative, practical and applied learning experience at all levels, bridging the gap between your studies and real-world situations. Sustainable design practices are embedded across all years of study, exposing you to current global issues and fostering innovative and experimental approaches to building design.
To support your transition into higher education, our Introduction to Architecture module is seen as an extended induction to the course. Immerse yourself in the captivating context of architecture's culture, history, and theories – to inspire your own design projects.
You’ll develop practical and technical skills – including proficiency in a range of modelling software, from Computer Aided Design (CAD) to Building Information Modelling (BIM). These tools enable you to explore designs and create data-rich environments, enhancing your capabilities as an architect.
You’ll engage in team-based projects within the design studio environment, with an opportunity to work across disciplines in an innovative collaborative project module. You’ll also work with real clients on design projects, allowing you to hone your practical skills and make tangible contributions to the world.
Course support
At every level of study, students are given the opportunity to thrive, culturally, personally and professionally. Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Free access to office and studio space, expert workshops, freelance opportunities and a vast business network ready for you to tap into
Course leaders and tutors
Laura Pedata
Lecturer in Environmental ArchitectureStaff profile for Laura Pedata, Lecturer in Environmental Architecture
Applied learning
Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
You’ll apply a wide range of practical abilities and knowledge to real-world situations, developing independent and creative decision-making skills.
Live projects
You’ll apply your knowledge, skills and research in studio design projects, with increasing challenges from year to year.
You’ll creatively engage with diverse scenarios, contexts, clients and live project briefs. Communication and collaboration are fundamental to both studio learning and architectural practice. You’ll cultivate ethical approaches to architectural practice through research, history and theory modules – exploring social and political issues across a range of design projects.
You’ll gain a strong repertoire of skills using industry-standard digital software – from CAD to digital modelling, environmental simulation and graphic presentation.
Field trips
Connect theory to experiential learning with opportunities for European and UK trips, site and building visits, and studying abroad.
Previous destinations have included renowned architectural cities such as Rotterdam, Rome, Venice, Barcelona and Berlin. UK visits have included London, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol.
Networking opportunities
You’ll gain professional engagement and real-world learning from guest speakers, practising tutors, and a short work placement in your final year.
We’ll encourage you to take on extra-curricular activities to raise your profile and gain confidence, including design competitions, exhibitions and networking events.
There’s also a chance to attend and exhibit at Future Now. This is Sheffield’s festival of creativity – where we ask emerging creatives to show us the future through exhibitions, events, performances and screenings.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Architecture
- Other design focused professions
- Construction
- Digital design and management
- Environmental consultancy
- Project or design management
- Property development
- Teaching in colleges or universities
- Third-sector and charitable organisations
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- Foster + Partners
- Glen Howells Architects
- Hawkins\Brown
- Mae Architects
- Fielden Clegg Bradley
- Simpson Haugh
- Cullinan Studio
- BDP
- Purcell Architects
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want.
On this course you will have access to:
- Dedicated design studio spaces, open seven days a week
- State-of-the-art design spaces with drawing boards, model storage and desktop computers
- Architecture labs which include digital fabrication tools, 3D printer laser cutters, analogue tools, environmental simulation software, BIM and CAD software
- the Adsetts Learning Centre, a 24/7 library with additional resources for academic support
- IT support and access to all necessary software
- technical equipment loans, analogue and digital workshop facilities and specialist advice from technicians
Media Gallery
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Architecture classroom -
Architecture workshop -
Architecture designs -
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Architecture drawing -
Architecture model -
Architecture sketch
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 128
This must include at least 64 points from 2 A Levels or equivalent BTEC qualifications. We accept General Studies. For example:
- ABB at A Level.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Distinction overall from a T level qualification
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and General Studies.
We make you a lower offer after reviewing your portfolio at a selection event.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade C or 4
• Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) - distinction
• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant QAA accredited course
All applications are welcome. We follow a flexible and inclusive process when making offers.
At the initial stage of making your application you will receive one of the following decisions.
- Conditional offer you must meet specific conditions, which may be academic and/or non-academic conditions before you can be accepted on the course. If the conditions are met, the offer becomes unconditional.
- Unconditional offer this is made when you have met the specific conditions we've asked for.
- Unsuccessful we are not able to offer you a place on the course. We do not feel that you have demonstrated the necessary skills or experience to be successful at this time; however this does not prevent you from applying in future, should you undertake further study or develop your skills and experience. For individual feedback on the decision you can contact feedbackrequests@shu.ac.uk.
All applicants who are made a conditional or unconditional offer at the application stage will be invited to a course discussion with a member of our architecture staff. You will have the option of an online discussion or on campus discussion. There are a range of dates to choose from.
You will be sent a selection of up to date course information with the invite to attend a course discussion. If you received a conditional offer, you should prepare a portfolio of work for the discussion. Your portfolio should demonstrate your creative potential. It should demonstrate your imagination, originality and enthusiasm and show you to be someone with a good range of skills in graphic communication and may contain sketching, drawing, painting, photography, 3d work.
Attendance at the course discussion is fully optional, but it does provide you with the chance to receive a reduced UCAS point offer
The discussion is an opportunity for you to find out more about the course and for us to get to know you as an individual.
We also consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience will also be considered
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
We welcome applications from people of any age. Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 at the point of enrolment.
All of our decisions will be communicated via UCAS Track, so please check your account regularly.
Portfolios for international applicants
International applicants will be invited to submit a digital portfolio after we receive your application. It must contain no more than 10 pages and must not exceed 3MB in overall size. You must rely on your creativity and graphic judgement. You can present more than one piece on each portfolio page.
Some international applicants will also be invited for an online interview.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Environmental Architecture Design Project 1: People, Space And Place
Environmental Architecture Design Project 2: Dwelling And Climate
Histories And Theories Of Architecture 1
Introduction To Architecture
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Collaborative Project
Environmental Architecture Design Project 3: Community And Place
Environmental Architecture Design Project 4: City
Histories And Theories Of Architecture 2
Final year
Compulsory modules
Environmental Architecture Design Project 5: Landscape
Environmental Architecture Design Project 6: Civic
Histories And Theories Of Architecture 3
Professional Practice With Short Placement
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 153.7KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
