BA Architecture

As part of our ongoing commitment to widening participation, the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) guarantees a £500 cash bursary to aspiring undergraduate students eligible for a reduced-grade contextual offer who register on BA Architecture.

This bursary is designed as a contribution to aid students with some of the costs of getting started at university, such as textbooks and travel expenses.

AAA.

A mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.

Art or Fine Art A-levels are particularly welcomed; however, please note that applicants with three arts-based subjects (for example, Art, Graphics and 3D Design, or Art, Photography and Design and Technology), or a BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design will not be considered as meeting our entry requirements.

We do not require a pass in the Science Practical Assessment.

Grades ABB including subject specific requirements for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria.  For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page .

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

General Studies.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

36 points overall. 6, 6, 6 in higher-level subjects

We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. Please see our international entry requirements page for further information. Accepted entry qualifications from your country

We normally require grades  AAAAC or AAABB  in Scottish Highers. 

In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers  AAA

or

Two Advanced Highers AA , plus two additional Higher AA

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require 87% overall.

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAA and an EAP score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening .

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAA and an EAP requirements score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening . Please note, the NCUK International Foundation Year in Business is not accepted for BA Architecture.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma in either Construction or Engineering for entry (we do not accept the above qualification in Art and Design).

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification.  

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma in either Construction or Engineering for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an A-level at grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate in either Construction or Engineering for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades AA.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD. 

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade A.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grades BB.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades AA. 

Other

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in either a Humanities based subject or Construction/Engineering.

The specific course requirements are 60 credits are required with 45 at level 3 and 45 credits at Distinction. We also consider other factors such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects are expected to achieve D3, D3, D3. 

Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A-levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3 in the Pre-U certificates and grades AA at A-level in three distinct subjects.

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer.  For this course it would be AAB at A-level plus the Extended Project at Grade A.

The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.

A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 , or;
• IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

For details on acceptable equivalent qualifications to this course please see the School of Environment, Education and Development's English Language information page

We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family.

We understand that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.

We recognise that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course.

Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully, the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. 

In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.

If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

As BA Architecture is a design-oriented course, most candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio.

After an initial assessment of the UCAS application form, we will email suitable candidates to request a digital portfolio, via a blog, with a deadline of approximately three weeks from receipt of the email. You will be provided with a brief on how to create the digital portfolio and the required portfolio elements.

You will be asked to write a statement of no more than 450 words, which includes:

• your reasons for wanting to study at the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA);
• your own review of a recent exhibition or building that you have visited;
• a statement about your favourite architect or building;
• a work of architecture that you would like to experience in person.

You will also need to provide 10-12 images of your own artwork. This might include examples of fine art/painting, sketches, measured drawings, graphic design, or photographs of artefacts that you have created. To demonstrate you have the skills required you will need to, where possible, include images that show:

• proficiency in drawing;
• creativity;
• your ability to use a diverse range of media;
• the creative process from the initial concept to the final design - for example, you might include preparatory sketches as well as the final piece.

Architecture is a course offered by the innovative collaboration between two universities - The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University - forming the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA).

Manchester School of Architecture has deep roots within the city of Manchester - with nationally and internationally renowned architects educating new students for more than 100 years.

Whether you originally applied through The University of Manchester or Manchester Metropolitan University, you will become a student at both universities and your degree certificate will feature both institutions.

You will also benefit from facilities and resources across the two universities - having access to the libraries, workshops and materials stores on both campuses.

The purpose-built Manchester School of Art building on the Manchester Metropolitan University campus offers you contemporary studios with panoramic views of the city's skyline, whilst the Model Making Workshop on The University of Manchester campus will provide you with experience using industry-standard technology and equipment.

Year 1 will provide you with an understanding of contemporary architectural practice. 

You will study foundational principles in space-making, material expression, brief writing, contextual research, and the role of the humanities in the design process.  

A series of studio projects and skills workshops will develop your architectural creative process.  

Year 1 will culminate with events jointly undertaken with second and fifth-year students. 

Studio 1.1  

• Establishes the principles and skills in research, analysis, argument and representation that support an understanding of architectural design. 
• Introduces the concept of thinking as a designer and learning by doing.

Studio 1.2  

• Apply your developing knowledge and skill base to projects that begin to promote the integration of sensory, functional and technological considerations in architectural design in a contemporary cultural setting.  
• Develop an understanding of design as a contemporary discourse. 
• Explore real-world situations that invite thinking that is imaginative, integrative and inclusive. 

Humanities 1  

• Focuses on disciplinary fundamentals.  
• The groundwork is laid in this foundation year, introducing you to the history of the profession and to what architecture can be.

Technologies 1  

• Introduces you to the technological contexts for architectural design. 
• Develops skills in research, analysis, technical design, and visual representation. 

In Year 2, the multi-layered nature of the design process is explored, and urban theory and specialised sustainability knowledge is applied to design projects, transforming the aesthetic concepts of the first year into the techno-cultural strategies used by professionals. 

You'll develop an increased awareness of architecture in a variety of contexts and improve your design processes and critical thinking skills. 

Studio 2.1  

• Consolidates design capability. 
• Introduces public and social programmes with associated issues of sustainability, inclusivity and greater complexity in building programme, placing greater emphasis on relational abilities. 

Studio 2.2  

• Consolidates design capability by extending the exploration of public and social programmes with associated issues of sustainability, inclusivity and complexity in building programme and technological manifestation. 

Humanities 2  

• Introduces theories of architecture, practice and professionalism. 
• You will learn how architecture never exists in isolation, either as a design or academic discipline. 

Technologies 2  

• You will explore in greater detail issues such as the use of industry leading environmental analysis software as a learning tool. 
• You will work in a team to critically deconstruct an existing precedent. 
• You will undertake a design project that builds directly on the analytical skills and knowledge of specific systems encountered in the building case study. 

In Year 3, you will begin to formulate your individual position on contemporary architecture and urbanism.

The third year is organised around a themed 'atelier' system.

Each atelier applies a particular design methodology to an extended urban project which lasts the entire year.

The course culminates with a self-build exhibition.

Studio 3.1

• Introduces urbanism and develops the ability to apply techniques in analysis of and strategies for generic urban contexts as the basis for defining and developing a critical approach or agenda on the city. This is developed into a proposition for a major design study.

Studio 3.2

• Develops ability in architectural design through the exploration of materials, structures, construction, and environmental modification integral with programmatic detail within a building design initiated in response to urban study.

Humanities 3

• Learn how to mobilise knowledge of history and theory in contemporary architectural practice.
• Choose from a series of electives, each related to staff research interests to ensure that course content addresses contemporary debates in the discipline.

Technologies 3

• You will undertake a complex building case study.
• Through lecture discussions, you will acquire skills in developing rigorous academic argument for the technological realisation of architectural propositions.
• You will undertake a design project that synthesises the knowledge and skills in technological design accumulated during the course.

As a student at Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

You will, therefore, benefit from the facilities and resources of both institutions such as libraries, computer suites, making and media workshops, and much more.

Upon successful completion of your studies, you will receive one degree certificate.

The joint award certificate includes each institution's crest and awarding body title.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.

For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk

• Architects Registration Board (ARB)
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)