School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

BSc (Hons) Architecture with Foundation Year

BSc (Hons) Full-time 4 years

This course begins with a foundation year, providing essential skills before progressing to the RIBA-accredited degree. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various design careers, including the path to becoming a professional architect.

This course begins with a foundation year, providing essential skills before progressing to the RIBA-accredited degree. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in various design careers, including the path to becoming a professional architect.

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
14 September 2026
UCAS Code
K10F
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
University: Springfield Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

Ranked 31st in the UK for Architecture (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

Take your first step towards becoming a professional architect by completing this degree which is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as a Part 1 qualification.

Experience a professional design studio by working in our new purpose-built facilities which include dedicated studio spaces where you will have you own individual workspace. You will be working with our passionate and supportive community of staff on stimulating and client driven design projects designed specifically for you to develop and hone your individual and collaboration skills.

Throughout the course you will master key communication skills including hand drawing and model-making whilst also developing skills in using professional industry software, including Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools. You will also be getting hands-on experience with the latest technologies such as 3D laser scanning, VR tools, and 3D printing – all this is designed to prepare you for employment. You will have opportunities to meet future employers through our wide network of collaborating companies and showcase your work at our annual Graduate Show.

In addition to the above, your experience and knowledge of architecture will be augmented by visiting major national and international cities with past trips including London, Berlin, Rome, Paris, and Dubai.

 

What's unique about this course?

  • Accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
  • Accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB)
  • Exceptional teaching quality, rated at 90.5% The Times Good University Guide
  • Taught in Springfield Super Campus
  • Access to double height architectural studio space
  • Access to state-of-the-art VR and AR technology

What happens on the course?

Wolverhampton’s BSc in Architecture offers a unique educational experience grounded in design, technology and science. Our mission is to inform good design which will improve people’s lives whilst minimising the detriment to our earth’s ecosystems. Design is at the heart of the curriculum which then underpins modules including design studio, history and theory of architecture, urbanism, building science, sustainability, structures, construction and professional practice. There is a strong emphasis on understanding the context, materiality and function of design. Projects progress in scale and complexity; beginning with the human scale in the first year, urban scale in the second year and holistic in the third year.

This approach provides a broad education in architecture; with a clear pathway to guide those transitioning from school and college to become self-motivated, fully autonomous learners within higher education. Our philosophy is focused on welcoming and valuing distinct views that broaden each of our own perspectives through critical thinking and respectful debate; there is no one singular style of architecture attached to the school.

 

We are currently reviewing our foundation course to enhance student learning and success. Course details may be subject to updates. Please keep an eye on our pages for updates.

 

Placements on the course

We’ve built professional placements into every degree, every student will be guaranteed a professional placement. Our placements give you the real-world exposure and proven experience your CV needs, while building the industry networks essential for your career.

These short-term, structured experiences include:

  • Short duration: condensed work-like experience in professional environments
  • Academic integration: always linked to coursework, assessments or professional development modules
  • Project-based learning: students work on specific tasks or research with an organisation
  • Flexible format: can be in-person, remote, hybrid or virtual
  • Skill development: enhances workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving
  • Experiential learning: helping to close the gap between knowledge gained and the skills needed to succeed

Employability on the course

Our courses are designed from day one to prepare you for your future career. You will benefit from:

  • Extended induction: a period to familiarise yourself with your new university
  • Structured learning pathways: courses are crafted with a focus on preparing students for future careers
  • Hands-on project experience: projects and practical activities designed around real-world activities
  • Embedded professional development: all courses are designed with workplace skills development and professional placements as part of the course
  • Industry-informed modules: course content is kept up-to-date with industry standards through our industry links, staff's research and work in the field
  • Placement opportunities: professional development placements for every student

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Support licensed architects in design development and planning submissions.

Contribute to the planning and design of urban spaces, public areas, and regeneration projects.

Develop interior environments that are both functional and visually appealing.

Coordinate building projects from planning to completion, ensuring they stay on budget and schedule.

Work on creating energy-efficient, environmentally responsible buildings and solutions.

Specialise in the science and technology of building design and construction.

Manage and coordinate digital models and project data using BIM technologies.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Springfield Campus

The School of Architecture and Built Environment (ABE) has been a cornerstone of the University since its inception as a technical college in the early 20th Century. The experience within the School of ABE is unique as it mirrors the sector. It draws together students from across the various disciplines of Architecture and the Built Environment, and is the only school in the world that offers dedicated degree courses for every stage of the lifecycle of a building, from design to demolition.

Our school has recently moved into the new Springfield campus, a £100 million project, turning a 12-acre Grade II-listed former brewery into Europe’s largest specialist design, construction, and built environment campus. This site will not only house the School but will share its location with the new National Brownfield Institute, a Government-supported centre, which will focus on driving the next generation of thinking and techniques, for transforming brownfield land into new communities. This vibrant learning environment creates a unique and exciting place for students to learn and socialise.

The Architecture course has dedicated studio facilities in the Springfield Campus, providing each student with a dedicated workspace for the entire academic year. This enables us to develop a professional, office-based working environment to support your learning and prepare you for professional practice.

In addition to having your own individual workspace, you also have full access to our model-making facilities, including facilities for hand model making and 3D printing. As part of the course, most of the materials you will need to create models are available without additional cost to you.

Within the School of ABE, our success with apprenticeships is another area of success and not only aligns to our social mobility ethos to provide higher education for all, but also highlights the strong industrial links we have both regionally and nationally.

Take a look at our amazing campus.

After graduation, you'll have the theoretical and practical foundations to pursue postgraduate study and advance your journey to becoming an architect. There are also other opportunities to pursue other careers within the architecture, sustainability and construction industries, such as architectural design, urban design, and landscape architecture.

Location Mode Sep intake Fee Year
Home Full-time £9535 per year 2025-26
Home Full-time £9790 per year 2026-27
International Full-time £15995 per year 2025-26
International Full-time £17600 per year 2026-27

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.


If a tuition fee is not showing, we may not offer this intake for this course. Please check the start date information on the course finder for start dates.

Academic Pathway:-

Typical entry requirement: 48 UCAS points

  • A Levels - grades DD / EEE
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades PPP
  • BTEC L3 Diploma - grades MP
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (48 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
  • T Levels with an overall grade of Pass and a minimum grade of D or E in Core
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here
  • Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

    Prepare for Foundation Pathway: - We will consider applicants who have not achieved level 3 qualifications if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience. To receive an offer through this route you will be required to successfully attend and pass a Prepare for Foundation event. This is a one-day programme which is designed to assess your keen interest or recent experience in the subject, through a written assessment and a variety of activities. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask questions, be introduced to studying a higher education foundation course and meet staff and fellow students. If you would like more advice and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact Gateway to discuss and support you making an application to us.

    Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

    Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

    Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

    Changes for EU students:

    The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

    EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


    Self-funding:

    If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

    For more information please contact the Gateway.


    Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

    If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

    We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


    Financial Hardship:

    Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

    for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


    Bursaries and Scholarships:

    In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

    You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

    Telephone

    01902 32 22 22

    Email

    enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

    Online

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    How we compare

    Find out how our course is rated on Discover Uni, the official website for comparing UK higher education courses.

    Find out how our course is rated on Discover Uni, the official website for comparing UK higher education courses.

    Full-time Course