Our Architecture A Level course is a design discipline with practical elements that involves studying the factors resulting in innovative and functional building designs. This highly unique course focuses on sustainable architecture, also called green or environmental architecture. It challenges the students to create intelligent designs and use available technologies to ensure their structures work harmoniously with nature.

The architecture programme will develop your problem solving skills when working with three-dimensional structures with a variety of exciting and challenging briefs for environmental and spatial design.

Understanding three-dimensional structure is best developed through creating architectural models, and you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of rigid and semi-rigid materials that simulate architectural solutions. Research and contextual references will be focused on both historical and contemporary Architecture. Students will receive professional experience from visiting Architects over the two years,  field trips to innovative builds, and a host of University experience days.

During the A-level programme, students will be expected to explain and justify their designs through annotations and evaluations in their sketchbooks. Students will also produce a personal portfolio of work suitable for interview for University or
higher-level study in Architecture or Interior Design.

Click here to take a look at student's work

Exam Board: Eduqas

Syllabus title:Art and Design - Critical & Contextual Studies

STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

Search your university and career options if you study Architecture A Level

• What will I study and learn?

  In the first year you will study some of the key periods of architecture from ancient to modern times; comparing examples, understanding their design principles and the influences that acted on their design. The major project will be a design-based on a starting point set by the exam board.

  In the second year your studies will focus on the way we inhabit the built environment and how it affects our lives. You will study the way that ordinary buildings affect social interaction and you will analyse the qualities of 'place' that familiar spaces have. The year finishes with a design project which demonstrates these qualities.

  Both years will involve a wide range of work methods - drawing, painting, writing and model making. Our aim is to prepare you with the knowledge and skills you will need if you want to study architecture at university and to help you to develop a portfolio of work that will help you at university interviews. However the course is also very useful as a general education in architecture and the built environment: an enjoyable area of study and valid in any profession.

• How is the course assessed?

  A level students will study a two year linear A Level programme.
  
  At the end of their 1st year, students will sit internally assessed exams.

  The course will be assessed through exams and coursework.

• What skills will I need for the course?

  Drawing is the fundamental activity of architectural study and we will ask you to provide evidence of your drawing ability (such as a sketchbook). You will need to be able to describe buildings and analyse them in words. A reasonable mathematical ability is also useful.

• What formal entry requirements will I need?

  Minimum Requirements - A demonstratable enthusiasm for drawing.

   

  Points calculation

  The average points score for entry to an A Level programme will be calculated using your 8 best GCSEs OR 6 GCSEs plus 1 technical qualification (equivalent to a maximum of 2 GCSEs and 10 points).

  To work out your average and find out more information, please see our Entry Requirements page.

• What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

  Whatever your career intentions, the course will provide a useful qualification, reflecting your ability to analyse the built environment in an imaginative and creative way and giving you a broad understanding of the connection between technology and art.

  If you are thinking of going on to study architecture at university the course has obvious benefits. As well as the qualification itself, it will provide you with a portfolio of work which will be very useful at interview stage.

  You can find out more about architecture as a career at RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).

• Are there any costs involved?

  A studio fee of £60 is payable at enrolment to cover materials used in the course.

• Are you aged over 19?

  Students aged 19 or over on 31st August directly preceding their academic year may be required to pay tuition fees. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for students studying at Level 3. If you are aged 19-23 as at 31 August and this is your first full Level 3 you may not have to pay fees.
  
  Students who are 19-24 years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (ie tuition fees are free). Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.

   

  You can find A Level course fees for adults on our A Level page.