
Overview
You will benefit from a flexible learning programme comprising a series of concentrated study blocks, an office-based examination (where you are employed) and a professional interview. We have close relationships with established practitioners, academics and leading consultants, who will provide exposure to a wide range of topical issues in contracts, law, economics and management.
There are three entry points for the course throughout the year, in January, May and September.
INSIDE/OUT
The INSIDE/OUT lecture series offers historical, theoretical and critical analyses of art, architecture and design and welcomes internationally recognised practitioners to come and talk about their practice. Find out about forthcoming events on the INSIDE/OUT webpage
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Research Excellence Framework 2014: our University's results for the Architecture, Built Environment and Planning unit, which it entered for the first time, were impressive with 37% of its research being rated world leading or internationally excellent.
Accredited by:
The course is designed for suitably qualified applicants to complete their studies in architecture and register with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). It also allows for membership of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). It is, by nature, a professional course and is evaluated with quality and standards improved through the RIBA Validation Panel at four year intervals and in accordance with the University requirements for course review.
We have links throughout the region, nationally and internationally with architectural practices, with external tutors coming from their own established practices to offer you the best possible tuition.
We understand that full-time study does not suit everyone. That’s why we offer courses which give you the opportunity to decide where, when and how you can get involved in learning. Studying a distance learning course offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you’d like to fit your studies around childcare, develop your skills while working or, quite simply, want to learn from the comfort of your own home, we can help you gain a qualification at a time and pace that suits your lifestyle.
Like our students on campus, you will have the same excellent teaching and learning resources, however you’ll find these online instead of in a lecture theatre. Not only are all the modules taught online, but you will also have access to an online community and more than 140,000 books and journals in our online library.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Entry Requirements
Requirements
Applicants should either have an ARB/RIBA accredited Part Two qualification or a Part 2 qualification awarded through the ARB Assessment Panel and be in employment that is capable of satisfying the PEDR Categories of Experience requirements accessed through this link. All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link. All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements, please access further details at this link.
IELTS:
IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Mature Applicants
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu. If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website. Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.Requirements
Applicants should either have an ARB/RIBA accredited Part Two qualification or a Part 2 qualification awarded through the ARB Assessment Panel and be in employment that is capable of satisfying the PEDR Categories of Experience requirements accessed through this link. All applications should be supported by a reference, either academic or professional; a template can be accessed at this link. All applicants should satisfy our University English language requirements, please access further details at this link.
IELTS:
IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Careers

Careers
BA (Hons) Architecture, MArch Architecture & PG Dip Architectural Professional Practice
My passion for architecture was sparked while I was at school. Going on to study at Leeds Beckett was perfect for me. I had access to industry-standard facilities, dedicated support from expert teaching staff and the social perks of living in a buzzing city. My course gave me the confidence to go out and get the industry experience I needed, and I'm now a fully qualified architect.
Teaching and learning
We regularly review our courses to ensure we are offering you the best educational experience. This course is currently being reviewed for 2019 entry, therefore the information below is correct for students joining us in 2018/19 but there may be changes for students who wish to join us in 2019/20. These will be confirmed in the course specification made available to new applicants on this page from February 2019.
- Professional Experience & Development Record & Professional Interview
Complete RIBA's online Professional Experience and Development Record (PEDR), which logs the time spent on various activities within your office by entering hours under appropriate categories. You will also participate in the summative Professional Interview / Oral Examination to integrate the learning outcomes of the course.
- Career Evaluation & Professional Curriculum Vitae
Reveal your qualities as a reflective practitioner and your understanding of, and attitudes towards, sound professional practice.
- Case Study
Select material to provide tangible evidence of practical experience at a professional level. This could include a range of different procurement methods types and processes and should be based on a single project from live architectural practice.
- Written Examination in Professional Practice (Practice Based)
This module addresses mandatory components of the following professional criteria:- professionalism, clients, users and delivery of services, legal framework and processes, practice and management and building procurement.
- Written Examination in Contract Administration (Practice Based)
You will show an understanding of the legal and organisational problems associated with the practice of architecture. Specifically, this module addresses mandatory components of the following professional criteria:- professionalism, clients, users and delivery of services, legal framework and processes, practice and management and building procurement.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC, laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Course specific
- Use of studio equipment and facilities, including parallel motion boards and flip-top drawing boards, plus the latest software and printers
- Access to the Project Office, our in-house architectural consultancy
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series
Additional costs
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Course-specific essentials
- Access to 13 months of RIBA PEDR log sheets
(Approximately £26.40 paid directly to RIBA)
- Architects Registration Board (ARB) registration
(Approximately £107. Successful candidates register with the ARB. This is the only register for architects and passing the course will provide exemption from the ARB/RIBA exam.)
Other study-related expenses to consider: books (the Library stocks books from your module reading list but you may wish to purchase copies for yourself); placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery; field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations); PC/laptop (provided on campus in social learning spaces and in the library. However, you may prefer to have your own); mobile phone/tablet (to access University online services); academic conferences (travel costs); professional-body membership (where applicable); and graduation (gown hire and guest tickets).
This list is not exhaustive and costs will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental or living costs are also in addition to your course fees.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
Facilities
Location

Broadcasting Place
Broadcasting place is officially one of the world's best tall buildings (voted the world's 'Best Tall Building' in 2010 by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat) and is a big talking point in Leeds. Home to our arts, design, architecture and built environment courses, it provides students with creative and contemporary learning environments, is packed with the latest technology and is a focal point for new and innovative thinking in the city.