Architecture

This course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by Architects Registration Board (ARB) to give full exemption from the ARB / RIBA Part 1 examination. With this course, you can start your journey towards becoming a registered architect.

Find out more: BA (Hons) Architecture

This degree will give you the skills to transform or give new life to spaces, as well as teaching you how to plan and design creative interiors. You will have opportunities to work with BCU’s industry partners and enter international design competitions.

Find out more: BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

This course is recognised and accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI). Working in a design studio culture, which mimics real-world creative practice, you will learn how to create designed environments that combine art, utility and natural systems.

Find out more: BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture

This course focuses on the design and development of creative, contemporary and innovative products and furniture. You will consider user-centred design, social context and commercial understanding while exploring materials, techniques and processes.

Find out more: BA (Hons) Product and Furniture Design

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication*

Throughout this module, you will learn the academic skills needed for success at a UK university, such as:

• Time management
• Public speaking techniques
• Appropriate language styles
• Professional communication and presentation
• Researching and referencing techniques.

Creative Workshop*

During this module, you will develop and demonstrate imaginative and flexible approaches to different art and design techniques. You will develop your ideas within the creative studio environment.

Critical Thinking*

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of critical thinking. You will learn how to examine and comment on components of an argument, so that you can develop a structured and analytical response.

Extended Media Experimentation

You will explore your own ideas while experimenting with processes and techniques and discovering the characteristics and properties of selected media.

Information Researching, Recording and Responding in Art & Design

During this module, you will learn how to undertake in-depth research while exploring many ways to record your findings. You will also learn how to respond to problems, enabling you to develop your skills, self-confidence and studio practice.

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication & Preparation and Progression in Art and Design

This module will cover topics including:

• Understanding cultural and gender differences
• Methods for planning, preparing and producing a major art and design project
• Preparing for exhibition.

Knowledge & Understanding of Creative Practice in Art & Design

You will develop an understanding of contemporary, cultural, social and historical contexts in art and design. This will help you develop your creative practice and make informed decisions about your pathway choices.

Mass Communication*

This module will introduce you to the core concepts and principles relevant to mass communications, including some of the major theories.

Media Experimentation in Art and Design

You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media – experimenting with both traditional and contemporary processes and techniques. You will gain an understanding of the potential and limitations of media, using critical review and reflection in the planning and development of your own ideas.

Personal Combined Experimental Studies in Art & Design

This module will cover topics including:

• Reviewing and reflecting on your own work
• Challenging previous thoughts, ideas and beliefs
• Health and safety requirements
• Record-keeping.

* Additional four modules in the three-semester programme

In addition to GCSE Maths and English or equivalent at grade C/4 or above, you must submit a good portfolio if you are entering the two-semester programme without a related academic subject.

For BA (Hons) Architecture:

• To apply, you must submit a portfolio, regardless of whether or not you have an academic background in art and design
• To progress to BCU, you must achieve a minimum of 60% in relevant modules.

All students accessing the 3D workshops, plaster room, glass room, water-jet cutting room and the kiln room will need to wear safety footwear with toe caps. Such footwear can be purchased from any safety footwear provider (e.g. Sports Direct) and can be as cheap as £12. The shoes should be S1P and comply with EN 20345.

There is no long-term storage facility for personal items in the workshops, so you will need to bring the safety footwear with you each day you are accessing the workshops.