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Architecture International Year One

This course prepares you for the second year of your undergraduate degree in Architecture at Newcastle University. This course is full time for 3 or 4 terms.

Course overview

Interested in progressing to Year 2 of a RIBA-accredited Architecture or RTPI-accredited Planning degree?

This course covers functional, aesthetic and technical aspects of architecture and how to implement this in your designs. You will use computer-aided drawing, but the emphasis is on manual creativity and design skills.

This course is suitable if you:

  • need to improve your English language study skills within the context of architecture
  • want guidance and advice on developing your architecture ideas

Expand your skills and knowledge in various areas through:

  • sketching, drawing and model making
  • a comprehensive design project and the development of an architectural portfolio
  • studying world architecture in its historic context 

You'll also learn how to research, analyse and present your work effectively. Successful completion of this course will lead to you being awarded our Certificate of Higher Education (FHEQ Level 4).

Progression

This course leads to the second year of the following undergraduate degrees at Newcastle University:


Highlights of this degree

Course options

There are two course options available:

  • International Year One (3 terms) – this is the standard option
  • Extended International Year One (4 terms) – this features an additional term of English at the beginning for extra language support
Quality and ranking
  • 9th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Town and Country Planning, Landscape Design category)

  • 11th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2024 (Architecture category)

  • 9th in the UK – The Guardian University Guide 2024 (Construction, Surveying and Planning category)

  • Top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

  • 9th in the UK – Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 (Town and Country Planning and Landscape category)

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 (120 credits)

Architectural Design 1 (20 credits)

This module aims to develop a contextual and technological understanding of design processes. You will practise transferable skills such as sketching, drawing and model making and develop the necessary design skills and understanding to:

  • interpret design briefs
  • develop designs according to user requirements, related building regulations and technological standards
  • understand and interpret the ergonomic, environmental and economic implications of architectural design

Architectural Design 2 (20 credits)

This module builds on the skills and knowledge gained in Architectural Design 1, and aims to further develop design skills and deepen understanding through a comprehensive design project. 
  
You will simultaneously consider the technical aspects of your design in the supporting Architectural Technology module.
 
These practical projects will give you the opportunity to demonstrate imaginative design responses to user needs within a natural and/or built context.

Architecture History and Theory (20 credits)

This module provides a general overview of world architecture in its historic context.

You will be introduced to a selection of historically and culturally significant architectural developments. You will discuss what makes them significant, and will learn to make comparisons between architectural works across cultures and periods.

You will also learn to recognise archetypal forms in architecture and how these were shaped by technological, social, economic, geographic and cultural forces.

Architecture Technology (20 credits)

Through this module, you will learn to describe and explain the properties of common building materials, structures and constructions.

You will be introduced to the implications of sustainable design and the economic effects of materials and structural decisions.

You will also develop technological knowledge and understanding for the most common construction methods, materials and their properties.

English for Academic Purposes (20 credits)

This module focuses on academic writing and the development of your critical reading skills. This is part of the preparation stage for exam and assignment writing.

Spoken English and listening skills are developed in all classes by the extensive use of discussion tasks in pairs and 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 introduces students to practical skills such as measuring, surveying, documenting, observation and analytical sketching, and orthographic drawing, as well as communication and presentation skills. 

You will also be introduced to computer aided design (CAD), three-dimensional modelling and other industry-standard software.

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 course.

Whilst your grades in the Year One course 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 course from your teachers, enabling you to build on your successes and meet the requirements for entry to the second year of a degree. You will also be assessed via a combination of examinations at the end of each semester and coursework including: 

  • written assignments
  • reports
  • practical exercises
  • group and individual research projects
  • presentations
  • problem-solving exercises

Careers and employability

With 5 QS Stars for Employability (2023), 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.

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 2024/2025 entry.

Academic requirements

Satisfactory completion of A levels, a recognised Foundation programme, first year of overseas university degree programme with good grades, or equivalent. 

English requirements

Three term: a minimum of IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in writing) or an equivalent score

Four term: a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in writing) 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 an understanding of architecture.  It must:

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

Portfolio Categories:  

  1. Previous Study: the portfolio should include at least 3 pieces of work from your previous studies, such as technical drawings, essays, projects and case studies.
  2. Design Skills: there should be at least one very recent piece of work demonstrating your potential design skills, such as sculptural design, object design or even a small landscape or garden arrangement.
  3. Technical Skills: you should provide evidence of technical skills such as sketching, drawing and physical model making with scaled drawings, perspectives and models.

View the International Year One 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.


Fees and funding

We offer International Foundation Scholarships to a limited number of gifted students.

Find more information about Fees, Costs and Scholarships.

2024 to 2025 fees

September 2024 start & January 2025 start (3 terms): £ 22,995

September 2024 start & January 2025 start (4 terms): £27,995

Additional fees

Studio fee: £500

Enrolment fee: an extra charge of £250 per academic course, charged on confirmation

Text books: £75 -£415

Accommodation is not included in the fees. View your INTO Newcastle accommodation options.