BA (Hons), BSc (Hons) Architecture

Our architecture studios are exciting, creative places with industry-standard equipment. Here, our experts will deliver a learner-centred and research-led approach to architecture.

You’ll become skilled in developing design concepts, experimenting with different media, and representing your ideas through drawings, physical and digital models.

But you won’t be restricted to the studio. You’ll go on site visits so you can analyse the language and style of buildings, their construction, and see projects taking shape in real life. Together, we’ll explore building design, ‘buildability’ and sustainability.

There’s also an optional European field trip each year, to cities such as Lisbon, Venice, Rome and Vienna. It’s a great chance to explore how architecture contributes to shaping our urban life.

Your future career is important so you’ll learn about the construction business and project management. We have a network of visiting designers, artists, historians and theorists who deliver workshops, lectures and tutorials. You can also choose to take a placement as part of your BA (Hons) Architecture degree, and gain industry experience.

We make sure your course is relevant to the real world, by helping you to engage ethically, politically, and sustainably with the changing landscape of the built environment, better preparing you for the world of work.

At ARU, we believe it's important to recognise our students' hard work. That's why, at the end of each academic year, we showcase and celebrate your achievements with an End of Year Show.

When you complete your degree course, you will have fulfilled the first part of the three-part process to become a registered architect in the UK.

On our BA (Hons) route, you'll study Level 4, 5 and 6 modules over three years in Chelmsford. You have the option to take a foundation (Level 3) course at ARU College in Cambridge for a year before starting the main part of the course.

On our BSc (Hons) route, you'll take a Level 3 foundation year at ARU College in Cambridge, then transfer to Chelmsford where you'll take Level 4 modules in your second year. If you pass these modules, you'll be eligible to transfer to Year 2 (Level 5) of the BA course. If you are not eligible, you'll continue on the BSc, taking our Level 5 modules in your third year.

Our ARB prescribed Architecture course has also been awarded RIBA Part 1 Full Status, unconditionally. This is subject to ratification by the RIBA Education Committee. This gives further credibility to our degrees and offers greater career prospects to our students.

Get an international experience

Going to university can offer you a series of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. As part of your course, you could study abroad with one of our short-term Global Experience programmes. Opportunities include summer schools and placements, lasting from one to four weeks and funded by ARU’s UK Turing Scheme grants.