Please note
This course and the information on this page is indicative based on the 2019/20 academic year. The final details for this course starting in 2020/21 may be subject to change and will be confirmed in June 2019.
Are you looking for an architecture degree course at a respected School with connections to over 60 local architecture firms?
Validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and prescribed by Architects Registration Board (ARB) to give full exemption from the ARB / RIBA Part 1 examination, you will be based at our innovative Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, where you start your journey towards becoming a registered architect.
Birmingham School of Architecture and Design offers fully accredited programmes at RIBA Parts 1, 2 and 3, enabling you to fully qualify as a registered architect within one school.
About foundation courses
This four year course has been specifically designed you to undertake additional level 3 study designed to ensure you are successful on your chosen degree.
After successful completion of your foundation year, you will have the flexibility to switch (should you wish to change direction) onto a number of related undergraduate degree options within Birmingham School of Architecture and Design.
Subject to Updates
As part of BCU’s commitment to providing excellent student experience, the content and structure of this course is being refreshed to ensure that it continues to meet the highest educational standards. This page will be updated with the revised course documentation by 30 June 2019.
What's covered in the course?
With the diverse architecture of Birmingham as your initial inspiration, you'll focus on urban environment and look at neighbourhoods, cities, and regional and global networks.
Industry connections in your second and third years help you foster direct links and contacts within practice, helping you to find work experience. We also work closely with RIBA West Midlands, the Midlands Architecture Centre (MADE), and Birmingham City Council. From the first year onwards, you will begin to construct your own online webpage of work and projects, which can then be transformed into an online portfolio and/or CV.
Our recent RIBA Validation Board visit commended our links with professional practice and the supportive learning community we offer. We were also commended for our flexible approach to learning, with strong support for part-time students.
You'll have the chance to 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 in your learning journey to become a more rounded and responsive designer.
The course goes beyond lectures and gives you great opportunities. Students from all years are offered places to attend events such as national building information modelling (BIM) events, which provide a forum for you to engage directly with practitioners and industry specialists, as well as informing you of changes in current practice.
You'll also benefit from the insight of guest speakers such as Professor CJ Lim and renowned American landscape architect Martha Schwartz, together with other practising architects from firms such as Foster and Partners, Make, Associated Architects, Invisible Studio, Mole Architects, Ash Sakula and various others. Film work also plays an important part in the perception of the city, and you’re encouraged to use this medium along with a wide variety of other creative outputs drawing upon our fantastic workshop facilities.
In your final year, you'll showcase your work at the Graduate Show, an event attended by practitioners where previous students have been headhunted by leading practices including Grimshaws, Hopkins Architects, Hawkins Brown and Glenn Howells Architects.
You will study in our state-of-the-art Parkside Building, which has been praised for its investment and facilities by RIBA. While based in Parkside, you will get sharpen your CAD and digital visual communication skills, prototyping and digital production, while also having access to a range of specialist software.
Why Choose Us?
- Validated by the RIBA and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), our course meets and exceeds the joint criteria set out by both professional bodies, thus meeting the requirements of Article 46 of the European Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications.
- You will be exposed to architectural practice and live projects with professional partners, enabling you to develop your skills and creativity. Our connections with over 60 architecture firms and practitioners forms an essential part of our teaching team, as well as enabling you to embark on valuable work placements within the West Midlands, North West, London and abroad.
- Our intimate study environment ensures exceptional support from staff, with 90 per cent of our graduates going on to work or further study within six months of completing the course. You’ll also have the chance to attend study trips and explore international opportunities, expanding your cultural and academic knowledge.
- The part-time course is taught one day a week to enable you to study alongside a full-time job in practice.
- 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 and is located in new, multidisciplinary studio and workshop spaces in Birmingham’s Eastside.
Open Days
Our next Open Day for this course will take place on 29 June 2019. Visit us to see our facilities and speak to our staff and students.
Book your place
This course is open to International students
Discover Birmingham School of Architecture and Design
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
Read our Annual Review
Concerns is an annual publication by Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. In this issue, you can view final year student work and read more about the activities within the School.
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Michael Hopkins and Partners
- MAKE
- Glenn Howells Architects
- Grimshaw Architects
- Hawkins Brown
Course Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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88 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| Typical Offers (UK students) | ||
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At the point of application you must have GCSE at Grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths. Equivalent qualifications can be considered in lieu as long as the required subject is covered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements | |
| A level | CCD. The following subjects are preferred: History/Geography/English/Languages, Double award in Science or separate Science such as Physics, Biology or Chemistry, Maths, Sociology/Philosophy/Psychology, Art/Design/Music. excluding General Studies A maximum of three subjects are considered. Other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one or two A-level subjects. |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma |
MMM. Art and design, business and economics, construction and built environment, design technology, english, geography, history, languages, ICT, land based and environment, manufacturing, music, performing arts and drama, science. subjects excluded Hair and beauty, health and social care, hospitality, early years, customer service, citizenship, accounting, PE and sport, public services and uniformed services |
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| Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall - 15 credits at level 2 and 45 credits at level 3 with Merit In a relevant pathway GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or above or equivalent qualifications within access course must be obtained. |
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Scottish Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points achieved from either five Highers or a combination of two Highers offered with two Advanced Highers. | |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme |
Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 11 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 88 UCAS Tariff Points. | |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate |
Can be considered along with a minimum of 2 of the following qualifications: A-levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas/ OCR Cambridge Technical Diplomas. Can also be considered in combination with a BTEC extended diploma, art and design foundation diploma or UAL extended diploma to obtain 88 pts |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma |
Must be offered along with either A-level, AS-levels or BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/BTEC 90 credit diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification/Foundation Diploma in Art and Design/ UAL extended diploma to achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points Art and design, business and economics, construction and built environment, design technology, english,geography,history,languages,ICT,land based and environment,manufacturing,music,performing arts and drama,science. Excluding Hair and beauty,health and social care,hospitality,early years,customer service,citizenship, accounting, PE and sport,public services and uniformed services |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 88 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. | |
| Other qualifications | ||
| 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 |
Minimum overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no less than 5.5 in the remaining three skills. 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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Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Due to a higher entry tariff for BA (Hons) Architecture you'll need to receive 60 % or more in your final project to progress.
UK or EU students
| Award | Start | Mode | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | Sep 2020 | FT | 4 years | £9,250 per year | Apply via UCAS |
International Students
| Award | Start | Mode | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | Sep 2020 | FT | 4 years | £12,800 per year | Register your interest |
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Guidance for UK/EU students
UK and EU 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
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Portfolio Guidance
You are not required to submit a portfolio for this course.
Additional costs
Our courses include activities such as performance, exhibitions, field trips and production of works or artefacts which may require you to purchase specific equipment, instruments, books, materials, hire of venues and accommodation, or other items. Many of these activities are essential and compulsory parts of your learning experience.
The link below gives you an estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on your course. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course.
All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Foundation year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
Year one
The core modules covered are Design Studio, Cultural Context and Technology. The Design Studio makes up 50 per cent of the course combining theory with practice. Our Collaborative Practice (Co.LAB) module involves you in live projects with external agencies. The Praxis module supports the delivery of key skills and experience of real-world practice. In your first year, you'll be given a broad foundation in architecture and in the context of the ‘urbanised field’, as well as the physical and ideological relationship between them. The programme is organised around principles introducing you to a range of concepts which provide the basis for your architectural education. You'll interpret the non-designed and designed environment, learning to understand the impact of environmental conditions and their relationship to construction and structural design. Digital teaching in a range of CAD, NURBS modelling and rendering packages is blended with workshops in hand drawing, presentation and graphics to enable a holistic competency in architectural communication. Blogs are used as a medium for facilitating an online collation of your work with a view to building your own online portfolio for use later. In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits) |
Year two
You’ll examine the role of policy in forming urban and architectural constructs, and the role of the architect in construction. A work placement gives you the chance to experience industry, with companies such as Glen Howells Architects, Green Planning Studios, Seymour Harris and Bournville Architects. You’ll have chance to work on elective programme (Co.LAB), enabling you to engage with design and production practices across the School and external clients. Students on the architecture programme have worked with the ‘Friends of The Hayes’ to develop a bridge structure in the grounds of The Hayes – a Grade II-listed country house in Staffordshire – using timber sustainably sourced from surrounding woodland, and on a wide variety of other live projects. The theme of "process" in year two facilitates your exploration of the different forms of contemporary architecture and design practices, building on the understanding of principles achieved at year one. In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits) |
Year three
Your final year considers the physical and cultural architectural context, focused on individual exploration of your own interests. You will look at 'dynamic cities' and the implications of new digital technologies, as well as developing and testing strategies in sustainable development and technology against architectural projects. You develop employability and entrepreneurial skills in special working seminars to prepare you for professional employment. In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
After finishing the Foundation Year, our architecture degree is assessed on 100 per cent coursework, with no practical or written exams. We feel this best mirrors the way you'd work in the real world and so better prepares you for a career in architecture. The structure of the course supports the building of a geared architectural portfolio - providing your 'passport to practice'.
Full-time study
Our Architecture degree is assessed on 100 per cent coursework, with no practical or written exams. We feel this best mirrors the way you'd work in the real world and so better prepares you for a career in architecture and other associated design disciplines. The structure of the course supports the building of an individually focussed architectural portfolio - providing your 'passport to practice'.
Part-time study
Studying Architecture part-time offers an attractive opportunity if you are looking for an alternative route to becoming a qualified architect. Part-time students attend University for one day per week. The remaining four days are spent working in a chartered (ARB) architect’s practice. This will help you to become a strong practitioner who can embrace, adapt and transform practice.
Live projects in action
Ash and Lacy
Students visited aluminium manufacturers Ash and Lacy, where they were tasked with designing and producing aluminium models for the entrance of our brand new Birmingham Conservatoire.
With a team of supportive staff, you will feel part of the school and begin shaping your career in architecture and allied professions from the first year. The choices you make will ultimately influence the type of architect or designer you become. As a School, we place a significant focus on encouraging and developing the individual skills our students have.
From first year you will participate in engaging, creative projects to help you understand the basics in design and drawing. With an emphasis on building confidence, enjoyment and getting to know you, this is a great entry point for you to start constructing your architectural career.
Our Co.LAB projects directly engage the school, its staff and students both within and across their disciplines of architecture, landscape, interiors and product. We use the city of Birmingham as a laboratory to test ideas, prove concepts and deliver real projects for the 21st century.
In your third year, you have the opportunity to make informed choices about your final projected facilitating the development of your own interests.
Our course is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects, allowing you to achieve RIBA Part 1 exemption. This offers you distinct support when applying for placement in practice.
Royal Institute of British Architects
RIBA is a global member organisation, with 44,000 members. It champions better buildings, communities and the environment and provides the standards, training, support and recognition to put members at the peak of their profession.
Our accreditation shows employers that students graduating from our course have the levels of knowledge and skills they need.
Architects Registration Board
Architects Registration board was established by Parliament in 1997 to regulate the architects’ profession in the UK.
They are an independent, public interest body and their work in regulating architects ensures that good standards within the profession are consistently maintained for the benefit of the public and architects alike.
Reviews
These independent reviews show what our students really think:
"Working in such a creative bubble spurs on creativity and provides a wealth of inspiration for your own work. There are so many artistically genius minds around to ask for her and advise, great atmosphere/environment."
Anonymous
www.university.which.co.uk
Further Study
As a graduate of the course, you'll be encouraged to apply for employment as an assistant in architectural practice and, on completion of your year out, will be invited to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture (RIBA Part 2 exemption). We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice (RIBA Part 3 exemption), giving you the opportunity to undertake your entire architectural education at the School of Architecture.
Trips and visits
A majority of your design projects will be located on live sites, meaning regular trips to various locations will become an integrated part of the design studio modules. Study trips at all three levels of the BA programme are often linked to design projects or inform research activities. These provide a very important part of your learning and understanding, building knowledge and skills for interpretation of sites and buildings - locally, nationally and also further afield.
Student stories Elizabeth Clayton
Assistant Architect
Elizabeth is an Assistant Architect at Axis Design Architects Ltd in Birmingham. She got the job part-way through her degree, working during her final summer at university, part-time through her final year and started full-time when she graduated.
Student stories Holly Rose Doron
Chartered Member of RIBA
As well as being a practising architect at APEC Architects, Holly now also tutors second year BA (Hons) Architecture students at the School she graduated from. The 28 year-old from Birmingham now finds herself bridging the “gap between academia and practice” having also acquired Chartered Membership status at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Enhancing your employability skills
The course gives you a full understanding of the role of an architect and the creative flair and technical skills needed to succeed.
You'll understand sustainability, technical and cultural issues and the challenges of expanding the urban environment.
You'll develop a comprehensive portfolio that shows employers a range of skills in design practice and academic study.
You'll develop a range of transferable skills, such as how to communicate ideas and solve problems, as well as developing negotiation and planning skills. And thanks to the unique nature of the course, you’ll learn how to work effectively and efficiently either on your own or as part of a team.
Your skills will be in demand - architecture, building and planning courses are one of the top 12 degree subjects for getting a job according to a recent article in the Telegraph.
Placements
As part of our commitment to developing the essential skills required as part of the BA (Hons) Architecture programme, we have continued to develop the two-week, assessed work placement scheme at Level Five. The placement is part of the PRAXIS (Management Practice and Law) module and takes place towards the end of the academic year.
Over the past three years we have had more than 100 practices taking part in the scheme, providing great diversity in terms of scale, philosophy, sectors and location. This has Included placements being secured with many nationally and internationally-renowned practices such as Michael Hopkins and Partners, MAKE, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins Brown, Populus, Gensler, Glenn Howells Architects, Associated Architects and many others.
While on placement, practices are encouraged to provide you with a wide range of activities, including meetings, site visits and design reviews, as well as developing additional CAD and graphic skills.
Many students are successful in gaining summer paid work in practices as a result of the placement.
Case study: Charlotte Taylor – BA Architecture
A love of design, as well as being impressed with the facilities and work displayed at our Open Days, inspired Charlotte Taylor to study Architecture at Birmingham City University. Strengthening her skills with a placement at Glenn Howells Architects, she now plans to stay the course and graduate as a fully-qualified architect.
“I have been interested in architecture from an early age – I remember when I was 11, when I moved house I drew a to-scale floor plan of my bedroom and designed where I wanted everything to go. Alongside that, I’ve always loved art and design just as much as maths and physics, so a combination of all three made Architecture the perfect choice.
“I chose Birmingham City University as when I first visited, I felt totally at home and very comfortable. None of the other universities I visited had an atmosphere like the University has, and you could tell the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design was extremely proud of its students.
“As part of our Praxis module, we had to take part in a two-week placement, which I think is a great idea, as not many other universities offer this. I worked at Glenn Howells Architects, designing a reception space for a student accommodation building in Selly Oak. I think going on a placement allows you to get a taste of what it’s like to work in practice, as well as helping you determine what sort of practice you want to go into.
“For the future, I plan on carrying out the full seven-year course. I am really enjoying my time here and hope to progress onto my Master’s for my Part II.”
Case study: Abdul Azeem – BA Architecture
With a love of art, design and technology, studying BA Architecture was an easy decision for Abdul Azeem. In his second year, he’s enhanced his skills further by undertaking a work placement with Birmingham-based D5 Architects, getting a first-hand glimpse into how an architecture practice works.
“I chose Architecture because of my passion for art and design, as well as a love of technology in buildings. I chose Birmingham City University because of the wide range of services available, such as the workshops and IT spaces. I am local to Birmingham, and I’d definitely recommend students from around the world to come study here, as it’s very educational and welcoming.
“I had the opportunity to undertake a work placement, thanks to the help of my tutors. Working at D5 Architects, the placement was amazing – seeing how my colleagues would interact in a professional environment was incredible. While there, I helped my colleagues with projects such as photo shopping certain renders, researching materials or information, and model making. I definitely feel like I have gained a lot from being in the placement, such as presentation quality, time management and confidence.
“My plans for the future are to move on to complete the full RIBA course.”
Case study: Tatiana Pachina – BA Architecture
Originally from Russia, Tatiana Pachina wanted to study in the UK due to the recognition a UK-based education receives. Electing to study at Birmingham City University due to its renowned reputation, BA (Hons) Architecture student Tatiana has recently completed a placement with Birmingham-based architectural practice Gensler, gaining vital first-hand experience.
“I decided to study Architecture in the UK for several reasons. Firstly, a UK education is recognised by employers and governments all over the world, and secondly, studying in the UK would give me an opportunity to improve my English, and meet people from different countries and cultures. I came over to study from Russia in 2012, and it took some time to get used to my new surroundings. If you’re an international student considering studying in the UK, my advice would be to talk, make new friends and be active in university life.
“The course has enabled me to improve my drawing skills, graphic design, model making and ability to gather some architectural knowledge. In addition, I have gotten much more confident when it comes to presenting my ideas to others.
“I recently enjoyed a work placement with Gensler, which has been the best part of my second year. It was a great opportunity to see how architects and designers work together in real life, as well as allowing me to get a feel for working in the architecture industry. With Gensler employing a small staff, it gave me chance to talk to all of them and find out what projects they were working on.
“The work placement was a good experience for me – I found out new things about the industry, I have learned some new skills and made some connections with the real world of architecture.”
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Graduate jobs
More than 80 per cent of our graduates succeed in securing positions within the architectural and landscaping sectors. Graduates go on to work with prestigious firms in roles such as architects and graphic design interns, or even set up their own companies. Here are just a few of their stories:
Ben Derbyshire
Ben Derbyshire is the Managing Partner of HTA Design LLP, a multidisciplinary firm of 120 architects, graphic designers, planners, landscape architects, web designers and sustainability consultants.
Examples of his practice’s notable projects, both in the UK and abroad, include Greenwich Millennium Village, Waterport Terraces in Gibraltar, the redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth's Children's Hospital and the South Acton regeneration project in London and Hanham Hall zero carbon community in Bristol.
Francis Lee
Chief Executive Officer of global architectural practice DP Architects Francis Lee has worked all over the world on multi-million pound projects.
Yinka Danmole
Graduate Yinka Danmole set up his practice, Danmole Design Studios and now works on commission based projects with local organisations. Also setting up their own firm are architecture graduates Mohamed Rahouma and Shamil Chauhan who launched an independent design studio called 'Backpack Studio 'based in Manchester.
Using industry software
You’ll learn how to use industry equipment and software including rapid prototyping, CAD and digital production. Your observational and technical drawing techniques will be developed, along with other key skills.
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.
Our international students
We have a diverse community of students from all over the world. Our international reputation, professional accreditation and outstanding graduate success rate attracts students from a variety of countries including Brunei, Kenya, Malaysia, Russia and Singapore.
Tatiana Pachina, from Moscow, said: “I decided to study architecture in the UK for several reasons. First of all, because the UK education is recognised by employers, universities and governments all over the world and it gives you plenty of opportunities for further study and career progression. Secondly, studying in the UK gives me an opportunity to meet people from different countries, with different backgrounds and learn something new about their cultures
“I chose the BA Architecture course because I think studying in Birmingham can provide a unique experience and a really focused course can encourage students to be creative. The first year of the course was a great experience that enabled me to improve my drawing skills, graphical drawing, model making and ability to think three dimensionally and gather some architectural knowledge.”
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Popular home countries
Our students come from around the world but our architecture course is most popular with international students from:
Brunei
Russia
Scholarships available for international students.
Requirements:£2,000 if a 1st degree holder £1,500 if a 2:1 if a 2:1 degree holder £1,000 if a 2:2 if a 2:2 degree holder £500 if a if a 3rd degree holder.
Our Facilities
When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the high standard of our campuses. With an investment of £260 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.
You’ll be based in the multi-million pound Parkside building – part of our City Centre Campus – with technology and facilities that reflect advanced professional practice. We offer facilities which will accurately reflect the work environment you will enter after graduating. These include Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) and a computer-generated Virtual Building Site, creating real life scenarios for you to work on.
While based in The Parkside Building, you will get sharpen your CAD and digital visual communication skills, prototyping and digital production, while also having access to a range of specialist software, workshops, computer and project learning laboratories, and a social learning space.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Design studios
- Computer and project laboratories
- Social learning space
- Café
- Meeting point
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 expert technicians, you'll be supported from concept through to completion.
Professor Kevin Singh
Head of School
In a teaching career spanning 20 years, Kevin has taught on undergraduate and postgraduate courses across both Architecture and Interior Design, and has also been a course leader for both BA Interior Design and M.Arch Architecture.
In 2000 Kevin co-founded the space studio, an RIBA Chartered design-led practice, with Interior Designer Tony Kerby. The practice undertakes new build, refurbishment, and interior works across a number of sectors. Clients include the English National Ballet, Manchester City Football Club, HMRC, Tesla cars and Birmingham City University.
His Professorship was conferred under the categories of Learning and Teaching and Academic Leadership, having introduced a number of initiatives relating to the blurring of the relationship between academia and practice, and for a proven track record of transforming the success of courses that he has led. He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in May 2015.
Kevin is heavily involved in the Royal Institute of British Architects, sitting on RIBA National Council, RIBA Education Committee, as well as Chairing RIBA validation panels to Schools of Architecture in the UK and abroad. He is a Board member of Dance XChange and an external examiner at London South Bank University.
Hannah Vowles
Deputy Head of School and Associate Professor
Studied architecture at Kingston and the Architectural Association. Worked in architectural practice for 10 years, public and private sector. Founded art practice / project Art in Ruins with Glyn Banks – exhibitions, published critical writing, curating, teaching. Founding Chair of association of architectural educators.
Victoria Farrow
Programme Director, BA (Hons) Architecture
Victoria is the Programme Director and has led the year 1 cohort for over 7 years. Extremely experienced in her discipline, Victoria is a qualified Architect and was chartered with the ARB following the completion of her studies at the University of Nottingham. She has worked in practice, both as the director of her own architectural practice and also as an employee of practices in Nottingham working in variety of different sectors. She has also worked with the fields of facilities management, BIM, occupancy planning, architectural visualisation and interior design. Victoria is incredibly passionate about architectural education and it is this that led her into teaching in 2008 where she began working as an academic at the University of Lincoln and Nottingham Trent University. During her time as an academic, Victoria has developed networks with organisations working in USA, and South Africa, which have provided her with the opportunity to both teach a number of times in the USA and also collaborate on numerous international projects and research activities. Victoria is also one of the founding members of the aae (association of architectural educators).
Kasia Nawratek
Lecturer in Architecture / Level 5 Leader
Kasia Nawratek is an architect, a lecturer and Level 5 Year Leader at Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. Kasia has 8 years experience in practice, ranging from urban planning, urban design to architecture and architectural conservation. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, Kasia has worked as a lecturer at Plymouth University. Her main research interests are cultural diversity of contemporary cities and uneven distribution of symbolic and economic values in urban areas (drosscapes, urban voids, edgelands).
Alessandro Columbano
Senior Lecturer / Level 6 Leader
Alessandro is a Senior Lecturer at the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. He also co-established and leads the Collaborative Laboratory (Co.LAB) a teaching intiative and organisation within the school that integrates teaching with practice through live projects, staff research/design and external consultancy.
Prior to joining the university, Alessandro worked in architecture and research practices in Manchester and London, with experience in evidence-based design and historical refurbishments. He graduated from the Manchester School of Architecture with a distinction in both postgraduate architecture and MA Urbanism prior to developing his portfolio as an independent artist/designer.
As anviere, a self-identified design guise, Alessandro has developed a portfolio of site-specific installations and artworks commenting on the subversive qualities of our physical environments.
Alessandro brings these characteristics forward to his teaching as an academic and researcher; taking an active role in the discussion of architectural pedagogy, urban theory and the contemporary vernacular. It is applied by engaging in the city’s cultural network through an ongoing process of collaborative practice.
David Sharpe
Lecturer in Structural Design
I hold a part-time post as Lecturer in Structural Design at the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design, Birmingham City University. My initial focus is to provide Structural Engineering input into the Technology curriculum of both the undergraduate BA (Hons) Architecture and postgraduate M.Arch Architecture.
In my role, I combine my experience of working as a practicing Structural Engineer with my personal interest in low-energy buildings. Through working with students in lectures and tutorials, I seek to pass on my knowledge and experience so that they can develop another perspective on what contributes to good architecture.
Jemma Browne
Lecturer in History & Theory, Cultural Context
Jemma teaches history and theory of Architecture across many of the courses in the School, as well as tutoring in the architectural and interior design studios at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She is currently completing her Doctoral research ‘Spatial Representations of Memory and Identity in the City’. Her research examines how post-industrial cities in the UK are spatially transformed through time by the layering of new and existing expressions of cultural identity; in particular as a result of postcolonial migration. The project seeks to understand the role that the collective memory of post–colonial diasporic communities plays in the formation of the cultural identity of space within UK cities.
Professor Christian Frost
Director of History, Theory and Cultural Context
Christian Frost qualified as an architect in 1990 following the completion of his studies at the University of Cambridge. He worked in practice, at home and abroad for over ten years before becoming a full time academic in 2001, when he began to research the history of the foundation of Salisbury which has resulted in the publication of his book Time, Space and Order: The Making of Medieval Salisbury (Peter Lang, 2009).
His student work has been published and was exhibited in London, Frankfurt, Berlin and Prague, and he has worked in Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom on projects ranging from commercial offices and domestic properties to highly specialised Arts projects. In 1992, after two years in practice, he returned to Cambridge to read for an M.Phil. in the History and Philosophy of Architecture concentrating on the architectural continuity which underpinned the transition from the classical to the Christian world. He then worked in Berlin as a part of a team winning several competitions before returning to the UK where he became project architect on the ARC Arts Centre in Stockton-on-Tees, taking the project from sketch designs through to final completion.
Following the completion of the ARC, Christian set up his own practice working on private dwellings, sports facilities, schools and housing proposals.
In 2013 he became the Oscar Naddermier Professor of Architecture at the Birmingham School of Architecture taking responsibility for the delivery of history, theory and cultural context throughout the school, whilst continuing to teach design on the MArch course.
Ian Shepherd
Director of Professional Studies
Ian Shepherd is the course leader within the School of Architecture. He integrates teaching with practice through live projects, design, research and consultancy. Prior to joining the university, Ian was a partner in a local architectural practice for more than 20 years, with experience in design and delivery of community, education and leisure projects.
Michael Dring
Programme Director, MArch Architecture
Michael is an architect, senior lecturer, MArch programme director and researcher at Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. He brings seven years of professional practice to the role, and is involved in a number of research projects and groups spanning architecture, urbanism, art and design, and ecology.
Jim Sloan
Director of Technology
Jim Sloan joined BCU in 2010 as Director of Technology for Birmingham School of Architecture and Design. His role involves an overview of the technical curriculum across all courses in the school. This includes teaching on materials, material assembly, structure, environmental comfort and regulatory compliance for the built environment. His PhD research is looking at the processes, strategies and methods for detailed design evident in architectural practice.
Jieling Xiao
Lecturer in Environmental Design
Jieling is a qualified Architect and Designer and makes contributions on most of the programmes associated with the the Birmingham School of Architecture and Design.Jieling believes passionately that designers need to consider more than just how the hardware of architecture functions for its users. Jieling is particularly interested in theories and the creative practice of place-making and environmental design that interprets and plays with people’s sensory experiences, particularly in relation to soundscape and smellscape.
Harriet Devlin MBE
Course Director - Conservation of the Historic Environment
Harriet Devlin MBE currently runs the Conservation of the Historic Environment programme. Harriet worked in Northern Ireland for 10 years where she championed vernacular buildings and received the Europa Nostra Award for the Mourne Homesteads project. She received a Winston Churchill award and has been a passionate advocate of ‘A stitch in time saves nine’ preventative maintenance for many years. Harriet has large amounts of experience of fundraising for projects, and has coordinated Townscape Heritage initiatives as well as building preservation trusts. She was awarded an MBE in 2014 for her services to the Historic Environment.
Lucas Hughes
Programme Director, BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture
Lucas Hughes holds qualifications in landscape architecture and urban design. He has a broad range of interest and experience within several professional sectors linking across the built-environment industry. His core focus is to promote high quality, integrated, design-led processes for the creation of characterful and sensitive built environment solutions.