Architecture with Foundation Year, BA Hons
Accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB), this is your first step to a broad range of degree subjects, including a career in architecture.
Architecture with Foundation Year equips students with ways of seeing, developing methods of critical thought, designing projects and creative technical skills to support progression on to the more in-depth study of architecture required over the subsequent three years of the degree. Alongside architecture-specific learning you will gain a broad range of more general university skills, to set students up for success at undergraduate level study across a broad spectrum of subjects. Following on from Foundation Year students will be able to either join the standard three-year architecture degree graduating with the same award or change subject to pursue an alternative career and degree pathway.
UCAS points
64 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
K100 G BA/Arch
School
Location
Duration
4 years full-time
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2025/26
£9,250 /£17,500
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
You will be taught by an experienced team of experts, which includes senior academics, technical officers, and practitioners with industry experience. Trained postgraduate researchers may also contribute to seminar teaching with the module leader. Teaching is informed by our research and industry expertise.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- 64 UCAS Tariff points. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, Access to HE and all other qualifications with UCAS Tariff points.
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language/Literature at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
Contextual Admissions
- We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions Policy.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Application and selection:
- Applicants will not be required to submit a portfolio or undertake an assessment or attend interview for this pathway.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
For entry: Applicants with professional qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
For exemption: If you hold qualifications or courses from another higher education institution, these may exempt you from courses of this degree.
Note: Direct entry or transfer into the later stage (i.e., Stage 6 (which is Year 3)) of the BA (Hons) Architecture is NOT permitted. This is in order to ensure that all students meet the ARB/RIBA professional body criteria for validation.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 100-110. Lectures are normally attended by larger groups, and seminars/tutorials by smaller groups. This can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to self-study. This may involve further reading and research, preparing coursework and presentations, and preparing for tests and exams. You can use our Stockwell Street Library and online resources to support you in these activities.
In addition, during the week you can also:
- Attend additional support classes in some modules
- Attend guest lectures from industry experts
- Take part in employability and enterprise workshops
- Join student societies.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. Each module you study towards this degree is worth 15 or 30 credits.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please use our contact form.
Official statistics on Discover Uni
Full time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,500 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Trips: Any compulsory field trips are funded by the school. Trips organised by the Architecture team are not compulsory, but you bear the costs if you choose to attend.
Resources: For Architecture, Landscape and Design courses, you will produce portfolios of large format plots plus CNC/3D printed models etc. Costs will vary but could reach £250 a year for printing and paper, £100 for model making, £50 for site visits and £200-£300 for a field trip.
Software: We provide Adobe software and Lynda.com online video tutorials. A selection of specialist CAD and visualisation/modelling programmes are available to students through our computer suite at Stockwell Street. Any licenses for software outside of our range will come at your own cost.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
This course is designed to prepare students for progression into year-out practice in the architectural profession, leading to advanced level study in RIBA/ARB part 2 MArch in Architecture. Therefore, students are not required to take work placements or internships in addition to this pathway.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
This course is designed to prepare students for progression into year-out practice in the architectural profession, leading to advanced level study in RIBA/ARB part 2 MArch in Architecture.
As well as becoming architects, graduates can pursue opportunities in computer-aided design, animation, urban design, interior design, arts and media, project management, graphic design and the construction industry.
Do you provide employability services?
Employability activities take place all the time at Greenwich and students are encouraged to take part in as many opportunities as possible. The central Employability and Careers Service provides support for students preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles, such as CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops. In addition, your School has a dedicated Employability Officer who will be organising work-related activities throughout the year which will help you to build you industry knowledge and networks.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Support from the department
The School provides pastoral support throughout your studies with us. Students have a personal tutor, and there are also a range of student services including Wellbeing.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
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Visit our architecture degrees page.
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