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What next for you? > BA (Hons) Architecture > BA (Hons) Architecture
BA (Hons) Architecture
Architecture is a creative and exciting profession combining art, philosophy, science, technology and ecology to solve the problems of our built environment. Homes, offices, art galleries, airports, stadia and the building in which you are reading this have all been designed by architects.
BA (Hons) Architecture aims to prepare you for a position in the field of architecture and its allied professions.
Architecture is much more than simply providing good building design; this course will give you an understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of architecture. You will cover in depth the design of buildings, the technical aspects of construction and how architecture relates to people and how they live.
You will also discover how to effectively communicate your architectural ideas through written and spoken briefs, reports, drawings, models and CAD.
Level 1
In level 1, you will be introduced to architectural design processes and cover a range of key topics including the underpinning skills and theory. You will study a range of key areas including:
the history and theory of architecture; understanding structures and materials; design skills and methodologies; using computer technologies and CAD; and 2D and 3D communications and representation.
Level 2
In level 2 of the course, the experience shifts towards interpretation and the application of the skills acquired in level 1 in the creative process.
You will undertake increasingly challenging projects and specialist briefs that introduce the commercial and wider cultural aspects of architecture. Subject areas may include:
urban environment design and its impact; reinterpreting and reworking existing buildings; introducing new builds; understanding market factors; and advanced computation and regulatory frameworks.
Level 3
In level 3, you will build on the practical and theoretical elements gained in levels 2 and 3 through the medium of an agreed self-initiated project.
This approach will help prepare you for work in an architectural practice. You will be encouraged to enter national and international design competitions and create a professional portfolio.
Programme Specification
Click here for the full programme specification.
Contextual studies, and enterprise and entrepreneurship
The adaptability necessary to succeed as a design or media specialist comes not only from deep disciplinary knowledge. Graduates also need a breadth of knowledge and skills which some commentators have referred to as being ‘T-Shaped’. These additional skills include the ability to work with and increasingly work across disciplines, entrepreneurial attitudes and a knowledge of the business contexts in which they will operate. All undergraduate Ravensbourne programmes incorporate curriculum and learning activities designed to develop these skills in our students. Cross-disciplinary collaborative projects offer students the opportunity to work in teams with other disciplines.
The course structure draws on the creative synergies and frictions of the different disciplines at Ravensbourne and provides physical and intellectual opportunities for students to meet, learn and work together with students from different disciplines.
Students study subject specialist units, shared units and core units. Subject specialist units focus on subject specialist methodologies, technologies and processes and offer project-based learning that simulates contemporary professional practice.
Shared units are units which bring together courses in analogous specialist subject areas and allow students to gain skills common across these specialist subject areas, or to develop skills complimentary to those of the other specialisms and to work together on collaborative projects in the kinds of interdisciplinary teams common in industry. They therefore begin to introduce students to the real world context of specialism, a world where inevitably specialists work in inter-disciplinary teams.
Core units provide fundamental knowledge, skills and contexts which we believe are necessary for all the creative professionals who graduate from Ravensbourne and set students up with a model of the types of knowledge they will need continuously to update throughout their careers. Core units equip students with the ideation, visualisation and communication skills required in the creative process characteristic of design and media industries and common across our disciplines. They also provide the conceptual skills, theoretical frameworks and professional contexts necessary for students to position their work and develop their professional identity. Additionally, they ensure that students gain the promotional, marketing and enterprise skills necessary to make success happen in the real world.
Three years full-time
Ravensbourne’s BA (Hons) Architecture course is available as a full time three-year course.
Assessment
You will be continually assessed through the completion of practical and written work including essays, analysis, individual and group presentations, critical self and peer-evaluation, practical and technical tests, and the completion of individual and team projects.
Learning and support
You will learn through a mixture of problem-based learning, design studio tutoring and traditional teaching. Our innovative approach to learning puts architecture into a wider professional context that places technology and the environment alongside client needs. You will be guided by professionally qualified and experienced teaching staff and visiting speakers from industry.
Laptops
You are required to own or have access to a laptop from the beginning of your studies. Laptops are an essential tool to support personalised learning and give you access, when and where you want it, to many of the creative tools and educational resources you will encounter during your studies.
Laptops are used extensively in all of our courses. You will need one to access our network, and to research, communicate and collaborate during your studies.
Career prospects
As an architect, you will be involved in the design of quality environments in which people live, work and relax. There are many different architectural specialities and you could find yourself involved in urban design, environmental research, building conservation, heritage matters or community development.
Course Duration
Three years full-time
Entry requirements
Students will normally be expected to possess five GCSEs (grade C or above) or equivalent (including English and Mathematics) and also to hold at least one of the following or equivalent UK or international qualification:
• 2 A levels (grades A-C) or 4 AS levels (grades A-C)
• 2 vocational A level (grades A-C)
• Level 3 Foundation Diploma or National Diploma
• Advanced Diploma (grades A-C)
• International Baccalaureate (28 points or above)
How to apply
UCAS code: K100 (3 year route)
Institution: RAVEN R06
Progression
Successful completion of this course can lead to postgraduate degrees in MA Architecture and MA Environment Design.
Fees
£8,300 per year
Validated by
City University London
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