Gain practical skills alongside theory
This course empowers you to satisfy the requirements of a brief and re-energise our environment. You’ll learn the technical knowledge to inspire your professional portfolio. We’ll teach you how to analyse, develop, test and communicate your ideas. You’ll be working on drawings and models for domestic, public and commercial projects, such as houses, museums and cityscapes. Be creative. Spend time in our fantastic studios and workshops. We have woodworking, metalworking and casting workshops to help you develop real-world skills. Try your hand at ceramics (for building facades), printmaking and life-drawing classes to enhance your sketching skills. Use our specialist computer software suites and even download software onto your personal laptop. With 3D printers, laser cutters, a welding booth and studio space at your fingertips, we’ll help you bring your idea to life.
Discover the history that has influenced architecture. From garden cities, new towns built after WW2, to today’s contemporary cities. How do the needs of society motivate design? You’ll learn to be an innovative and responsible architect. To evaluate a building’s purpose, the impact of materials and the cultural factors which underpin design. You’ll gain insights in the international and national perspectives of the built environment. We’ll encourage you to question the role of technology, gender, politics and economics in design. You’ll debate the issues confronting architects, including sustainability, urban sprawl and gentrification. By analysing theory and practice you’ll become confident in the founding principles of design philosophy.
Every step of the way, you’ll be inspired by our expert teaching team including researchers, authors and acclaimed architects. You can benefit from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Future Architects network and the Student Mentoring Scheme. We have excellent links to industry, the RIBA and the Hertfordshire Association of Architects, these will allow your to start building you own network and finding exciting work placements opportunities.
What's the course about?
In the first year, you’ll learn skills in sketching, drawing and Computer Aided Design (CAD), as well as model making and 3D representation. We’ll teach you 2D and 3D analogue and digital technologies so you can visualise your design ideas. You’ll produce technical drawings to multiple scales. You’ll take part in demonstrations and workshop-based activities to understand how engineering and technology inform practice. We’ll teach you skills in problem-solving, research and analysis, as you explore the relationship between culture and design.
In the second year, you’ll grow as a critical thinker. Your knowledge of culture and theory will fuel your creativity. Explore the fascinating relationship between buildings, people and the environment. Design a public building and public space. You’ll learn to integrate hand drawing with digital editing, CAD and 3D Modelling in your proposals. We’ll help you improve your skills with 2D and 3D printing, CNC routers and laser cutters. You’ll learn technologies to map and analyse cities and infrastructures. Discover how design can complement the world around us. Be curious. How can architecture be functional and expressive? Through reflection and debate you’ll feel confident about your understanding of contemporary architecture and your place within it.
In the third year, you’ll write your dissertation, a 6000-word essay on a topic that interests you. We’ll help you develop a professional portfolio as you work on real-life projects and pitch your ideas in a competitive environment. This is your chance to inspire. The pinnacle of your studies is a major project. You’ll investigate the use of space and analyse how architecture impacts a city and its population. You’ll use your expert design and technology skills to innovate. This is your chance to prove you’re ready for professional practice or postgraduate study.
