Catarina Costa
📃 On paper
Module breakdown
Modules are usually semester or year-long and you usually do 120 credits worth of them per year - they are broken down into 15, 30, 45 or 60 credits per module. Studios are year-long modules and they get "credit heavier" as you progress up the levels. Sometimes, other modules may be related to your studio work but mostly you can get everything else done even if your studio is not progressing at the same rate.
👐🏻 General approach
At UWE, due to the diversity of architecture courses, you tend to get a bit of everything. If sustainability and environmental engineering is your thing - definitely go BEng AEE (I'm just finishing it up). If you want masterplanning scale too, then BA AP. Then you have BSc Architecture which is a more straight forward option - in my opinion, just do one of the other ones as you'll come out with a dual degree for an extra year of study. If you're more keen on detailing and technology, BSc ATD is for you - but it is not RIBA/ARB accredited as it is the technologist route instead (CIAT).
💖 Student support
You have personal tutors however I've never used them. Module leaders and course leaders tend to be very helpful in solving any queries or providing additional help. The university is also quite keen on having student reps both for the class and for the whole department/school. Feedback tends to flow quite well as it is received and acted upon quickly. Other uni services tend to work quite well too, and even "higher ups" are quite accessible.
🛠️ Facilities
There's workshops and "super studio" with PCs in the main "architecture" block (R block), and multi storey library on campus. There's multiple cafes and restaurants you can choose from and Starbucks offers loyalty cards for free drinks!
📄 Application Process
So far, no portfolios! And don't think they do interviews. Also, if you're less prepared for architecture school and/or don't know exactly which route to take, you can do a foundation year and change whichever course you're on during that year. Even if you're already in year 1, you'd likely be able to change mid-year.
😉 Insider Tips
You can take a quick 5 minute walk to Sainsbury's/Lidl if you want to get some lunch rather than eat on campus. However, there's a lovely 100% vegan restaurant the other side of campus which is great and affordable!
Also, get involved where you can - societies are great for that. Knowing and working with tutors outside of class can come in super handy as building a network is a great way to find summer and grad jobs. With some effort, you can be put forward for awards and other nice bits too!