Architecture International Foundation

Visit the 2024 Academic Experience page for information about the 2024-25 academic year.

Course overview

Interested in progressing to Year 1 of a RIBA-accredited Architecture or RTPI-accredited Planning degree?

This course introduces you to an explorative and creative route into architecture. You will explore key aspects of architecture such as space, materiality and aesthetic qualities.

This course is suitable if you:

need to improve your English language study skills within the context of architecture
want to increase your subject knowledge of architecture

Expand your skills and knowledge on various projects and tasks including:

from two to three dimensions
sketching and drawing
constructing physical models

You will also learn how to research, analyse and present your work effectively thanks to your improved language and communication skills.

Successful completion of this programme will lead to you being awarded our International Foundation Certificate (RQF Level 3).

Progression

You're guaranteed a place on one of our designated undergraduate degrees at Newcastle if you successfully complete the International Foundation in Architecture.

As a successful pathway student, you’ll have access to a number of Newcastle progression options. Each progression option will follow a specific pathway and specific requirements for both English/study skills and overall grade. You’ll also find some courses have specific requirements, such as:

successfully completing an interview;
having previously studied a relevant discipline;
having previously completed a degree; or
having IELTS 6.0 or equivalent in English language

Your progression options:

Architecture BA Honours (K100)
Architecture and Urban Planning BA Honours (K190)
Urban Planning BA Honours (K421)

Highlights of this degree

Brought to you by INTO Newcastle University

We're in partnership with INTO to provide diverse study options for international students. Choosing this course means that you'll get a quality-assured university course with full Newcastle University status, that guarantees you an offer on a designated undergraduate degree at Newcastle. INTO courses are based on our main campus, with full access to university facilities.

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Course options

There are two course options available:

International Foundation (3 terms) – this is the standard option
Extended International Foundation (4 terms) – this features an additional term of English at the beginning for extra language support

Quality and ranking

Subject-based rankings

20th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Architecture category)
Top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

University-wide rankings

Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Global Top 130 University - QS World University Rankings 2025
65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
Global Top 170 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024

Facilities

Our purpose built INTO Newcastle centre will provide you with everything you need to study with us including a brand new Architecture studio.

Find out more about our facilities.

Modules and learning

The module and programme information below is for 2024/2025 entry.

Core modules (80 credits)

Architecture, Culture and History (20 credits)

This module introduces the historical background and cultural context of architecture, providing an overview of developments and particularities of the UK in their cultural context.

You will gain a basic understanding of urban development and an introduction to relevant theories and philosophies that have informed and influenced architecture and urban development.

You will be introduced to some of the most significant architectural periods, enabling you to recognise architectural styles and their historical context. Field-tasks allow you to exercise the acquired skills and knowledge.

The module is linked to Introduction to Architecture and will help develop your personal thought framework for design.

English for Academic Purposes (40 credits)

This module is designed to help you develop your skills and confidence in academic English. Four key skill areas are developed in an integrated and task-oriented way:

reading
writing
listening
speaking

The module will encourage you to take responsibility for your learning and a lot of emphasis is placed on:

private study
student research
student-led presentations
seminar discussions
e-learning
group work

Architectural Communication (20 credits)

This module aims to enable students to process, transform and communicate information in support of design projects and culminating in an architectural portfolio.

The module focuses on practical professional skills such as sketching, documenting and drawing as well as on communication and presentation skills, both manual and digital.

This is complemented by an introduction to research methods, with particular emphasis on precedent studies in support of design projects.

Specialist modules (40 credits)

Introduction to Architecture 1

This module introduces students to the foundational elements of architectural design through lectures, study trips, design projects, tutorials and skills workshops.

The conveyed content is intended to stimulate and strengthen personal interests in architecture, develop general design skills and promote a comprehensive understanding of architecture and its contexts.

Introduction to Architecture 2

This module aims to sharpen and test the knowledge gained during semester 1 through a small-scale architectural design project.

Students learn to apply basic principles of site analysis, considering the environmental, social and cultural implications of architectural intervention. Basic construction methods are introduced, and students gain a deeper understanding of materiality, scale and form.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Class hours: 21 hours per week minimum

Class sizes: Average of 20 students per class for English language teaching

Age requirement: 17 years and above

Assessment

Entry to all honours degrees at Newcastle University is highly competitive, and students hoping to progress to Newcastle must maintain high standards throughout their programme.

Whilst your grades in the Foundation programme do not count towards the final degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the specified progression grades for direct entry to your chosen degree at the University. Assessment is both formal and informal.

Informally you will be given advice and feedback throughout your programme from your teachers. You will also be assessed via a combination of examinations at the end of each semester and coursework including

a design portfolio
design project
sketch books
written essays
reports
practical exercises
group and individual research projects
bibliographical searches
oral and video presentations
problem solving

Careers and employability

With 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2024), Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.

Find out more about careers and employability at Newcastle University.

Entry requirements

To study on this course you need to meet the following entry requirements.

All candidates are considered on an individual basis. If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024-25 entry.

Academic requirements

You need to have completed 12 years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with very good grades to study architecture in the UK.

English requirements

Three term: a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in any subskill) or an equivalent score

Four term: a minimum of IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 4.5 in all subskills) or an equivalent score

If you do not meet the minimum English language requirements you should apply for Academic English.

Age

You need to be 17 years old, or older. If you want to start this course in September then you must be 17 by 31 December.

For all other start dates, you must be 17 years old by the time the course starts.

Portfolio requirements

You will be expected to provide a portfolio as part of the application. The portfolio should demonstrate core skills and illustrate your genuine interest in architecture. It must:

include at least 12 annotated pieces of work (sketches, drawings, photographs of models, art work etc.)
be on A3 sheets (see portfolio guidelines below),
include title and contents page and a personal statement (300 words).

Portfolio Categories: There are three compulsory categories - 'Where I live', 'What I do' and 'What I want to be'. Within these categories there are mandatory and optional elements. Additionally, you are free to add another personal category and/or whatever pieces of work you consider important to illustrate your talents and skills.

View the Foundation in Architecture portfolio guidelines

Portfolios that do not comply with these guidelines will not be considered suitable for entry and applicants will be required to resubmit. Portfolio review takes place throughout the year.