Course summary

Architecture shapes the world around us. It reflects our societies and communities, and influences the way we think and feel. Architecture dominates our skyline, transforms our cities, changes the way we live and work and becomes part of our narrative. Learn how to design buildings and make spaces for people in a creative and environmentally responsible way. The Architecture degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University is informed by the tradition and heritage of a school of art and design, and by the contemporary creative use of cutting-edge technology, exploring the relationship of human experiences with architecture. The course aims to establish a creative dialogue between different areas of architectural knowledge: design, representation, technology, contextual studies and professional practice. You will develop your understanding of these thematic areas and their integration through engagement in projects of increasing difficulty. This will allow you to formulate architectural proposals that are spatially and technically resolved, with a robust theoretical basis. You will also learn how to effectively communicate your proposals within a professional context, through a range of media. Finally, the course places special emphasis on the architect’s responsibility in tackling contemporary problems of environmental concern, at the global and local scales (such as the climate emergency). You will be actively encouraged to develop critical perspectives on how knowledge and creativity can be used together to arrive at design solutions that have the potential to render buildings, neighbourhoods or cities more sustainable in the short and long term. There will be opportunities to engage in real-world activities, including work with local communities and employers, as well as chances to experience other cultures – and their architecture – through overseas study trips. The BA (Hons) Architecture at Cardiff Met has been prescribed as a Part 1 qualification by the ARB (Architects Registration Board), the body that regulates the architects’ profession in the UK. Upon successful completion of this programme, you will gain exemption from the ARB's Prescribed Examination at Part 1, the first step towards becoming a registered architect.