📃 On paper
Module breakdown
Year 1 & 2: Design (DES) modules - this is where we have a design project Cultural context (CC)- history of architecture Technical studies (TES)- includes a site diary in year 2 (which is specific to Westminster) Year 3: Design (Design (DES) modules Cultural context (CC) Preparing for practice (PS) which includes making a cv portfolio cover letter and website as well as a 2 week work experience placement
The biggest module is studio. You will need to use the skills you learn from other modules to create a portfolio by the end of each year.
Other modules include:
history of architecture: lectures and seminars for first and second year.
- sketchbook studies: a short module (yr1) where you are encouraged to explore all forms of hand drawings, this should push your creativity to another level.
- digital skills: you will be taught how to use softwares such as vector works, rhino, adobe illustrator, photoshop, etc to be able to provide digital drawings with your portfolio
- materials studies: this is another short module in year 1 where we are encouraged to experiment with a range of materials in detail.
- environmental studies: this is only for environmental architects, where you will learn more technical skills. There are a few drawing trips around London included.
In year 2 and 3, environmental architecture students continue their learning separate from ba architecture, etc with similar modules.
👐🏻 General approach
The whole idea of the course revolves around encouraging sustainable architecture which is architecture that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space and the ecosystem at large.
This course encompasses the ‘artistic’ and the ‘scientific’ as its' aim is to create a new generation of architects who are not only architecturally competent and environmentally aware, but also able to explore the spatial poetics with an evidence-informed approach, selectively evaluate design options, and quantify the building performance and environmental benefits and impact of their designs.
💖 Student support
This course will give you professional skills that can be used both in architectural practice and environmental design consultancy. Professional architects with a specialisation in environmental design, sustainability and low-carbon design are particularly sought after at the moment, both in the UK and internationally.
We’re assigned personal tutors but the studio tutors are very helpful
🛠️ Facilities
There is a laser lab workshop where you will have a week to learn and use the software rhino and the laser cutting machines.
There are both internal and external architects booked every week for interesting (evening) lectures that are held in the uni. Attending these are completely voluntary. Every week you have the opportunity to learn different perspectives on a range of issues and solutions. This is a great networking opportunity as well as you get to meet different people in the industry who may for example, specialise in specific subjects within architecture that you may be interested in.
End of year show is held at the end of every year. Like most architecture schools, there is a party afterwards as well.
There are prayer rooms and halal/ kosher food in the canteen. There are a range of workshops, including the ceramics workshop, metal and wood. There is a lot of studio space.
📄 Application Process
1 interview with portfolio
😉 Insider Tips
Get a university costa card specific for the Westminster coffee shop. Lunches at uni can be really cheap- under £3 a meal.