BSc Architecture with International Foundation Year - September Entry

Compulsory modules 

Art for Architecture 

Academic Skills

Enhance your academic study and communication skills while gradually building confidence and mastering transferable abilities. Engage in various in-class group activities and individual study tasks to develop these skills effectively.

Optional modules

Core Mathematics

Learn the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of mathematical problems. You'll gain general mathematical skills as well as skills that are more related to your degree programme. 

Quantitative Methods

Discover the techniques required to analyse and solve a variety of statistical problems. You'll gain general theoretical skills as well as numerical skills that are more related to your degree programme.

Foundation Programme: Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.  

Academic English 1

Develop the necessary basis in English for study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop key skills and a perspective on a range of contemporary topics that will equip you for study throughout your degree. 

Academic English 2

Develop your competence in the use of English for academic purposes. You’ll be provided with the necessary linguistic foundation for your degree as you learn to use academic sources in a written and spoken context. 

Chemistry

Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen. You’ll also gain practical experience and develop skills by applying what you’ve learnt in a laboratory setting.

Foundation Economics - Microeconomics

Discover how individuals and companies allocate and utilise resources. You’ll learn the neoclassical model of demand and supply, markets failures and the behaviour of firms. 

Foundation Economics - Macroeconomics 

Learn models and theories used by economists to understand the performance of the economy. You’ll develop basic mathematical and statistical skills and apply these to economic decision making.

Compulsory modules

Visualisation and Communication in Architectural Design: An Introduction 

Gain a solid grounding of practical and professional skills required in architecture. As well as extending understanding and concept application, you’ll use manual making and computer-based tools to explore designs for different projects, and develop your graphical, spatial and communication skills.

History and Theory of Architecture: An Introduction 

Examine the history and theory that informs architectural thinking, including the development of cities and how an understanding of culture and society relates to architecture and design studio work. By considering examples of architecture worldwide, you’ll develop an understanding of local issues across different climates and societies.

Design Studio 1

Explore architectural design, working in a studio, and the idea of ‘place’. You’ll consider design in different contexts, architectural agency and responsibility in relation to environmental issues and three-dimensional thinking about space and form.

Construction Technology: An Introduction 

Discover the materials, structures, technologies, environmental sciences and services used to design buildings, examining these in relation to buildings of various sizes and considering their environmental resilience.

Design Studio 2

Develop your understanding of ‘site’ and architecture in context. Applying skills and knowledge gained in your first year, you’ll explore your design capabilities and further develop your sketching, drawing and model-making skills.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Industry and Practice: The Realisation of Projects 

Develop your understanding of the business and realisation of projects in architecture, increasing your awareness of how architecture functions and the key roles of participants. Topics include project management, legal and contractual frameworks, procurement practices, government policy, the changing role of the architect, professionalism and institutions.

Construction Technology: Core Studies 

Develop your knowledge of materials, structure, technology, environmental science and services for designing buildings, considering the ethics, regulations and standards related to the science and technology of architecture. Emphasis is placed on complex buildings, environmental resilience and the relationship between humans and society.

Design Studio 3

Apply and develop your architectural skills to projects of greater complexity, refine your drawing, model-making and digital technology skills.

History and Theory of Architecture: Buildings and Places

Explore how architecture responds to different contexts across civilisations and societies, with a particular focus on scale of buildings, groups of buildings, neighbourhoods and communities.

Design Studio 4

Use the studio environment to extend your learning so far as your explore and develop your design capabilities.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Dissertation 

All architecture and design is informed by research and understanding of historical culture and societal issues related to the built environment. Choose from a range of topics related to architecture and produce a piece of critical writing on that subject that will inform your subsequent studio work.

Realisation 1 

Explore the academic study of architecture and forms of practice. Testing the definition of design practice, you’ll develop reflective approaches to design using different materials, media and equipment and debating the related opportunities and priorities that inform your personal attitudes, critical thinking and design practice.

Design Studio 5

Refine your design skills and creativity, utilise key skills and digital technologies to further explore and develop your design capabilities.

Realisation 2

Acquire the core skills and knowledge that underpin the delivery of projects and realisation of buildings in professional practice. Through practical application and integration, you’ll explore topics spanning construction technology, project delivery and project management.

Design Studio 6

Apply your learning and design capabilities to projects of increasing complexity in the studio environment.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.