Undergraduate BA (Hons)
You'll build communities and breathe new life into existing buildings.
Available in Clearing
We still have places available for this course. Apply online or call us now.
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Course overview
Architects imagine new environments and think about how people want to live in the 21st century. They consider how those environments can be created to achieve a sustainable future. If you have vision, enjoy challenging yourself and are looking to kick-start your career, study architecture at Kent.
Choose our RIBA and ARB-accredited course to explore the relationship between people and spaces on a degree that balances technical skills, design work and professional experience. It’s not just about creating beautiful buildings; you'll lead on projects, solve complex problems and learn to communicate your ideas.
You'll create and develop as an architect in our state-of-the-art facilities and studio spaces. We have recently refurbished our studios to create a leading teaching environment which is adaptable, so you can work seamlessly in groups or individually - whatever the brief requires. Your time spent in the studio will be where you refine your own creative vision and gain vital experience working in a dynamic space where architects practice and bring their ideas to life.
Accreditation
Riba
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Why study Architecture at Kent?
Creative community
Architecture at Kent is a vibrant community where you will make connections and develop as an architect. There's so much to get involved with, take a look.
Meet our students and staff91%
Architecture at Kent scored 91% overall in The Complete University Guide 2025.
Become an architect
Take the first step towards qualifying as an architect on our degree course accredited by RIBA and ARB.
Protect our world.
The United Nations 17 sustainability goals inform all your project briefs at Kent, helping you to build a sustainable world.
Something to be proud of
Each year, you'll get to be a part of our End of Year Show. This is your chance to show off your work to your peers, family and industry professionals.
Everything you need to know about our Architecture course
Entry requirements
During Clearing our entry requirements change in real time to reflect the supply and demand of remaining course vacancies. If you think you've found the course for you, apply now to start your Kent journey this September.
Course structure
Our module listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
How you'll study
We use a variety of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, studio-based work and field study trips.
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Entry requirements
- UK
- International
Clearing 2024
At Kent, you’re more than your grades. We look at your circ*mstances and experience as a whole when we consider making an offer. As a guide, typical entry requirements for 2024 entry remain published on the UCAS website and where a course may prefer your qualifications to include specific subjects, these will be listed below.
Have questions? Call us now +44 (0)1227 768896to discuss your application with our Clearing team. See our Clearing websitefor more details on how Clearing works at Kent.
International students
If you are an international student, visit our International Studentwebsite for further information about entry requirements for your country. For details about the International Foundation Year and International Year Zero, please visit our International Collegewebsite.Please note that international fee-paying students who require a Student visa cannot undertake a part-timeprogramme due to visa restrictions.
Please note thatmeeting thetypical offer/minimum requirement does not guarantee that you will receive an offer.
English Language Requirements
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English language entry requirementsweb page.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English Language
IB Standard Level Grade 5 or above in English A: Language and Literature
A Level Grade C or above in English Language or English Literature
Portfolio advice
All candidates need to provide confirmation of i) observational skills ii) artistic, conceptual and creative thinking and iii) analyses of colour, form and space.
As part of your application to study at Kent, you will need to submit a portfolio. See furtherguidance regarding portfolio requirements.
The ideal applicant will have a record that reflects a broad academic aptitude. Although not compulsory, an art qualification (eg A level in Fine Art or IB in Visual Art) would be extremely useful. GCSE Mathematics Grade C is also required.
Required subjects
We consider all applications on an individual basis during Clearing and you're encouraged to get in touch to discuss your grades. You're most likely to be offered a place in Clearing for this course if you hold the following subjects:
GCSE / IB - Mathematics
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What you'll study
This module listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
- Stage 1
- Stage 2
- Stage 3
Stage 1
Our BA in Architecture is the first step towards qualifying as an architect. You study regeneration, sustainability, landscape, community and urban life and develop the practical design skills needed within the profession.
Compulsory modules currently include the following
This module introduces the student to the 'design project' and how to interpret and analyse a brief. The project will investigate spatial concepts, and will examine various types of spatial enclose, scale and function.
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Building on their experience gained in the autumn term this module deepens students' understanding of the design of interior and exterior space by the investigation and design of environments that confront the senses and where the integration of the sensory range is paramount. The potential of different materials within a design proposition is addressed. The module addresses the further awareness of the integration of function, aesthetics, technology and comfort within a design proposal. It also addresses the incorporation of vertical movement within a design proposal.
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Aspects of the Technology & Environment curriculum covered in this module include the fundamentals of the external envelope, the thermal environment, human comfort, artificial light, and natural ventilation. An important aspect includes the weathering of materials, and an introduction to building services-plumbing, electrical, etc.
Students will explore these technical and environmental aspects in the context of a design project, providing students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the complexity of technical integration in architecture at a small scale. Moreover, students will experience the relationship between theory and practice and technical/environmental design
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The concept of building type is crucial in developing an understanding of the built environment as a coherent endeavour. Recurrent plan types are important in establishing order in architecture and interiors. Equally, divergence from the norm is important in rethinking established spatial types. The most ubiquitous building type is the house, and its analysis comprises the essence of this module. We shall be studying the house as an example of vernacular design, as a response to the particular environment of a region, as well as analysing key examples of the modern house. By this means, the key periods and events in the development of modernism may be charted. Students will gain an understanding of the modern house by reading relevant literature and architectural drawings and photographs, in addition to making scale models of particular houses, and writing illustrated essays.
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This module introduces the principles and skills needed to communicate design aspirations throughout the design process. Developing the use of freehand drawing, modelmaking, draughting, digital representation and presentation skills, this module provides a communications foundation upon which subsequent design and theory modules rest.
Through the encouragement of experimentation and investigation, the acquisition of skills in recording, and engaging with, the observed environment through appropriate drawing, modelling, and a whole range of graphic systems will be tested. Emphasis is placed on the use of the sketch book and reflection in the learning process.
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This course provides stage one students with an introduction into ancient and medieval architecture, predominantly Western. It will include a series of weekly lectures based on different key episodes in architectural history, supplying the students with both the historical information that will form the foundation for their future studies, as well as with a grasp of basic architectural concepts and ways of discussing and presenting them. Typical forms of historic building technologies will be discussed, together with their relevance to current technologies.
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The key concepts of sustainable design are introduced. An awareness of the distinction between structural and non-structural elements in buildings is taught. Lectures and workshops on structures and basic constructional techniques are also introduced along with the study of the environmental factors of natural light, with reference to their impact upon building interiors. The palette of building materials is outlined, conveying both their sensory impact as well as their physical properties. An awareness of the prime means of placing and fixing different materials in addition to the aesthetic and technical aspects of joining materials.
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Lecturers are really approachable. I wouldn’t hesitate to email them or ask if I could meet them.
Colleen Laurent, Architecture BA
Stage 2
Explore the breadth of architecture and design within its historical, cultural and social context. You'll develop your ability to create and usephysical models, computer and 3D drawings and gain anunderstandingofthe influence of environmental design technology on the modern built environment.
Compulsory modules currently include the following
How do buildings sit within their landscapes? How do we perceive the world around us and appreciate its beauty and potential? And how can we transform particular spaces into landscapes that enhance our lives and contribute to our sense of wellbeing?
In this module, you'll observe and record the existing condition of a site – its orientation, topography, existing structures and natural features, history and seasonal rhythms. You will respond to a brief that includes building and landscape elements and create an innovative design for groups of people to engage with exterior and interior spaces.
By the end of this module, you’ll develop your skills in hand drawing and model making, and learn to communicate your ideas further using digital software.
What is architectural history, and why does it matter? Can we use it to become better thinkers, speakers, writers and designers? This module examines whether architectural history can help us develop critical and interchangeable skills in an ever-changing world.
Concentrating on the ‘Early Modern’ period (15th to 18th centuries), which saw the establishment of the architectural profession as we know it today, you'll explore the development of art and architecture through movements such as the Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo and Neo-classicism.
We’ll explore relevant buildings, objects of art, architectural texts, materials and construction techniques, and discuss how dominant Western narratives have shaped, and limited, our understanding of space and material cultures. We’ll also look at current debates on issues such as colonialism, postcolonialism, revisionism and un-represented categories.
By the end of the module, you’ll be able to analyse, present, draw and write about the built environment around you, and develop overall critical thinking and communication skills.
How and where shall we live? Who and what gets to decide?
We’ll address these key themes in a series of weekly lectures and tutorials covering the aesthetic, technical, social, economic and political possibilities of evolving typologies of communal housing. We’ll also consider how to go about creating sustainable communities in the 21st century.
The process of architectural proposition encourages you to critically engage with current parameters that drive contemporary housing development in the UK. You’ll also have a chance to explore the balance between commercial reality and idealised possibility when it comes to creating new housing.
How can we design a building that is heated by the sun, but does not over-heat in the summer nor feel cold in the winter, has good air quality but is not draughty, and is made with materials that are non-toxic and more sustainable?
In this module, you’ll learn how to optimise solar shading to avoid excessive solar gain, how to analyse climate data (temperature and humidity) to assess heating/cooling needs, and how to make use of the cooling/heating potential of the ground and night-time cooling.
The module is linked to the Communities module and you will demonstrate your understanding of climate and sustainability by writing a report on the building you design for that. You’ll also produce a separate report on the building considering how its material specification can support the objectives of ‘climate and sustainability’, while demonstrating a holistic understanding of a material’s appropriateness within a particular design context.
What is the role of heritage sites in regenerating communities, boosting the economy and, crucially, contributing to environmentally sustainable practices? The adaptive re-use of existing buildings plays a key role in the future of our planet and is a central concern for our region.
In this module, you’ll learn how to combine architectural design with technological and environmental solutions. You’ll also develop the adaptation of an existing built envelope with extensions to provide a new use.
The practical design project is informed by lectures, seminars, and tutorials dealing with the technical, environmental, ergonomic, regulatory, historical, theoretical and aesthetic considerations of architectural adaptation.
How has the last two hundred years of history shaped and influenced today’s built environment? What lessons does the architecture of the modern period have for contemporary design? And how has cultural and social diversity been reflected in the design of buildings and the layout of cities?
You'll learn through a series of detailed thematic and historical investigations how specific events in architectural history have changed the way we experience the built environment. You’ll also gain an understanding of the responsibility of all architects and designers towards the societies in which they live.
Through lectures and seminars on architectural history in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, you’ll learn how ‘carbon modernity’ arose, what its impact on architecture worldwide has been, and its significance today.
Stage 3
In your final year, you bring togetheryour knowledge and experience in a final major design project, exploring your architectural interests through a dissertation or artefact project.
Compulsory modules currently include the following
How can we make our cities more liveable and sustainable? This module introduces you to some of the main ways we can improve our urban environments. You'll learn how to ‘read’ a city, identify its problems, and resolve them through original urban design strategies.
A master planning project gives you the opportunity to design a framework for new buildings and urban spaces that merge with existing ones, responding to local requirements, character, and regulatory frameworks. You'll learn how to regenerate existing urban communities, making them more sustainable and liveable.
This work will be supported by lectures exploring theories and methods of urban design, as well as its technical and environmental specifications. These will help you measure the impact of design on microclimate, vehicular and pedestrian movement, as well as the quality of public and communal open-air spaces.
All this will help you see the streets and squares of modern cities in a new way. Your new design tools will unlock the hidden potential of the urban environment, helping you to address some of today’s key social, economic, and environmental issues.
What are some of the key debates that have shaped the discipline of architecture over the course of the 20th and early 21st centuries? This module introduces you to key themes and relevant cultural and theoretical contexts over a wide geographic area.
In Component Two of the Stage Two Modernity module, you’ll discover your general area of interest, and you return in the autumn term having already done preliminary reading. You’ll learn from a series of lectures which positions architectural history and theory in terms of its effects on the practice today.
By the end of this module you'll have a beautifully produced illustrated essay (or report plus artefact, if you are following option two) taking pride of place in your portfolio, alongside your design and technical work.
How does the social-environmental context influence a building design brief? And how can new buildings successfully integrate with the existing built environment and improve its identity and liveability?
In this module, you’ll learn to use social and environmental analysis to develop a complex building brief that successfully responds to the context by offering solutions to urban challenges. You’ll learn to design a new piece of architecture that responds to, adapts or retrofits and extends an existing architecture (Component 1).
Responding to the urban and architectural context, you’ll acquire skills, knowledge and understanding of the relationships and intersections between new building work and existing buildings. You’ll also learn how to analyse your project and develop an apologia, a written and illustrated defence that locates it within its cultural, social and artistic contexts (Component 2).
What technical knowledge and skills are required to design buildings in detail, integrating technological and environmental factors, and get them built?
You'll learn about structural design and building construction, and how to achieve conditions of thermal, visual and acoustic comfort. You’ll also explore the principles of sustainable design and be mindful of the climate emergency and fire and life safety.
You’ll apply this knowledge to your individual design project, which serves as a case study subject. This enables you to understand how design progresses through all work stages, and how concept designs become completed buildings.
The module will improve your employability in the architectural field and the construction and property sectors. You’ll consider your strengths and weaknesses in the context of the opportunities which the industry currently presents, identifying potential employers and preparing strategies for initial approaches, informal discussions and formal job applications.
Are you a Part One student seeking employment in your year out, and/or trying to secure your place on a good Masters course or find other design-related study or work? Then you will need to have a fully developed and beautifully presented major design project.
By the end of this module, you'll have created a portfolio of drawings, models and sketches that will help you market your skill when seeking work or further study opportunities.
You’ll build on your work in the two prerequisite modules completed in the spring term, Major Design Project 1 (MDP 1) and Professional Practice and Detailing 1 (PPD 1). You’ll then bring your nascent design project to a satisfactory conclusion (Component 1), make it environmentally competent (PPD 01) and strategically sound (MDP 1).
You’ll also integrate lessons learned in your other summer term module (Professional Practice and Detailing 2), ensuring your design project meets this module’s professional criteria (Component 1). Your project will also display and a material construction and aesthetic agenda that relate to your parallel construction studies (Component 2).
What technical knowledge and skills are required to design buildings in detail, integrating technological and environmental factors, and get them built? How do we do this in the context of legal frameworks and procurement systems, addressing sustainability and fire and life safety?
In this module you’ll learn about professional ethics, planning and building law, project and practice management. You’ll gain an understanding of the broad principles of the legal system in England and Wales, focusing on contract and tort, as well as an understanding of the diverse priorities and business strategies of private and commercial clients, investors and building users. You’ll also consider the architect’s role in the context of other professions and project stakeholders.
You’ll apply this knowledge to your individual current design project, which serves as a case study subject. It will enable you to understand how design progresses through all work stages, and how concept designs become completed buildings.
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How you'll study
Teaching and assessment
We use a variety of learning and teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, studio-based work and field study trips. You also attend tutorials, seminars, small group discussionsand one-to-one design sessions, giving you a range of feedback opportunities to improve their skills.
Our dedicated student workshop is run by experienced model makers and is equipped with a CNC router as well as a comprehensive collection of workshop equipment, laser-cutting facilities and access to an electronics workshop.
You also have the exclusive use of our digital workshop which enables you to explore aspects of 3D scanning, printing and modelling; using cutting-edge technology; from point-cloud 3D capture to fused deposition modelling 3D prototypes. We hold seven hobbyist 3D printers and three high-end 3D scanners, to enhance our experimental approach throughout the process and development of an architectural design brief.
Overall workload
You spend approximately1,200 hours each academic year studying for your degree. On average, 60%of your time is spent in an activity led by an academic. The rest of your time is for independent study. Typically, this will involve design project work, reading, essay writing, technology and environment coursework.
Your independent study is supported by excellent facilitiesincluding the library, architecture studios, architecture workshop, digital workshop and digital crit space.
Academicsupport
We offer a mentoring scheme in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), as well as practical involvement with local architects and projects. You also have access to academic advisors, academic peer mentoring, drop-in sessions, skills workshops andsoftware specific workshops and training.
The University’s learning advisory service offers support and guidance to enhance your study skills. Our student support service helps students with additional needs resulting from disabilities or learning difficulties.
Teaching staff
Our School has an enthusiastic team of academic staff with many years of teaching experience at degree level, and strengths in historical, environmental, technical and digital aspects of the subject. Our lecturers are respected practitioners within the field and many are active researchers contributing to contemporary debates through their publications. Learn more by visiting ourstaff profiles.
Assessment
Assessment is by a portfolio of work, which includes design project coursework, written assignments and examinations, alongside research papers and technical reports. We place particular emphasis on sketchbooks and notebooks assembled over the academic year, which contribute to your own personal development plan.
Percentage of thecourse assessed by coursework
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. Typical assessment breakdown:
- Stage 1–15% exam, 85%coursework
- Stage 2–15% exam, 85% coursework
- Stage 3–0%exam,100% coursework
Stage 1 assessments do not contribute to your final degree. Stage 2 counts towards 20%of your final degree and Stage 3 counts towards 80% of your final degree classification.
Find out more abouthow undergraduate courses work.
Feedback
You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader.In design-based modules, feedback is given throughout the year in design tutorials.
Contact hours
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.
Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Programme aims
Forprogramme aims and learning outcomesplease see the programmespecification.
State-of-the-art facilities
The Digital Crit Space and our newly refurbished studios provide Kent’s Architecture students with one of the most advanced learning environments in the UK.
Your future
As a Kent Architecture graduate, you’ll have learnt how to be an architect through our creative studio culture. You’ll also make important connections thanks to our links with architectural industry bodies and professional practices such as:
- Farrells
- Allies and Morrison
- Purcell
- Guy Hollaway
- Arup.
The creative, planning and technical skills you develop at Kent prepare you for a role in an architectural practice or in a career related to planning, design, graphics or visualisation.
Learn more about a career in Architecture
Impressive prospects
Whether you know where you’re heading or are looking for ideas, you can find inspiration from our alumni.
Alumni spotlight
Find out how Yeni went from studying at Kent to working on projects in Kenya, Tanzania and Dominica.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
Full-time
UK
£9,250
EU
£22,700
International
£22,700
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
Your fee status
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process.If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice fromUKCISAbefore applying.
The following course-related costs are not included in your tuition fees:
- The estimated cost of your art materials over three years (around £150 per year, on average)
- Optional field trips(approximately £400 each at current prices)
- Printing costs of around £45per year (on average)
- The cost of books that you might wish to purchase from recommended reading lists (our library has an extensive range of core texts available to borrow)
Find out more aboutaccommodation and living costs, plusgeneral additional coststhat you may pay whenstudying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding pagefor more details.
Scholarships
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
arrow right Search scholarships- International scholarshipsUnlock your potential with scholarships up to £5000
A space of your own
We know high-level facilities are crucial to your learning and creative development. This is why we are always investing in improving our spaces so you can produce your best work. Take a look around our new studios and discover the places you will bring your ideas to life.
Apply today
Apply now to secure your place at Kent.
With a 2024 UCAS ID
Without UCAS ID
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Student Life
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Top 40
In the QS World University Rankings 2024, Kent has been ranked 39th within the UK and is in the top 25% of Higher Education Institutions worldwide.
Kent Sport
Free membership for undergraduates living on campus in 2024.
Research excellence
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
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