Architecture for 15 – 17 Year Olds
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£525
- Start Date(s): July and August each year
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Short course
- 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.
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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 Award?
This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.
DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.
Here's what our previous attendees said:
'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'
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 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.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll study during the course.
- Day 1: Discover and Design
- Day 2: Urban Exploration and Tower Challenge
- Day 3: The Purpose of Architecture
- Day 4: Construction Site - Exploration
- Day 5: Inside NTU and Beyond
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.
Take to the streets of Nottingham for a walking tour through the city centre.
Explore the spaces between buildings of varying scales, sketching your observations along the way.
In groups you’ll tackle the Tower 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.
You’ll then collaborate with your peers and bring together all your models, creating a mini urban space that reflects your collective vision.
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.
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.
Further information on what you'll study
This course will empower you with the knowledge and skills to envision and shape the built environment of the future.
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.
Student Work
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.
Careers and employability
The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award?
This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.
DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment on the City Campus.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Open to all
Entry requirement: 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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Level: Open to all
Entry requirement: 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.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £525.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit
If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
You will also need to bring with you:
- 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.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
The fee for this course is £525.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit
If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
You will also need to bring with you:
- 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.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.