📃 On paper
Module breakdown
Usually a mix of design, technology and theoretical work in each year. Your final year consists of your main design module, technology module and your dissertation.
Year 1
Architectural Design 1: Investigation and Proposition & Architectural Design 1: Experimentation and Communication are part of the same project but split into two modules — this is a common practice for most universities but they are usually graded together.
Cultural Contexts of Architecture & History of Architecture & Landscape 1 — essay modules
Introducing Architecture and Landscape Technology & Architectural Design Technology 1 — technology module where you will need to demostrate technical understanding, including details of your design project
Year 2
Contemporary Theories of Architecture & History of Architecture and Landscape 2 — essay modules
Introducing Architecture & Landscape Practice 2 — a newer format of an existing module where you learn about architecture practice, prepare a CV and research practice
Architecture Technology 2 — technology module
You are able to choose Undergraduate units in your second year based on presentations given by each unit. 2nd and 3rd years generally work in the same studio space so there is a nice studio atmosphere.
& design modules as normal
Year 3
Architecture Design Technology 3 — the technology report, linked to your design project and a formative piece of research, text and drawings that outline your project
The Architecture Dissertation is 6000 words. A chance for you to explore your own interests in architecture through writing. You are generally allowed to pick your own topic, this does not need to relate to your design project either. Dissertation tutors are assigned to you.
& design modules as normal
👐🏻 General approach
There are several units in BA, you are usually allocated them in your first year. In your second and third years you are allowed to choose based on unit presentations given by tutors about the brief and overall goal of the unit. Each unit has their own method and way of working as well as preferences for style. You can see examples and influences in the end of year exhibitions.
The blog is where all unit briefs are released every year.
It can be a tough experience for some people, there usually isn't any harsh criticism or demeaning behaviour - but it depends completely on your tutors.
💖 Student support
You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and the online academic skills centre. They provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, they provide training.
A lot of employers and practices are invited to the end of year exhibition so it's a good idea to take part in that and really show off your work!
In my opinion, Greenwich could be doing a lot more for graduates. They have a couple of lectures on Employability but unless you receive a 1st or are nominated for an RIBA medal, you get forgotten about.
The information in the lectures is also outdated I believe - so do your research, talk to people who have very recently been through the process themselves and ask for their advice on portfolios, interviews etc.
📄 Application Process
Greenwich has a 2-stage application process. They request you to complete a task, related to drawing or architecture and this changes each year so there isn’t really a way to predict what it may be. Should you pass that stage, you get invited for an interview.
😉 Insider Tips
Plotters can get quite busy at the end of the year so make sure you plan for this in advance - I recommend using the plotters on the 1st floor of the Library instead.
If you can, check with other print shops and craft stores like Hobbycraft for materials instead of the Stockwell Street shop as they are generally cheaper.
🛠️ Facilities
The end of year degree show is well publicised and well attended. Greenwich gets a range of interesting speakers come in to speak to students which have included people like Patrick Schumacher and Amanda Levete.
A wonderful workshop with all kinds of equipment, laser cutting, CNC machines — someone is always available to help you out with your projects.
