Manchester School of Architecture is an innovative collaboration between The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. The Foundation course provides you with an ideal transition between School and University or as part of a career change if you wish to study architecture but do not hold the formal entry requirements to enter an honours programme directly. The Foundation course will provide an accessible transition to University-level study, help you develop design portfolios and provide insight into architecture as a career path. You will benefit from the expertise of specialist practitioners and lecturers who provide you with a supportive environment to develop the fundamental skills needed to embark on a career in the field. The foundation programme will prepare you for undergraduate study in architecture at Manchester School of Architecture. We will help you develop your personal and academic skills, expose you to various communication and presentation techniques, show you how to understand and analyse project briefs and conceptualise design solutions, as well as giving you an insight into the practice of architecture. The programme culminates in an architectural design studio project providing excellent preparation for learning at degree level.You will be fully immersed into life at Manchester School of Architecture; working with fellow students when the opportunities arise and culminating your studies with a design studio project which relates to those undertaken by current students. 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.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: K101

Institution code:: M20

Campus name:: Main Site

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BBB

BBB. A mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts subjects is preferred, but not essential. Art or Fine Art A-levels are particularly welcomed; however, please note that applicants with three arts-based subjects (for example, Art, Graphics and 3D Design, or Art, Photography and Design and Technology), or a BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design will not be considered as meeting our entry requirements. We do not require a pass in the Science Practical Assessment.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

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.

Scottish Higher

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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Scottish Advanced Higher

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

32 points overall. 5,5,5 in Higher Level subjects. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019. 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

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.

Extended Project

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M1, M1, M2

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.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/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.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - DD

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - DD

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

T Level - Not accepted

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6	6.0 overall with 6.0 in each component.

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: - GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4. - IELTS 6.0 overall, with no other sub-section below 6.0. - An acceptable equivalent qualification 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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For entry in 2024 the tuition fees were £9,250 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2025 entry.

Provider information

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University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL

Course contact details

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Directorate for the Student Experience

[email protected]

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Degree level: Undergraduate

Awarded by: Manchester Metropolitan University

Architecture with Foundation Year

Course options

Open days

Course summary