BSc (Hons) Architecture with Foundation Year

Widening access to architecture is part of the University of Wolverhampton's identity, not an add-on. The foundation year sits alongside the School's strong record of apprenticeships and alternative entry routes — reflecting a social mobility ethos that's built into how the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering operates, not just how this course is marketed.

You'll study at our Springfield site, a £100 million transformation of a 12-acre Grade II-listed former brewery into Europe's largest specialist design, construction and built environment campus — home to the National Brownfield Institute, a government-supported institute researching how derelict land can become new communities, based in the same building where you'll be learning from Year 1 onwards.

If you're unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, the Gateway team can talk you through the Prepare for Foundation Pathway — a one-day assessment event covering a written task and a series of activities, designed to test your interest and potential rather than your UCAS points alone. Applicants must be 18 or over at the start of the course.

Your foundation year carries its own set of outcomes, distinct from the specialist degree that follows. By the end of Year 1, you'll be able to:

• Present, evaluate and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to build a sound, well-reasoned argument
• Apply mathematical and statistical techniques to solve real-world problems
• Communicate clearly, in writing and verbally, with structured and coherent arguments
• Evaluate different approaches to solving practical, scientific and technological problems
• Demonstrate the transferable skills and personal responsibility employers expect from day one

These outcomes then feed directly into the honours degree, where by graduation you'll also be able to generate and communicate comprehensive architectural designs, understand the architect's professional and legal responsibilities, and combine aesthetic design with engineering and material constraints to produce safe, sustainable, cost-effective solutions.

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

Order a prospectus