Intermediate Programme BA(Hons) Architecture (RIBA Part 1)

The Intermediate Programme (BA(Hons)) is a three-year full-time programme. The First Year is characterised by its shared, open studio, where students work individually and together across a series of projects. This part of the Intermediate Programme is defined by a learning-through-making approach, providing students with the tools and methods that help to foster an exploratory and intellectual interest in architecture. Years two and three introduce students to the unit system, in which small design studios (12–14 students) operate a vertical structure of Second and Third Year students. Innovative approaches to the study of form, typology, programme, site, material, craft and fabrication sit side-by-side with the study of critical architectural theory, environmental and technical considerations, speculative studies and different modes of architectural practice.
The four Core Studies subject areas – History and Theory Studies, Environmental and Technical Studies, Media Studies, and Professional Practice Studies – are an essential part of the Intermediate Programme. Together, the courses on offer in Core Studies give students the opportunity to establish and develop their own individual interests and direction within the school. These courses also provide opportunities for students approaching architecture from the different agendas of the units to come together in shared settings.

The minimum entry requirements for the First Year of the Intermediate Programme BA (Hons) Architecture (RIBA Part 1) are:

• Three A Level passes (grade C or above); if one A Level pass is in an art/design subject it must be accompanied by at least one A Level in a non-art/design subject.
• GCSE (grade 4/C or above) in Mathematics and English Language.

The minimum entry requirements for entry into the Second or Third Year of the Intermediate Programme are:

• Three A Level passes (grade C or above); if one A Level pass is in an art/design subject it must be accompanied by at least one A Level in a non-art/design subject.
• GCSE (grade 4/C or above) in Mathematics and English Language.

For entry into Second Year, successful applicants must have one year of degree-level studies in an Architecture degree.

For entry into Third Year, successful applicants must have two years of degree-level studies in an Architecture degree.

For details of alternative academic qualifications we accept as equivalent to A Level and GCSE, please see our list of International Equivalent Qualifications.

All applicants to all years of entry to the Intermediate Programme must provide evidence of competency in both spoken and written English.

Direct entrants to Third Year will not satisfy the required number of credits to obtain a BA (Hons) degree at the AA, and will obtain the following award after one year of full-time study: AA Intermediate Examination (ARB/RIBA Part 1).

• From 31 December 2027 the ARB will no longer accredit Undergraduate Part 1 Programmes.