Design for Future Living - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
We live in a time of rapid social, economic and environmental change. Demand for housing is increasing, but not enough new homes are being built. Not only that, home ownership is out of reach for a lot of people. The type of housing we need is changing, and this course will give you the opportunity to meet these challenges head on....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham School of Architecture and Design
- Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
Overview
We live in a time of rapid social, economic and environmental change. Demand for housing is increasing, but not enough new homes are being built. Not only that, home ownership is out of reach for a lot of people. The type of housing we need is changing, and this course will give you the opportunity to meet these challenges head on.
Design for Future Living aims to develop exciting and innovative design thinking, questioning preconceptions about how society lives now and into the future. Developed in collaboration with TV architect George Clarke’s Ministry of Building, Innovation and Education (MOBIE), the course places you at the forefront of the next generation of designers tackling the design and delivery of new homes. You could break new ground through an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to designing for future living.The course prepares a new model of creative, skilled and disruptive designer with knowledge of home, digital technologies and creative design.
What's covered in this course?
How we live affects us all. Housing is a basic human right but what we produce doesn’t always meet today’s needs. Our homes should be smart, well designed and affordable; they should create a sense of community, respect the environment and support changing family structures. We urgently need new design thinking to revolutionise how we live.
The BA (Hons) Design for Future Living is a unique opportunity for you to lead the way in designing how and where we live. Through innovative ideas, new design methods, advanced technologies and entrepreneurial skills, you will critique, challenge and disrupt traditional thinking around the idea of ‘home’ and develop radical alternatives.
Design - the course embodies our ethos of “design through the scales”, from product design, furniture, interior spaces and architecture to urban design. In the final year, you will have the opportunity to pursue your own interests through a major project.
Make – we have a tradition and pre-occupation with “making”, inspired by Birmingham’s industrial and artisan heritage, making this an ideal setting for exploring new approaches to the production and manufacture of homes. Using our workshops and the city beyond, you will explore advanced materials, digital and analogue fabrication and technology transfer from product design, manufacturing and industry.
Live – we see houses not as ‘one size fits all’ units but as homes for specific users in specific places. Throughout the course, you will be challenged to consider the implications of your designs on how people live.
The course prepares a new model of creative, skilled and disruptive designers with knowledge of how new understandings of home, digital technologies and creative design can shape the places we live.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
I am thrilled to have helped develop and to be a part of this incredible new course at BCU. The Design for Future Living degree will prepare you to be a creative, skilled and disruptive designer with a new knowledge and understanding of how digital technologies and creative design can shape the homes and places we live in. Through innovative ideas, new design methods, advanced technologies and entrepreneurial skills, you will challenge and disrupt traditional thinking around the idea of 'home' and develop radical alternatives that are fit for the future and fit to live in.
George Clarke
Why Choose Us?
- To explore and experience design problems focussed on housing, construction, and future living from a range of design disciplines/perspectives.
- An opportunity to explore and experiment with technologies and materials, within the construction industry.
- A focus on the user, client, or target market to develop opportunities for innovation.
- Developed in collaboration with TV Architect George Clarke’s MOBIE, offering a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders.
- Birmingham School of Architecture and Design is highly respected and has a rich history of providing education and opportunities. It celebrated its centenary in 2009.
- Two-thirds of the impact of our research was judged to be very considerable (3*) or outstanding (4*) - REF2021
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.
Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
UK students
| Essential | ||
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112 UCAS tariff points. |
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| Level 2 qualifications | ||
| GCSE | GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
| A Level and Advanced VCE |
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| AS and AS VCE | Considered with a maximum of 3 other Level 3 qualifications (AS Levels must be in different subject to A-Levels) to obtain 112 pts | |
| Access to HE Diploma |
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DMM | |
| Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media) |
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| IBO Certificate in Higher Level |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects. This must include English Language and Maths taken at either Ordinary Level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level minimum grade H1/H7 (or A-D / A1-D3 up to and including 2016 | |
| OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma | DMM | |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher |
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| T-Levels |
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| UAL Extended Diploma in Art & Design | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology | Merit overall | |
| UAL Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts | Merit overall | |
| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | ||
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 years (with Professional Placement)
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2023/24) £9,250
Professional Placement Fees
The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown here. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be £1,850, which is equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,980 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 4 years (with Professional Placement)
- Show fees
- Study Year (2023/24) £13,980
Professional Placement Fees
Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module engages with the key design ideologies of the 20th Century. The History of Western Architecture has an on-going complex relationship with Modernism. Despite having moved beyond Modernism and post-modernism, at the beginning of the 21st Century, the designed environment we live in; buildings, furniture, interiors and the public realm, still holds traces of and responds to elements of the Modernist ideologies. (VAM, 2006)
The past decades have seen profound shifts in how we live. Patterns of life are changing; new forms of living, social change, digital media and advanced technologies are challenging traditional models of home. Demand for housing is not being matched by supply, and many of the homes built are either in the wrong place or not the types of home we need. Expectations of what a new home is and does are also changing.
Through weekly lectures and seminars, you will be introduced to an overview of the evolution of current housing markets and the conditions affecting contemporary housing design and delivery. Starting from a historical perspective, the module explores theories and models of home ownership, development patterns, regulations, legislation and planning policy affecting housing delivery, illustrating the complexities of designing homes fit for the future.
In this module, you will explore the growth of offsite manufacture and parallel industries with potential to transfer technology into the house building sector. Since the 1998 Egan Review ‘Rethinking Construction’, prefabrication, off site manufacture or Modern Methods of Construction have been seen as a key approach to boosting innovation and productivity in the construction industry. While a recurring theme, its potential has yet to be fully realised.
Through seminars and practical workshops, you will gain an understanding of the principles and processes used in factory based and off site manufacture across a range of industries. This module will introduce basic principles and considerations when designing for various scales of manufacture, helping you to develop an awareness of the impact of economies of scale on design thinking.
Inhabit introduces students to design for an inhabitant, considering scale and ergonomics in the development of design proposals.
It introduces a broad range of skills for communication and representation of design through the use of basic design projects. These projects and tasks provide solution-based opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the design process. This could include research methods, design thinking, brainstorming, brief analysis, and human factors, explored through an iterative, non-linear design cycle reflecting the nature of the built environment. The module will introduce mechanisms of expression, exploration and representation and will enable you to develop ideas and identify future creative directions.
This studio-based module develops your skills in three-dimensional design at the scale of the single dwelling. It uses the design of a single home as a vehicle to challenge preconceptions about what a home is and how we live. This is explored at the scale of retrofit or adaptation of a single existing dwelling and a new build dwelling. Design studies within this module will typically relate to representing spaces and their relationships, inhabitation, experience, scale, privacy, environment and material quality.
Year two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Through seminars and practical workshops, the module explores how processes such as building information modelling (BIM), virtual reality, digital fabrication and off-site manufacture are revolutionising the procurement and construction of homes. As well as learning about software used in production of components and buildings you will explore the impact of different approaches on design teams, project timescales and on site.
This studio-based module builds on Future Homes 1 to introduce concepts of urban design through the design of multiple homes and the relationships between them. Working at the scale of a housing development, the module asks you to design a number of different house typologies and combine these into a housing development. Through design studies you will explore concepts and principles of best practice urban design, for example public and private space, thresholds, overlooking, access, context and sustainability.
Praxis is the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, practiced, embodied, or realised. Praxis may also refer to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realising, or practicing ideas.
We understand that not all of our graduates will go on to become practicing Architects. An architectural education, particularly the degree course, is a well-rounded education that can lead into numerous other career paths as well as the route to professional qualification. With this in mind we have a clear roadmap for our students in terms of professional knowledge, business awareness, and transferrable skills.
The Birmingham School of Architecture and Design occupies a distinctive interdisciplinary territory between the study and practices of the creative arts with the built environment professions.
Links with the professional context are reinforced through alumni, renowned tutors, events and live research projects. Equally, the School’s position within ADM means that students and staff are well connected to the creative scene of the city.
CO.LAB (the Collaborative Laboratory) is a vehicle for a range of projects that seek to directly engage students with this dynamic context. It is an opportunity for students to work with individuals and groups outside of their discipline area, engaging in a broad creative network.
This studio-based module will introduce you to the principles of co-housing design. Learning from exemplars across the UK and beyond, you will carry out design explorations at the scale of the home and community to consider the dynamics of individual and collective experiences of future living.
Year three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The module asks you to develop a research process through analysis of a case study in a rigorous academic format before developing your own systems, made and tested at a large scale. Case studies, related to the overarching theme of Year three modules, are used to develop questions around current and future systems for the production of places to live. You will then use the physical and/or digital workshop facilities to fabricate, assemble and analyse your design response in practical, strategic and/or architectural terms.
The module introduces you to the business of design and the role of design management. It involves you in a series of engaging lectures and workshops which explore the world of design practice and how complex design problems can be addressed. The teaching and learning will cover design business structures, business planning, entrepreneurship, collaboration and leadership, psychometric design strategy, design thinking and innovation.
Throughout the module, you will work both independently and collaboratively, with students from a range of design disciplines to research and investigate how to set up and sustain a design business. You will study the practice of design and explore a range of models and theories, whilst conducting primary and secondary research methodology, applying analysis, synthesis and critical argument.
The emphasis of the teaching and learning will be based on design project management, design finance, project finance, intellectual property rights, personal professionalism, and presentation skills, whilst demonstrating how to create a proposal. You will apply these models, theories and principles to your studies and utilise your research skills developed throughout the course to formulate a highly structured and well-narrated and convincing project proposal.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.
Download course specification
Download nowDesigning across the scales from product design to architecture to the city, you will have unique skills and an awareness of sustainable housing design solutions, making you ideally placed to develop new approaches to the homes of the future.
Your projects will explore objects, spaces for living and future homes and communities. Through hands on experience you will understand the potential of new technologies and technology transfer. Working individually and in team-based activities, you will develop your professional and entrepreneurial skills ready for industry.
The course goes beyond lectures and gives you great opportunities. Interdisciplinary working is part of our ethos; you'll be part of Co.LAB, a collaborative architecture and design initiative within the School working on live projects. This engagement with one-to-one scale interventions and real-world practice helps you to become a more rounded and responsive designer.
As part of the Praxis module, you will undertake a work placement during year two, with options including design practice, construction, manufacture, developer, and more. This engagement with one-to-one scale interventions with students and staff from various disciplines, external partners and real-world practice helps you to become a more rounded and responsive professional.
The collaboration with MOBIE brings a wealth of knowledge and industry connections to the course.
Employability
The BA (Hons) Design for Future Living programme is located within the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design.
The course builds upon the School’s employability driven reputation, by providing students with the knowledge and skills to work in industry, which could lead to a career in designing sustainable housing and architecture.
The collaboration with MOBIE brings a wealth of knowledge and industry connections to the course.
The course enables students to explore a diverse range of career routes, based in the following disciplines/areas:
- Technology in construction methods/housing of the future
- Development of sustainable methods/materials & processes
- Strategic Innovation and management
- Innovation in sustainable methods of construction
- Design entrepreneurship/prototyping
- Digital technologies/user experience/researchers
As well as gaining course-specific skills, you could also gain broader tools through our Graduate+ programme, which will help enhance your employment options by helping with careers development, employability activities, volunteering and part-time work experience.
Allied with these course-specific experiences, you will also have access to a range of support staff and services from the University’s Careers Service, who can help with:
- Reviewing CVs, covering letters and application forms
- Career planning and decision making
- Preparing for interviews and assessment centres
- Developing portfolios
- Networking with employers
- Advice about self-employment and entrepreneurship
Placements
As part of our commitment to developing the essential skills required as part of the BA (Hons) Design for Future Living, we have continued to develop the two-week, assessed work placement scheme in Year Two. The placement is part of the PRAXIS (Management Practice and Law) module and takes place towards the end of the academic year.
While on placement, organisations are encouraged to provide you with a wide range of activities, including meetings, site visits and design reviews, as well as developing additional writing, CAD and graphic skills.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the exceptional quality of our campuses. With an investment of £340 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.
You will be based in our multi-million pound Parkside building – a state of the art facility located within our City Centre Campus. Here you will have full access to our recently upgraded, high spec CAD (Computer-Aided-Design) workstations situated within our dedicated computer labs and open access areas. We also provide access to leading edge digital design software, enabling you to explore technical drawing, graphics, 3D modelling, visualization, animation, computation, simulation, and virtual reality.
The Parkside Building is also home to our digital fabrication labs, where you will be able to explore 3D printing, laser cutting, water-jet cutting, CNC machining, ceramics, glass and traditional model-making, guided by our team of expert technicians with access to our on-site material store, and professional printing facilities.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Design studios
- Physical and digital library
- Loanable laptops
- Dedicated social spaces
- Cafés
Take a look around on our virtual walkthroughs
Photo Gallery
From industry-standard software, to our workshops and studio spaces, everything you need will be at your fingertips from day one. Working with our dedicated teaching teams and expert technicians, you'll be supported from concept through to completion.
Our staff
Dr Hocine Bougdah
Director of Technical Studies and Sustainability
Dr Hocine Bougdah is a senior lecturer in sustainability and Technical Studies and the Director for Technical Studies in the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design BoAD). Before joining BoAD in June 2022, he was a senior research and teaching fellow in the school of Architecture and Cities at the University of Westminster, London. His...
More about HocineNicholas Irvin
Lecturer in Design Management
Nick is lecturer in Design Management and this programme attracts students from a diverse range of design and non-design disciplines from the UK and overseas. The programme focuses on the strategic value of design and its importance within a business context, which aims to develop the confidence; skills and knowledge for work in industry.
More about NicholasDr Yazid Khemri
Lecturer in Architecture
Dr Yazid Khemri has been involved in practice, research and teaching of Architecture for almost a decade. Yazid was awarded a PhD in Architecture by the University of Portsmouth, where he was also teaching across Design Studio, Technology and History and Theory. He holds an Architect diploma and an MSc in Architecture and Sustainable Environment.
More about Yazid