Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £15,860 per year
Employability
100% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating (2019/20 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Course summary
- Study a pioneering course in the field of sustainable architecture and design.
- Realise your creative potential to evolve environmental and sustainable architecture for the 21st Century.
- Explore social and political issues of architecture through design projects set within a broad range of rural and urban contexts.
- Study the culture, history and theory of architecture to inform your design projects.
- Learn digital modelling and CAD to the most up-to-date industry standards.
On this course, you'll join a highly-regarded and successful department, developing a range of practical and technical skills. You'll learn to think creatively and communicate effectively on a range of exciting projects — preparing you for your future career.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Design projects are the core of the course, and a significant part of teaching takes part in the design studio.
You will learn to conceptualise, analyse and develop your creative imagination, applying this to design problems which increase in complexity throughout the course. Design projects simulate the real-world skills used in architectural practice.
Year 1 has a small-scale and domestic focus with an emphasis on environmental principles and three-dimensional investigation through making and drawing.
Year 2 has a larger urban scale and international focus and is designed to expand knowledge, imagination, confidence and skills. The year is centred on a European field trip.
Year 3 has a strong social and environmental focus with design projects located in the UK.
You learn through:
- weekly studio-based design tutorials
- lectures and seminars
- practical workshops
- field trips within the UK and Europe
- digital classes
- visits to important architecture and places
- visits to current architectural practices
- lectures and talks from practicing architects
- specialist consultants from industry
You may also be able to work or study abroad with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.
Course leaders and tutors
Oli Cunningham
BSc (Hons) Architecture Course LeaderI am a qualified architect with extensive experience in both practice and education. I joined Sheffield Hallam University in 2016 and currently lead the first year o … Read more
Applied learning
Project-based learning
All three years of the course are structured around applied learning. This links your studies to real-world situations.
The course seeks to train architects who care about people and the environment, and who appreciate how architecture can have a positive impact on society. Modules in the history and theory of architecture look deep into social and cultural issues, and help to explain how architecture is connected to them. Design projects then apply this knowledge and understanding.
A range of software is used for Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), which together allow exploration of the design and the creation of a data-rich environment.
Environmental emphasis
The curriculum specialises in environmental design and introduces fundamental knowledge of environmental science and low-energy design across all three years.
We use software that allows the environmental quality and energy performance of buildings to be simulated and tested — this is then used to inform studio design projects. Environmental simulation tools are also used to test 3D proposals in a variety of ways.
Field trips
Field study trips within the UK and Europe broaden your understanding of architecture within contemporary contexts, and prepare you for a variety of scenarios which you will find in practice.
Extracurricular activities, organised with our active architecture student society (SHarc), include hands-on workshops and a guest lecture series where students invite practitioners to discuss current issues and concerns.
Networking opportunities
Employers and practitioners are invited as studio tutors or visiting lecturers to engage with students.
We have strong connections with regional and national practices, which allow for excellent employment opportunities. This is aided by industry employer events, such as our end of year exhibition preview, and is aided further by a dedicated employability team. In Year 3 you will undertake 120 hours of work experience to support your future career.
You'll also work with students from our overseas partner universities to work collaboratively on the same project.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career as
- an architect
- in your own company as a chartered architect
- in architecture practices in the private and public sector in the UK, Europe and internationally
- construction companies
- digital design and management
- environmental consultants
- construction project management or design management
- property development
- teaching in colleges or universities
- third sector and charitable organisations
Accreditation
This course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board for exemption from RIBA Part 1 examinations.
Learn more about your department
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work with and have access to
- fully equipped design studios with extended access in the evenings and weekends
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) software
- Building Information Modelling (BIM) software
- energy and environmental modelling software
- modelling workshops with laser cutters, 3D printers and a range of woodworking and metal working tools
- Adobe Suite software (including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) image and movie editing software
- rendering software including Rhino and Grasshopper.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 128
This must include at least 64 points from 2 A Levels or equivalent BTEC qualifications. We accept General Studies. For example:
- ABB at A Level.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and General Studies.
We make you a lower offer after reviewing your portfolio at a selection event.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
- Maths at grade C or 4
• Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) - distinction
• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 from a relevant QAA accredited course
All applications are welcome. We follow a flexible and inclusive process when making offers.
At the initial stage of making your application you will receive one of the following decisions.
- Conditional offer you must meet specific conditions, which may be academic and/or non-academic conditions before you can be accepted on the course. If the conditions are met, the offer becomes unconditional.
- Unconditional offer this is made when you have met the specific conditions we've asked for.
- Unsuccessful we are not able to offer you a place on the course. We do not feel that you have demonstrated the necessary skills or experience to be successful at this time; however this does not prevent you from applying in future, should you undertake further study or develop your skills and experience. For individual feedback on the decision you can contact feedbackrequests@shu.ac.uk.
All applicants who are made a conditional or unconditional offer at the application stage will be invited to a course discussion with a member of our architecture staff. You will have the option of an online discussion or on campus discussion. There are a range of dates to choose from.
You will be sent a selection of up to date course information with the invite to attend a course discussion. If you received a conditional offer, you should prepare a portfolio of work for the discussion. Your portfolio should demonstrate your creative potential. It should demonstrate your imagination, originality and enthusiasm and show you to be someone with a good range of skills in graphic communication and may contain sketching, drawing, painting, photography, 3d work.
Attendance at the course discussion is fully optional, but it does provide you with the chance to receive a reduced UCAS point offer
The discussion is an opportunity for you to find out more about the course and for us to get to know you as an individual.
We also consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience will also be considered
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent.
Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
We welcome applications from people of any age. Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 at the point of enrolment.
All of our decisions will be communicated via UCAS Track, so please check your account regularly.
Portfolios for international applicants
International applicants will be invited to submit a digital portfolio after we receive your application. Your portfolio should aim to cover the main requirements stated here. It must contain no more than 10 pages and must not exceed 3MB in overall size. You must rely on your creativity and graphic judgement. You can present more than one piece on each portfolio page.
Some international applicants will also be invited for an online interview.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Architectural Design Studio 1 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Architecture Studio One | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Communication | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Cultural Context 1 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Environment And Technology 1 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Architecture Studio 2 | Credits: 60 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Construction Technology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Cultural Context 2 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Environment And Technology 2 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Architecture Studio 3A | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Architecture Studio 3B | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Cultural Context 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Environment And Technology 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2023/24 is £15,860 per year.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Architecture courses (PDF, 200.4KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
