Architecture and Built Environment Foundation Year

The Architecture and Built Environment Foundation Year at Northumbria University is an excellent starting point for students interested in becoming architects, designers, or working in the building and construction sector, as this course is ideal for students who may not have the required subjects or grades to begin a full architecture degree yet. It gives students one extra year at the beginning to build their knowledge, learn new skills, and prepare for the main degree. In this foundation year, they will study important subjects like design, drawing, construction basics, and how buildings work, as they will also learn how to think like an architect and understand the world of architecture and building design. After this foundation year, students will move on to complete a full undergraduate degree in Architecture over the next three years.

During the foundation year, students get to learn in a creative and supportive environment. You will work with your hands, draw designs, use computers for 3D models, and even build small models of buildings. There are lessons on how cities grow, how buildings are planned, and how design can help people live better lives. Lecturers are available to guide you through small projects and group work, helping you understand what makes good architecture. You will also learn how to research, present your ideas, and work with others, skills that are very important in both university and future jobs.

Northumbria uses many fun and helpful ways to teach this course. You will learn through lectures, group discussions, studio sessions, and hands-on workshops. You will also work on projects where you design and present your ideas, while most of your grades will come from coursework, meaning students will be marked based on their drawings, models, essays, and group projects. Lecturers are available to give feedback to help students improve and learn from their mistakes. You will also build a portfolio, a collection of your best work, to show your progress.

Northumbria University, Newcastle, is one of the top universities in the UK for architecture and built environment courses. It is well-known for high-quality teaching, strong links with industry, and excellent student support. Many of its graduates go on to work in exciting roles across the world.

The university is located in the heart of Newcastle, a lively city with lots of history, art, culture, and fun things to do. It is a great place to study, meet new people, and enjoy university life.

Grade Requirements:

• To study this course, a UCAS tariff score of 80 is required. This can be achieved through a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications such as A-level, T-Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

English Proficiency:

• If English is not your first language, you may need to show proof of your English proficiency, typically through an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each skill component.
• Equivalent tests such as TOEFL and PTE Academic are also accepted.

For the 2025/26 academic session, the annual tuition fee to study at Northumbria University is £19,350 per year for international students.

Northumbria University offers various scholarships for international and UK students. These scholarships can help lower the cost of your studies. Some are based on your grades (academic excellence), while others are given to students from certain countries or backgrounds.

If you are an international student with strong grades, you might be eligible for a scholarship of up to £3,000–£5,000 off your tuition fees. The university also has scholarships for students who do well in their first year and continue to achieve good results. You do not always have to apply for these scholarships separately, as some are automatic based on your application and academic record.

Graduates of the Architecture and Built Environment Foundation Year from Northumbria University can go on to work in job roles such as:

• Architect
• Urban Designer
• Interior Architect
• Building Designer
• Construction Project Manager
• Sustainable Designer

To apply for the Northumbria University Architecture and Built Environment Foundation Year, prospective students can apply online on the University website.  If you need assistance with your application, you can reach out to our trained counsellors at AHZ.