Architecture with Urban Design: The University of Westminster

Introduction
Architecture is a broad inclusive subject that combines the vocational with the academic. It requires creative imagination, technical and practical know-how and encourages in-depth study of the arts, history and the cultural context of society.
Students usually choose to study architecture in order to become a professional architect. As individuals progress through their first degree, they develop their own skills and interests within architecture. To enable this, we offer variations within the general theme of architecture. Students may wish to diversify and take specialist options as part of this degree which may direct the future career pattern within the profession and related disciplines. An ambitious student with a good degree may qualify in more than one discipline.
The degree, which is validated by the RIBA/ARB joint validation panel to give Part I exemption, is the first step leading to registration as an architect after seven years education and practical training.
The broad subject contains general issues common to all courses and specialist issues that may start as an interest at undergraduate level and develop in future careers or future study at postgraduate level.
Course Content
You undertake lecture-based option modules, tutorials and seminars involving the three-dimensional exploration of groups of buildings, usually within the context of a city or other development. Methodologies of analysing and interpreting human experiences within urban domains are also introduced, principally in the form of mapping, topological studies and appraisal of exterior spaces and environments. Connectivities with design project work are also explored at Credit Levels 5 and 6. Graduates with this award may choose to develop a career as an urban designer by continuing their education within planning or other related disciplines dealing with urban renewal and regeneration and not, necessarily, seek registration as an architect.
Knowledge and understanding emanating from such lectures and associated teaching and learning activities in the pathway options, and also in the BA Honours Architecture options (Architectural Studies 1 and 2), are integrated in the concurrent design projects. Discrete submissions are required for the options within the design and academic portfolios, usually enabled by specifically-targeted tutorials and seminars given by specialists and studio supervisors.
Year out short course – first period of Practical Training Experience
Graduates intending to seek registration as an architect are required to undertake their first year of Practical Training Experience in an architect’s office (or related discipline). The department offers a short course during this time in which staff act as Practical Training Advisers providing a series of attendant lectures, office visits, seminars and discussion groups. The entry requirement is completion of a degree in Architecture with Part 1 exemption.
Entry Requirements

• 320 UCAS tariff points, including one 12-unit award or two six-unit awards. Applicants from a non art-related background may be asked to submit a portfolio in order to help demonstrate creative ability, technical knowledge and the required level of motivation or experience.
• Entry requirements for this pathway are as for Architecture. However, if you choose this specialist degree, we expect you to show an aptitude or interest in the way that people live and work in an urban environment. This could include sociology or geography at A level.
• To gain this specialist degree in urban design you will take the design module options that integrate the principles of urban design with architecture, and special options in planning and urban design practice.
• Graduates may choose not to proceed on pathway to registration as an architect, and develop a career as an urban designer by continuing their education with planning or other related disciplines in urban renewal and regeneration.