Architecture at NTU: Which course is right for you?

This handy guide highlights the differences between our undergraduate Architecture courses, to help you choose the right route for you.

Architecture is the art, science and practice of building. It provides us with a sense of place, and helps bring the natural and designed worlds together. Our creative studio culture reflects industry and prepares you for it – we’re committed to developing emerging talent, and renowned for producing graduates who succeed in the sector, both at home and abroad.

BArch (Hons) Architecture is the course to study if you want to become a qualified architect. The course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB), accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and is designed to help you develop your own approach and style.

Our BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design course explores the design and development of internal environments in relation to their overall architectural composition. It's the perfect first step for a graduate career in architectural design, interior decoration and interior design.

The BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course focuses on the link between concept and reality. You’ll learn to identify, assess and translate plans into effective, practical and sustainable building solutions.

Entry requirements differ for each course and you might need to submit a portfolio or attend an interview for our Architecture and Interior Architecture and Design courses. You won't need to submit a portfolio for the Architectural Technology course.

Our Interior Architecture and Design and Architectural Technology courses have the option for a sandwich placement year in industry.

BArch (Hons) Architecture

Course length

Three years

Entry requirements

A-levels – ABB; or
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM; or
128 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.

A digital portfolio

Examples of modules

Design Studio

Technology and Environment in Architecture

Architecture in Context

Architectural Communication and Representation

Professional Practice

Professional progression

This course is accredited by RIBA and ARB (Architects Registration Board). You'll also have the opportunity to get involved with our RIBA student mentoring scheme in your final year, working alongside local firms, to develop your skills and knowledge.

Visit our course page to find out more.

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Course length

Three years full-time or four years with a sandwich year.

Entry requirements

A-levels – BBB; or
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM; or
120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.

A digital portfolio*

*If you're studying a relevant creative qualification and predicted a Grade B or above in that subject, you won't be required to submit a digital portfolio as part of the application process. Accepted creative subjects in this instance include A-level Art or a UAL Extended Diploma.

Examples of modules

Design Studio

Design Communication

Technical Studies

Interior Architecture in Context

Research Project

Sandwich year

In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement.

This year in industry will offer you hands-on experience, adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your CV. Many students return to their placement company after graduation, having developed a useful network of contacts within the industry.

Recent placement destinations have included Benoy, KSS Architects, FITCH, The Body Shop, and Dalziel & Pow, working in roles such as junior designer, assistant designer, interior architectural assistant, and more.

Successful completion of the placement year leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice.

Professional progression

The course is accredited by the CSD (Chartered Society of Designers).

We frequently work on live projects with our wide range of industry contacts to give you a taste of real life working projects. Recent live projects have included a brief from Re-Fashion to create a one-of-a-kind concept charity shop, and a brief from Gedling Borough Council to redesign the front of house space at their headquarters.

Visit our course page to find out more.

BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

Course length

Three years full-time or four years with a sandwich year.

Entry requirements

A-levels – BBB; or
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM; or
120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications; and
GCSEs – English and Maths grade C / 4.

Key modules

Architecture in Context

Construction Technology

Technology and Design Studio

Integrated Design Communication

Professional Development and Employability

Research Project

Sandwich year

In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement.

By choosing our sandwich (four year) route, you’ll have the opportunity to gain real experience in industry. The majority of our placement students receive a salary. Recent placements have included companies such as Benoy, Foster + Partners and Gensler.

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise

Professional progression

This course is accredited by RICS, CIOB and CIAT. Studying on a CIAT Accredited course makes you part of a worldwide network of professionals and supports you in progressing to Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) status.

Visit our course page to find out more.

All our courses are accredited
All courses have great industry links and offer the multiple opportunities to work on live projects
All courses are 100% coursework based throughout your three taught years – no exams!
All courses allocate a lot of time to independent study and allow you to focus on your specific area of interest
All of these courses allow you exhibit your work in your final year Showcase
They are all based on our City Campus in the heart of Nottingham
All give you access to our world-class facilities

All of our courses have a great track record in terms careers and employability. Our graduates have gone on to work in companies such as Benoy, Balfour Beatty and FITCH. We have a dedicated employability team to help you along the way!

We also have a number of postgraduate courses linking on from each of our undergraduate courses.

Whether you’re an aspiring architect looking for a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) qualification, a budding designer aiming to innovate in interior spaces, or a technologist looking to make your mark on the industry, we’ve got courses to suit your career ambitions.

An introduction to Architecture at NTU

Principal Lecturer, Bhavna Crossley, talk you through our courses.

"Not only are the facilities incredible, the staff are so helpful. I especially am grateful to the technicians in workshop for always helping and coming up with ideas to make our projects a reality."

Bee Leighton, BArch (Hons) Architecture

Read Bee's story

"I have learned a number of skills, including being able to use a variety of software to enhance my drawing capabilities. I now feel that I stand a strong chance in any field that’s related to my course."

Fope Bakare, BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology

Read Fope's story

"My course allows me to be logical and creative at the same time. Critical thinking and creativity are two essential attributes that NTU students are encouraged to develop throughout their studies."

Evanthia Lerodiakonou, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design

Read Evanthia's story

Izzi Anderton

K.F. Folly by BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design student, Izzi Anderton. K.F. Folly is a design that focuses of sustainability, It showcases the importance of being biodynamic, self-sustaining and organic.
Cameron Kiddle

The English Wine Centre by BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student, Cameron Kiddle. This centre will be the HUB for the English wine industry, it will provide a space to promote English wine to the masses and to help educate regarding the history and future of the wine industry.
Zana Kentish Brade

Sustainable Farming Education by BArch (Hons) Architecture student, Zana Kentish Brade. Zana's proposal for the Old Mecca building site on St. Ann’s Well Road encourages community engagement and interaction with a diverse range of learners.
Olivia Witcomb

Olivia Witcomb, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design The Studio Bestir proposal curates the hybridisation of independent business’ Allan Buxton Animating Studio and Blend Coffee shop
Gareth Thomas

Oxford Street Library, Swansea by BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student, Gareth Thomas. The design concept for this project was creating a library that is people-centred, not collection-centred.
Jessica Balm

The Una Centre by BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design student, Jessica Balm. The Una Centre, aimed to be a hub for the people of Nottingham, will house the city's kayaking club.
Craig Gregory

Eco-Quarter: Sustainability Hub, Nottingham by BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student, Craig Gregory. The “Eco-Quarter” proposal is to create, develop and establish the East Midlands very first Vertical Farming Facility as a part of a flagship initiative
Maddie Rutherford-Browne

A Place to Grow by BArch (Hons) Architecture student, Maddie Rutherford-Browne. A Place to Grow provides a home for the community to grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and nutritionally, all through the vehicle of nature.