Brayford Pool
3 years
Up to 6 years
K100
The historic city of Lincoln has roots in Roman Britain, providing an inspiring context in which to explore architecture and learn about heritage and archaeology in relation to contemporary architectural design.
The BArch (Hons) Architecture degree aims to prepare students for a career in the exciting field of architectural practice, placing a strong emphasis on design and creativity. The University is part of the well-established RIBA Mentoring Scheme, giving third-year students the opportunity to gain real-world experience with professional architects.
The programme is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board as providing exemption from Part 1 examinations, which are required to register as an architect in the UK.
The course forms the first stage of a three-part programme of education and training for aspiring architects. The University of Lincoln also runs RIBA / ARB Parts 2 and 3 programmes, and all three parts are required to register as an architect in the UK.
There is a strong emphasis on design and creativity and the course aims to prepare students for a global career in the exciting field of architectural practice.
We are designers working to create imaginative and practical building designs. The Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment is a cooperative, multidisciplinary environment for sharing ideas, which aims to support students in discovering their own design approach.
Course validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects
Architects Registration Board examination exemptions
Specialist facilities and bespoke studios
Benefit from the RIBA student mentoring scheme
Connections with regional and international companies
Architecture at Lincoln is ranked 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects*
*Out of 55 ranking institutions in the Complete University Guide 2025
On this course, students can study the underlying concepts of architecture and the ways in which a building can meet the needs of its occupants and of society. They are encouraged to learn important drawing techniques, alongside computer-aided design (CAD), and hands-on modelling.
Histories and theories of architecture are introduced in the first year, along with design theory, processes and practices, building construction, environmental design. In the second and third years, students are able to work on a series of independent and collaborative projects, and to shape their learning in line with their interests. These projects aim to prepare students for work in the industry.
The programme aims to bring out your creative potential, explore design processes, and lay a foundation of cultural and technical knowledge. Students have the opportunity to participate in practical explorations of materials and construction techniques which can lead to adventurous designs.
The course is designed to address the social, theoretical, and contextual issues of living in the contemporary city. Design projects aim to build confidence in responding with imagination, humanity, and concern for the environment.
As an architecture student, you will spend time in dedicated studio session during which you will develop your knowledge and skills. You will undertake projects through a blend of theoretical, practical, individual and collaborative methods. These include, lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and directed studies. This may be augmented by site and live project visits when possible.
From the University of Lincoln to jobs in their field, here's how our Architecture graduates valued their time at Lincoln. Find out what our graduates enjoyed, what they miss about University and how their course prepared them for their careers.
The Design 1 stream establishes the creative and analytical foundations upon which all subsequent architectural and interior design learning is built. Through a series of hands-on studios and workshops, students immerse themselves in “thinking through drawing,” exploring two- and three-dimensional form, space and composition. By moving between full-scale (1:1) body studies and small-scale interventions, learners develop an intuitive understanding of scale, proportion and human experience.
Emphasising discovery-based inquiry, the stream teaches design as a rigorous research process situated in its built-environment context. Students learn to analyse briefs, sites and precedents; to apply design theory, methods and environmental strategies; and to experiment with spatial composition.
The Interpret 1 stream grounds your creative explorations in rigorous research and critical thinking. Beginning with a broad historical survey, you will examine pivotal architectural and design movements, then gradually narrow focus to regional case studies and seminal precedents. Seminars will introduce you to methods of academic inquiry—source analysis, comparative study and thematic critique. Delivered alongside the Design and Realise streams, Interpret ensures your first-year projects are informed by a deep understanding of the forces that shape our built environment.
The Realise 1 stream invites you to test and refine your design concepts through visual and material enquiry. You will begin with analogue sketch-based studies then translate these into small-scale physical models and simple digital prototypes. Anchored by enquiry-based learning and delivered in parallel with the Design stream, Realise ensures that conceptual visions are immediately subject to hands-on validation, fostering a rich feedback loop between idea and execution.
This module provides an opportunity for students in the Lincoln School of Design & Architecture to spend a semester in Year 2 studying at one of the University’s partner institutions. This opportunity has both academic and personal development dimensions.
In academic terms, during the semester abroad students undertake models that are equivalent to 60 credit module and content at one of the UoL partner institution in semester B.
Participation in study-abroad also offers unique opportunities for personal student development in the wider sense. Although students will be supported through the application process by the Module Co-ordinator and colleagues at the partner institution, much of the responsibility for organising the time abroad rests with the student. Study abroad offers the opportunity for students to develop graduate attributes, a global mindset and transferrable skills as exercise resilience, flexibity and open mindedness when adapting to and working effectively within a different academic culture and environment.
Students must submit an application to the School discuss why they wish to participate in a study period abroad.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, and contact hours.
For this course assessment is 100% by coursework in each year. The way students are assessed may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports and projects, or reviews of creative output.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Methods of Assessment
The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports and projects, or reviews of creative output. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year.
This course is validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board as providing exemption from Part 1 examinations, which are required to register as an architect in the UK.
Architecture at Lincoln is part of the well-established RIBA student mentoring scheme. Third-year students are paired with architects in the Midlands region and can gain experience over a series of days, providing opportunities for site visits to observe how architects work.
The Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment has connections with regional and international companies, such as Lincoln City Council, Laing O'Rourke, and Foster + Partners. These can offer the opportunity to get involved in placements, live projects, site and factory visits, and events. Students may gain a hands-on understanding of construction, fabrication, procurement processes, manufacture, and materials. Furthermore, RIBA East Midlands can offer opportunities for continued professional development events.
My time at Lincoln has enhanced the meaning of architecture, allowing me to understand how it impacts people and place. The teaching has helped me to analyse opportunities and constraints in a much more rigorous way. The collaboration with my tutors gave me the support to allow me to succeed.
Callum Pell
BArch (Hons) Architecture
Explore our 2022 end-of-year degree show in 3D. These degree shows provide the chance for our students to showcase their work to the wider university and the public.
As part of the course, you have an opportunity to be part of the Lincoln Architecture and Design Society which organises study and recreational events. The society is supported by academic staff and the Students' Union. The Society usually organises two trips per year - one regional and one international. There may be costs associated with trips.
In addition, there is the opportunity to take part in the well-established Erasmus programme, which enables you to study abroad as part of your course. Please note that students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and general living expenses while undertaking study abroad.
The Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment offers specialist facilities for students to develop their creative and practical skills in preparation for their future career.
Students from the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment benefit from a dedicated CAD Lab of high-end PCs equipped with CAD software such as the industry standard Autodesk Revit Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software.
Students have their own bespoke studio space on the fourth floor of the Nicola De Le Haye Building as well as dedicated third floor workspace with room for laptops, desktops and drawing boards. Students also have access to the Digital Crit Room and Concept Suite for collaborative working and ideas generation.
Students can use an array of machinery and hand tools for the cutting, shaping and general fabrication of woods and metals. Laser cutting machines enable work with materials from fine papers and card through to soft and hard woods, veneers, acrylic plastic, leather, fabrics, MDF, plywood and stencil plastics. The rapid prototyping area is equipped with manufacturing 3D printers which are used to create 3D physical models.
A range of specialist and large format printers are housed in the Peter de Wint Building. Students can print their work on a range of specialist papers up to A0 size.
The BArch (Hons) Architecture forms the first stage of a three-part programme of education and training for aspiring architects. The University of Lincoln also runs RIBA/ARB Parts 2 and 3 courses, which students must successfully complete to become a registered architect. Lincoln graduates work all over the world in public and private practice, in planning, housing, and design-based professions. During the course, mock interviews take place to help you prepare for job interviews. There may also be the opportunity to receive portfolio advice.
A Levels: 112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications.
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/afyafyub/
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Standard workshop induction costs are usually covered by the University, as are some initial printing and material costs. However, depending on the media/materials chosen by the student, there may be additional material and printing costs incurred.
Mandatory field trip costs are covered by the University, but optional study visits which may include international trips or a student exchange programme, are at the student’s own expense.
The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.
