Course Structure
All degree courses at Nottingham are modular. Modules are self-contained units of study that will normally run for one semester (Autumn or Spring) or, in some cases, the full year. Within this Department, the number of credits for each module vary from 10-15 credits for a single semester module to 60 credits for a full year studio module. You will study modules totalling 120 credits in each year.
There are two paths you can follow to become a fully qualified architect, the BArch route and the MEng route. The 3-year BArch and 4-year MEng courses share many of the same modules to enable professional accreditation through ARB/RIBA (Architects' Registration Board/Royal Institute of British Architects), but those taking the MEng course will complete additional modules to provide an education in architecture with an engineering specialism in the design of environmental systems for buildings.
Both these courses can then be followed by one year out in practice before returning to continue onto the 2-year Diploma in Architecture (DipArch) course which leads to ARB/RIBA Part 2 recognition. Full professional status as an architect is achieved after a further year’s professional experience on the Part 3 Professional Practice course, which is studied on a part-time basis over one year whilst in employment, and successful completion of the Part 3 examination.
Assessment and Progression
Assessment normally takes place at the end of each semester, combining examinations, coursework, laboratory work and projects. Students undertaking studio-based courses will find assessment is ongoing through interim and final reviews, with final portfolio submission at the end of each year.
Progression through a course is based on an annual appraisal covering all that year’s modules.
Industry Placements and Study Abroad
BArch and MEng students have the opportunity to register on a Year Out in Practice following their initial undergraduate course. The Department maintains a Year Out database of job opportunities received to help students find placements.
The Department places considerable value on the student experience gained from spending a study period abroad and has built an extensive exchange portfolio with architecture and building science-related schools across the globe. As a result, there are exciting opportunities to spend a single semester studying abroad during the second semester of Year 2 for BArch students and first semester of Year 5 for DipArch students, or the second semester of Years 3 or 3 for MEng students. Please visit our Exchange Courses page for further details.
Professional Recognition
All our undergraduate courses are accredited by professional institutions, ensuring that quality is independently measured, and that material is up-to-date and relevant to the needs of modern commerce and industry.