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Architecture Portfolio Guidelines

These guidelines apply to BA (Hons) Architecture.

BA (Hons) Architecture

Our BA (Hons) Architecture course attracts a lot of applicants and students are encouraged to apply early. All applications received before the January deadline will be considered.

If you apply for BA (Hons) Architecture and meet our entry criteria you will be asked to send in a digital portfolio containing a selection of images from your art, design or creative work. A decision to offer you a place will be made by the Academic Team based on the quality of your portfolio and how it demonstrates your potential to study on the programme with success. You should therefore ensure that the images you send us include what you consider to be your strongest work and should be chosen to demonstrate your abilities in a range of visual communication media that best displays your engagement with creativity and the design process.  Please see below for advice on what to include in your portfolio. Applicants are advised to attend one of our Applicant Visitor days to see our excellent studios and facilities in person, and to discuss the programme with staff.

 

International Students

 Shortlisted international students will be asked to submit a digital portfolio of work and will receive feedback on the outcome of your application from admissions and a member of the teaching staff.

 

Your portfolio

 Your portfolio should be a collection of your creative work and is a means for you to demonstrate your abilities, interests, and potential for studying architecture. Your portfolio should include some freehand observational studies that convey your appreciation of composition and form, and your design development work/work in progress will show your enthusiasm for design, and interest in architecture. We are particularly interested in seeing how you think and develop your ideas, so please include sketchbook pages and work in progress.

You should include…

  • Observational sketching and painting (this could include life drawing)
  • A range of media (2D/ 3D/ photography/ digital/ print/ mixed media)
  • Sketchbook pages and design development work 
  • Your personality through the work selected
  • Examples from any relevant work experience
  • Any self-motivated work which is not part of your current art and design course curriculum 

 

Qualifications

Northumbria University sets a minimum entry tariff for qualifications to ensure academic standards are maintained. However, we also believe talking to you is an indicator of your potential too. If you are offered a place to study architecture or interior architecture at Northumbria, we are inviting you to join our community, not just join a course. Our interviews are the opportunity to hear about your work and studies to date and to tell you about our community to help you make the right decision on where you would like to study. 

Course info

UCAS Code K100

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with study abroad

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

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