Course summary

"Our exciting architecture course benefits from the unique setting of Stoke on Trent, a vibrant post-industrial city with a strong re-generation agenda. Rooted in studio practice, the course is highly practical, exploring design-build methodology in the real world, where making and materiality go hand in hand with drawing and computer visualisation. You will learn from established creative professionals and academics, and work in partnership with local communities, companies, national bodies and leading architects. The city benefits from a wide range of brownfield sites, and disused properties giving students the opportunity for innovative place-based interventions. The course is based in the School of Creative Arts and Engineering which brings exciting opportunities for collaboration, working with artists, designers and engineers. Facilities include fully equipped 3D workshops, and our new SmartZone featuring a comprehensive range of 3D printers and laser cutters, and access to state of the art 3D scanning, VR and AR equipment. Extensive CAD labs with specialist architectural software, enable you to design, build and render detailed architectural models and environments. You will have the opportunity to show your work both within and outside the University at graduate shows. Year 1 will give you a broad based introduction to architecture through studio and workshop based skills acquisition, theoretical underpinning in the form of lectures on history, and cultural context, materials and the environment, and individual and group based design projects. Year 2 will consolidate and further develop your creative skills. You will have input from visiting lecturers, study visits and a live project place-based brief. You will explore construction technology, sustainability and work on an interdisciplinary project with students from across the University. In your final year you will learn more about the cultural context of your work, whilst developing further knowledge in materials, environment and technology. You will bring all your skills and experience together in a comprehensive architecture project. Alongside this you will hone your presentation and interview skills, and prepare your final portfolio of work."