Architecture (BSc/MArch)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.

 

The BSc is a three-year full-time modular course. Core modules vary in size from 10 to 70 credits. You need to earn 120 credits a year.

 

The MArch is a two-year second degree. The first year is spent mainly in architectural practice. It includes short courses in the School and a modular structure of associated coursework. The second year is taught in the School and is, again, modular, involving a major Design Thesis and a Dissertation.

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
The modules in year one set a foundation for your development across all parts of the architectural curriculum, with the exception of economic and professional studies. There are studio based modules dedicated to architectural design and design principles and methods, lecture-based modules dedicated to architectural technology and the history and theory of architecture. A study visit to a major city occupies one week in the second term. In recent years students have visited Paris, Barcelona and Copenhagen.

 

Year two
Currently in the first term you would work in the studio on concepts of “making place” through the medium of a sustainable housing project. In the second term the projects address broader challenges, applying analysis of an existing settlement to a proposal for a small public building and attached public space.

 

Other modules in year two address issues of digital design and the physical and cultural context of architecture viewed through the research interests of the School’s staff and visiting lecturers.

 

We also aim to develop a thorough understanding of domestic and medium-span buildings, and to equip you with techniques to evaluate and predict the environmental performance of your designs.

 

As in year one, we will usually take a week-long study visit to a major city.

 

Year three
In the third year studio programme you will choose to work in one of a range of ‘units’. Each unit comprises a group of students, who work on the same architectural brief over the course of the year, supported by the tutors who devised that brief. The year starts with a master planning exercise embracing the broader context of site. The second term focuses on the design of a specific architectural proposal within this broader context.

 

The third year study visit serves as a preparatory stage to introduce the aim of second-term project.

 

Lecture-based modules continue to develop your understanding of technical, cultural and digital studies established in earlier years, while introducing topics such as practice management and economics.

 

Year four
The first year of the MArch – the Year of Education in Practice – is mainly spent working in architectural practice, whilst pursuing associated coursework modules.

 

Though you will be based full-time in an architect’s office, contact with the School is maintained. You are normally visited by a representative of the School and also return to the School for a number of short courses, which address aspects of architectural design and technology, research and cultural studies, professional practice and building economics. These are timed to allow those students wishing to work abroad to do so with the minimum of disruption and additional travel costs. During the year a design project is set, and you will also be expected to reflect on your learning in practice and undertake preliminary work related to a dissertation.

 

Year five
The second year of the MArch is spent full-time in the School and aims to take you to an advanced level of architectural research and design. It offers an intense and lively forum for the exploration and discussion of issues in contemporary architecture and urbanism and includes modules in building economics and professional practice.

 

The focus of year five is the Design Thesis, which asks you to define and establish your own position in architectural design, while meeting the requirements of the RIBA/ARB Part 2 syllabus. The thesis is structured around thematic studios, or ‘units’ – led by design tutors who have expertise and interest in specific areas of research and/ or practice. The themes are often related to areas of research expertise within the School.

 

The year also includes a 10,000-word Dissertation on a topic for which you undertake preparatory research during the Year in Practice. You are encouraged to relate this research, where possible, to your Design Thesis. You are supported in its development by dedicated members of staff within the School.

A level
AAA-AAB. Must include Biology (or Human Biology) or Chemistry.

 

You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.

 

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

 

International Baccalaureate
36-34 overall or 666 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Biology or Chemistry. 

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

Our graduates are mainly employed in the civil and structural engineering fields with major consultancy and contracting firms, with roles such as graduate civil or structural engineer or building design engineer.

 

Our graduates are typically employed in major companies such as Arup, Atkins, Capita Symonds and Ramboll, in destinations all over the UK and further afield. We also have graduates working for architectural and building services practices.

 

A number of graduates have opted for further study, either at MSc or PhD level, at institutions across the UK.

 

Others have chosen to work for national and multinational companies. Recent examples include companies in the financial, media and marketing sectors with destinations including Deloitte, PwC and Virgin.