Architecture for 15 – 17 Year Olds

Level(s) of Study: Short course
Course Fee:
£580
Start Date(s): 26 July 2027, 2 August 2027
Duration: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, one week
Study Mode(s): Part-time
Campus: City Campus
Entry Requirements: More information

Introduction:

Architects of tomorrow – are you ready to redefine skylines and shape the world of the future?

Join us for a week of creative thinking with an emphasis on sustainability and techniques used by architects and architecture students today.

You’ll be encouraged to look at buildings as an architect looks at them, analysing how daylight and space can enhance wellbeing of users and improve a carbon footprint.

The future is waiting – let's design it together.

You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas.
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your portfolio.
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential Award?

This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential Award and is an amazing opportunity to make new friends and memories. It will be fun and gently challenging, allowing you to follow your passion and discover talents you never knew you had.

DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.

You must also attend the social events that are planned on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and you must plan and attend your own social activities with other participants on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

'This course has helped solidify my decision to attend an architecture degree program. I particularly enjoyed the model making aspect of the course and discovering different techniques. I want to say a big thank you to the course tutor Annie'.

'I enjoyed the content that the course consisted of and it has strengthened my desire to do architecture as a degree.'

'I loved the model making, as well as learning about the different aspects of architecture.'

'I really enjoyed the course, it was very fun and helpful, thank you.'

'Overall it was a really good course taught by experienced professionals and helped me gain a good insight into architecture.'

'I really enjoyed this course, thank you.'

'This course has allowed me to gain a better understanding of what an architecture degree includes.'

'From doing this course I have a confirmed interest in architecture and a lot to add to my portfolio.'

'I’ve gotten better at drawings and modelling as well as problem solving and knowledge about how to put together a portfolio.'

What you’ll study

Embark on a hands-on exploration of architecture, where creativity meets practicality.

Through a series of interactive workshops, collaborative projects and site visits, you’ll dive into the multifaceted realm of architectural design.

From sketching the seeds of an idea to bringing it to life through architectural model making, you’ll explore the world of architecture in a dynamic and hands-on environment.

During this course, you will:

learn to sketch objects and people quickly and effectively as designers do when creating early design ideas
work on a small building project design, understanding how to research into a client’s needs
consider good use of space and design an exciting solution to the project brief
learn about the various stages of idea generation and design development that professionals must go through
create drawings, sketches, and physical models using simple, sustainable materials that can be recycled
investigate current building projects that are local to Nottingham, both finished and under construction, engaging with contractors and other design professionals
look at buildings and the city to appreciate urban space, light and wellbeing
learn how to present your work both verbally and in a portfolio.

This course will empower you with the knowledge and skills to envision and shape the built environment of the future.

You will learn the importance of drawing and making physical models in the design environment and we shall refer to how architects use digital programmes in their working life, but we shall not be teaching you how to use them

This will be an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the built environment and create new work for your portfolio.

You’ll leave equipped with practical design skills, heightened spatial awareness, and the ability to collaboratively solve architectural challenges.

Social events

We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15 – 17 year olds, which are free to attend.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course:

Start your architectural journey with a warm welcome to NTU.

Dive into the course with an introductory session where you'll get to know your fellow aspiring architects.

Embark on a fascinating tour of NTU City Campus, learning to observe and analyse buildings through an architect's lens.

Engage in drawing challenges within groups, setting the stage for a week of collaborative creativity.

In groups you’ll tackle the bamboo Challenge, using simple and sustainable materials to construct impressive structures.

This hands-on day encourages you to think spatially and work collectively on design solutions.

Delve into the deeper purpose of why we build buildings.

Engage in group research to analyse a live / work space, gaining insights into the functionality and purpose behind architectural design.

Express your understanding through drawing and modelling in individual projects, allowing your creativity to take centre stage.

Experience the real-world application of architecture with a site visit to a building under construction.

Engage and continue with your individual model-making and refine your model, bringing your ideas to life.

Explore an NTU building, gaining a unique perspective on architectural design in an educational setting.

You’ll dedicate most of the day to finishing your projects, fine-tuning details, and adding the final touches

Take part in a VR experience with an experienced member of the university staff.

You’ll receive guidance on university applications, take photographs of your models to support your portfolio and consider your CV.

It's a day of reflection, preparation, and looking ahead to your future.

Student Work

cardboard models of building designs on a table

How you’re taught

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.

96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.

Contact hours

You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.

Tutor Profile:

Annie Duquemin has worked in the construction industry as an architect and builder since graduating from Nottingham University.

She ran her own medium sized architectural practice, Allan Joyce Architects, and in house building company in the city for 20 years, before taking on teaching posts at both Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University; this gave Annie a fantastic opportunity to “give back” to the profession and use their skills and experience from practice to shape the new generations of architects.

Her work in practice focussed largely on community architecture; Annie worked with groups of people of all religions and backgrounds, to create joyful, safe, life enriching spaces which all members of a local community can enjoy and feel proud to be part of.

Annie is an enthusiast about design and how good buildings can enrich all our lives.

Valeria Carnevale is a Mexican Architect and Senior Lecturer with 10 years' experience in practice. Valeria has more than 20 teaching various architectural subjects including studio, history, and Construction Science at Universities around the East Midlands.

She also holds an MA in archaeology, a PGCert in Teaching and a diploma in Urban Design. Valeria has also been a STEM Champion, which involved architectural workshops in schools and colleges in the midlands.

Entry requirements

You should have an enthusiasm for architecture and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.

You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.

For international students

If your parent or carer is not based in the UK, you are required to provide details of a UK-based guardian who can act as a contact in the event of an emergency. The UK-based guardian can be a nominated friend or relative living in the UK, or a guardian appointed through a guardianship organisation that offers such services.

The Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS) runs a programme for the inspection and accreditation of guardianship organisations in the UK. It is recommended that parents/carers of overseas students consult the AEGIS website for details of their recommended guardianship organisations. Nottingham Trent University provides these details for information purposes only. We are not able to recommend or endorse any guardianship organisations available through AEGIS.

Fees and funding

The fee for this course is £580

Payment is due at the time of booking.

You can pay for this course in two instalments, allowing you to spread the cost while securing your place early.

An initial payment of £290 is taken at the time of booking, with the second instalment due one month before the course begins.

Read the terms and conditions of booking

Please bring with you to the first session:

a notepad and pen
basic drawing and designing equipment: a selection of pencils, pens and markers
scissors, pencil sharpener and rubber
a metal or plastic scale ruler.

Please wear sensible, fully covered shoes as you will be visiting an active construction site during the course.

Need accommodation?

Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £280 per week, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's city centre and want an economical place to stay.

These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation.

If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian (to support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence and there is a dedicated Warden available).

If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian (you must book two separate rooms and let us know so we can place you in rooms next to each other).

Find out more and book your accommodation