Course summary

Architecture is a fascinating subject involving wide-ranging academic, practical and vocational activities. It requires creativity and imagination as well as the inventive employment of environmental and technical knowledge. Architecture is normally studied with a view to becoming a professional architect, however, embracing the fields of art, history and science, it is also an excellent vehicle for further academic study at postgraduate level in different disciplines, and other forms of career development. At the heart of the course is a rich choice of different design studios in which students are taught in small groups by current practitioners – reflecting London’s dynamic architecture scene. There are also lecture courses in environmental and technical studies, history and theory of architecture, as well as numerous opportunities to engage with the architecture profession through construction site visits, internships, mentoring and a work placement. Field trips are offered in Year 2 and 3 and there are opportunities to study abroad in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and China. Architectural design is taught twice a week in small groups or studios led by a tutor, with a second tutor and (in Year 1) a post-graduate student in support. In second and third year, students can choose from a broad range of studios, each offering a particular approach to design or engagement in current issues. Studio teaching involves workshops, site and building visits and group research, with individual tutorials and 'crits' in which each student’s work is presented to their fellow students, tutors and guest critics and practitioners. The projects increase in scale and complexity through the course. In Year 1, students focus on learning fundamental design skills through on-site sketching, building visits, architectural drawing, modelling, photography, digital/CAD and fabrication lab investigation of materials. In Year 2, students’ design projects extend in ambition and detail, and engage with the environmental impact of architecture, and its response to it site and context. In Year 3, students’ studies culminate in a major design project, which is exhibited as part of the annual summer exhibition, and which forms the basis of a graduate’s portfolio for employment in an architectural practice as a 'Part 1 year-out' assistant, as well as further study.