London South Bank University, BA (Hons), Architecture

Building a great future

Architecture is an extraordinary first degree to study. On this highly creative course, you'll learn to draw, model, write and, above all, solve problems which directly improve our society.

When you graduate you’ll be ready to start the first stage of professional practical experience in an office before progressing to RIBA part 2 postgraduate study.

We offer the opportunity for all undergraduate Home/EU students to undertake a work placement, internship or work experience while studying a full-time course starting in September 2020. 

Why Architecture at LSBU?

No.1  London modern university for research intensity in Architecture (Complete University Guide 2019).

Professional accreditation – the course is fully validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board.

Experience - with roots in London Council School of Building (1904) and Brixton School of Building (1940), LSBU has been offering architectural education for over 100 years.

Top 5 amongst London competitors for overall satisfaction in Architecture (National Student Survey 2018).

Ranked 3rd for graduate prospects in London (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020). 

Employability

Choose to study architecture and you'll gain more varied skills and employability than almost any other professional subject.Our central London location is the perfect place to find inspiration, as well as build your professional networks and take advantage of work experience opportunities. Our strong design and academic reputation creates excellent links into practice.

Your career

To qualify as an architect, you need a year’s (minimum) paid professional experience after graduation, followed by a two year postgraduate degree and the final RIBA part 3 examination. It’s a long process, but one you’ve qualified your starting salary could be around £30,000 a year, rising with experience.

As an LSBU graduate you can apply for further study at any RIBA recognised schools. Past students have been accepted at prestigious schools including the Bartlett University College London and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.

RIBA mentoring scheme

This gives our third year students an insight into architecture as a profession, with input form RIBA chartered members and practices, and is another boost to your employability. 

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills. 

Professional links

Our central London location is a great place from which to build professional networks – opportunities are concentrated in London and south east England.

We put considerable energy into developing quality professional links, inviting practitioners to contribute to teaching and studio sessions and holding lectures where external guest speakers include established and emergent architects and internationally recognised design researchers. These links help you gain the skills that employers really want. 

Accreditation

Our courses are validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and prescribed by the Architects Registration Board for RIBA part 1, RIBA part 2 and RIBA part 3.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is the professional members' organisation for architects that champions better buildings, communities, and the environment through architecture.  They provide guidance on professional standards, training, support, and recognition that puts their members around the world at the peak of their profession.

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the UK's statutory body for architects.