π On paper
Module breakdown
Year 1:
Communication: Fundamentals
Design: Architectural Application
Design: Exploration
Design: Interpretation
Histories, Theories and Matters of Concern
Technology and Environment: Exploration
Year 2:
Communication: Creative Practice
Design: Architetcural Investigation
Design: Architectural Narratives
History and Theory of Modern Architecture
Technology and Environment: Design Practice
Optional Modules in This Year:
Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice
Thematic Design
Student Enterprise
Professional Experience
Modern Foreign Language
Placement Year:
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd year to get valuable experience working in industry.
Year 3:
Communication: Professional Practice
Design: Major Project
Design: Major Project Reflective Synthesis
History and Theory: Dissertation
Technology and Environment: Discovery
ππ» General approach
The BA Architecture course at the Univeristy of Portsmouth consists of weekly lectures and tutorials by tutors and lecturers around the given modules as stated above. The students will be working on 3-4 modules at the same time which will not only support their learning, but will also allow them to pull ideas and knowledge from all of their units simultaneously. During first year, Architecture and Interior Architecture students share the same courses as it is the fundamental year to begin the process of understanding the course and the profession. This also provides a greater opportunity for all students to collaborate and form relationships with their peers to carry through the remainder of the course and hopefully after they graduate. During Second and Third Year, the standard of work raises and students are expected to progress with their knowledge and understanding of the course as they advance. The Architecture School at Portsmouth is an inviting and welcoming place where students are given the freedom to express their interests through their work. Of course, each studio tutor will provide the brief of the project, however there is no one way to approach the projects and students are expected to allow their creative and critical approaches shine through their drawings, decisions and presentations. There is a huge opportunity to not only enjoy studying Architecture at the University of Portsmouth but to have the support of your tutors to push you in becoming a great creative designer and future Architect.
π Student support
Student Advisor
If youβre feeling worried, stressed out or demotivated about any aspect of your studies, the Student Support Adviser (SSA) is available to help. Whether youβre experiencing a personal crisis, concerned for your work or just need some friendly advice, confidential meetings, email, Zoom or telephone discussions with the SSA are available to keep you on track.
Academic Skills
The Academic Skills team provide support to students for the following: university study techniques, research ad reading, academic writing, listening and speaking, reports and artefacts, dissertations, revision and exams, international students and postgraduate support. You can book an appointment at any time to schedule a meeting with one of the Academic Skills Tutors.
Creative Skills
A group of specialized tutors have formed the Creative Skills hub which consists of support with Illustration and Design software such as the Adobe programs, Architecture and Design for architectural software support and a Film and Television tutor for those interested in videography, editing and more.
Creative Careers
The Creative Careers Advisors help students for placement and work experience, students registration and CVβs, global placements, self-employed placement years and any events.
π οΈ Facilities
The EPC (Eldon Production Centre)
The EPC is the main workshop which has both traditional and modern machinery and equipment for predominately working in wood, Non-ferrous metal (Copper, Brass, Aluminium) and Plastics. The workshop has a range of equipment including band saws, pillar drills, disc sanders, belt sander, fret saws, chop saw, vertical wall saw, table saw, planer/thickenesser, woodturning lathe, mitre cutter, routers, compressed air tools, assembly benches and tables and an array of hand tools. The workshop also has 3D printers, laser cutters, facilities for plastics which include vacuum formers, dome blower, digital plastics oven, strip heater, heat guns, hot wire cutter, and hot melt vinyl pots. The metal workshop within the EPC has a CNC Plasma Cutter, MIG welder, spot welder, sheet metal folder, angle grinders, chop saw, sand blaster, metal lathe alongside many others. And finally a CNC Milling Machine which is used to mill polyurethane model bord, wood and non ferrous metals.
Art Shop
The Art Shop houses architecture and art supplies which include cutting mats, different types colours and sizes of card, paper, model making material such as foam board and balsa wood, a large variety of pens, pencils, model making knives, tracing paper, scaled rulers, sketchbooks, portfolios, model making accessories and items, paints and other materials.
Faculty Loan Store
A wide range of video production and associated AV equipment available for loan such as: video cameras, tripods, audio recorders and sound mixers, microphones, sound accessories, headphones, lights and stands, lighting accessories, DVD players and projectors, VR headsets and graphics tablets.