Skip navigation

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

CLOSE

Interested in developing your knowledge of the environment we build within a wider geographic and environmental context? This course gives you the technical skills, subject knowledge and experience necessary for you to progress onto a choice of undergraduate degrees. 

This hands-on course ensures you gain relevant academic knowledge and practical skills from the outset using our high-quality, current technology and on-site laboratories.

At Northumbria you will experience first hand knowledge of the built environment and the wider environmental context. The programme will focus on all the appropriate elements for the initial stages of developing you as a Northumbria Graduate and ultimately as an undergraduate degree student. The learning outcomes for the Built Environment programme and the modules have been mapped against the professional development requirements and the competencies required by this industry.

Northumbria foundation year students have a mature, intellectual curiosity through an examination and understanding of professional practice, current theories, policy and real-life practice. As a result, you will be able to develop and apply your academic knowledge and experience of research skills to your chosen degree programme.

You will be taught by a diverse group of built environment related professionals. Their background, knowledge and experience in both practice and academia, and the emphasis and support of a research rich learning environment, will allow you to develop a research rich, practice based experience and encourage you to carry on your studies in an undergraduate programme.

Why choose Northumbria to study Architecture and Built Environment?

  • Top University - Architecture at Northumbria is ranked Top 25 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025.
  • A Research Powerhouse - Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is ranked 11th in the UK for research power out of 38 submissions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 13 places compared to 2014 - the joint highest rise in the sector.
  • Teaching Quality - Building Studies at Northumbria is ranked top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide, 2024).

There is a set of modules to follow if you want to go onto further study in Built Environment. 

On successful completion of the foundation year, you can go on to study a range of courses including:

Course Information

UCAS Code
K441

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department
Architecture and Built Environment

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2025

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Department / Architecture and Built Environment

Architecture and Built Environment encompasses all of our teaching, research and enterprise in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Quantity and Building Surveying, Real Estate and Housing.

a vase of flowers on a table

Department

Architecture-Show-270x270

Portfolio Guidelines

Graduate Showcase / REVEAL

The end of year showcase for our Creative Programmes.

white background with black pen drawing of an abstract garment

REVEAL

Graduate Degree Showcase

Watch as Northumbria students showcase there work in 2022 Reveal show

Discover NU World / A virtual journey through everything Northumbria has to offer.

Explore our immersive 360 tours, informative subject videos, inspirational student profiles, ground-breaking research, and a range of life at university blogs videos and articles.

Student Life / #IAmNorthumbria

Discover more about life in Newcastle and studying at Northumbria.

a desk with a green plant

Accommodation

Discover our residences

There are many different reasons to choose to study at Northumbria but we got Alice, Reza and Jasmine to narrow it down to just three reasons each on why they wanted to come study here.

a large long train on Sage Gateshead over a body of water

Newcastle

City Life

a person posing for the camera

Student Life at Northumbria

Discover More

a group of people standing in front of a crowd

The Hub

Student Blog

a man wearing glasses

Social Wall

#IAmNorthumbria

Book an Open Day / Experience Architecture and Built Environment Foundation Year

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Architecture and Built Environment FY. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

80 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: TBC

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


International Fee in Year 1: £19,350


Please see the main Funding Pages for 25/26 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

How to Apply

Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.

Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.

The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.

You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University



Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KA3000 -

The Context of the Built Environment (Core,20 Credits)

You will be introduced here to the Built Environment as an industry and its context, both nationally and globally; its sectors and professional activity to give a good grounding in the industry, and one from which you can make an informed choice of career pathway. You will cover the structure and nature of the industry, commercial and financial aspects, business approaches, importance of business location and premises, culture, management and employment prospects. You will develop your ability to reflect and self assess.

More information

KA3003 -

Building Pathology (Core,20 Credits)

This module is intended to introduce you to approaches to building surveys and appraisal through the investigation of structural defects in buildings. You will examine the role and function of the surveyor within the context of the built environment, and will explore the work practices of the surveyor at practical and professional level.

More information

KA3004 -

Building Use (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn how to develop a client brief on a real project and then progress a professional surveying assignment through to the production of a concluding report. This will take the form of an introduction to academic, study and professional skills and will draw students’ first year studies into a holistic project experience. It aims to reflect the interdependence of the different topic areas studied at Level 3, in the context of the surveying profession. You will learn how to work both individually and as part of a team and be able to assess your own and others role, responsibilities and contribution via reflective practice.

You will study a range of topics to support the above including:

1.Property Portfolios & Estate Management
Buildings/Land/Other Assets; Commercial/Residential; Private sector/Public sector
2. The Role of Property
Property development and the UK planning system; Property investment, residential Buy-to-Let; Commercial property – Location & Use; Retail/Office/Industrial/Leisure - Occupation & Market Valuation
3. Property and Surveys
Plans & maps; Purpose & Methods of survey; Survey inspection; Property valuation techniques
4. Property Market and The Economy
Basic economic theory; The UK housing market; Finance, interest rates and inflation
5. The Property Profession
Role of the surveyor; Who does what? Key players and property professionals; The RICS and key property legislation
6. Managing the Property
Freehold/Leasehold; Landlord & Tenant Relationship;
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your future discipline specific programme.

More information

KA3006 -

Architectural Design and Technology (Core,20 Credits)

You will be introduced here to the role and function of the architect and the architectural technologist within the built environment. You will look at the wide range of activities that go together to make up the busy world of design and construction and begin to consider your future position within the workplace. You will consider the practical application of a theoretical background that informs the way in which the built environment is designed and delivered. You will learn about the design process and fundamental construction technology and material solutions.

More information

KA3007 -

Quantity Surveying (Optional,20 Credits)

You will apply basic mathematical skills to the mensuration of land and buildings and to the calculation of building costs. This module will complement other level 3 modules and will contribute to an integrated project. You will develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data relating to the measurement of buildings and land and the calculation of building costs. Topics include:

• Productivity rates
• Estimating building costs
• Scheduling of building work
• Mathematical and arithmetic operations
• Mensuration formulae and techniques
• Organisation of information using databases

The emphasis is on organising and communicating information relating to the costs of buildings through the use of relational databases.You will apply basic mathematical skills to the mensuration of land and buildings and to the calculation of building costs. This module will complement other level 3 modules and will contribute to an integrated project. You will develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data relating to the measurement of buildings and land and the calculation of building costs. Topics include:

• Productivity Rates
• Estimating building costs
• Scheduling of building work
• Mathematical and arithmetic operations
• Mensuration formulae and techniques
• Organisation of information using databases

The emphasis is on organising and communicating information relating to the costs of buildings through the use of relational databases.

More information

KA3008 -

ABE Final Project (Optional,20 Credits)

This module is intended to distil your learning and assist you in progressing onto your chosen degree programme, providing the opportunity to explore and learn in a real-world setting.

More information

KA3009 -

Construction Management (Core,20 Credits)

This module aims to provide an introduction to construction management. You will appreciate the project-based and uniquely structured construction industry, and the professional roles that operate in it. You will develop an understanding of how the construction industry is structured, how it operates, and its economic significance. The module will also provide knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of the key project team members, how they relate to each other and how they influence the construction project outcomes. In addition, you will gain an appreciation of core construction project deliverables and constraints, including how these are managed on a project, how they are linked together, and how they are connected to the client. Overall, the module will develop your skills as a reflective practitioner to support your future personal and professional development.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KA3000 -

The Context of the Built Environment (Core,20 Credits)

You will be introduced here to the Built Environment as an industry and its context, both nationally and globally; its sectors and professional activity to give a good grounding in the industry, and one from which you can make an informed choice of career pathway. You will cover the structure and nature of the industry, commercial and financial aspects, business approaches, importance of business location and premises, culture, management and employment prospects. You will develop your ability to reflect and self assess.

More information

KA3003 -

Building Pathology (Core,20 Credits)

This module is intended to introduce you to approaches to building surveys and appraisal through the investigation of structural defects in buildings. You will examine the role and function of the surveyor within the context of the built environment, and will explore the work practices of the surveyor at practical and professional level.

More information

KA3004 -

Building Use (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn how to develop a client brief on a real project and then progress a professional surveying assignment through to the production of a concluding report. This will take the form of an introduction to academic, study and professional skills and will draw students’ first year studies into a holistic project experience. It aims to reflect the interdependence of the different topic areas studied at Level 3, in the context of the surveying profession. You will learn how to work both individually and as part of a team and be able to assess your own and others role, responsibilities and contribution via reflective practice.

You will study a range of topics to support the above including:

1.Property Portfolios & Estate Management
Buildings/Land/Other Assets; Commercial/Residential; Private sector/Public sector
2. The Role of Property
Property development and the UK planning system; Property investment, residential Buy-to-Let; Commercial property – Location & Use; Retail/Office/Industrial/Leisure - Occupation & Market Valuation
3. Property and Surveys
Plans & maps; Purpose & Methods of survey; Survey inspection; Property valuation techniques
4. Property Market and The Economy
Basic economic theory; The UK housing market; Finance, interest rates and inflation
5. The Property Profession
Role of the surveyor; Who does what? Key players and property professionals; The RICS and key property legislation
6. Managing the Property
Freehold/Leasehold; Landlord & Tenant Relationship;
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your future discipline specific programme.

More information

KA3006 -

Architectural Design and Technology (Core,20 Credits)

You will be introduced here to the role and function of the architect and the architectural technologist within the built environment. You will look at the wide range of activities that go together to make up the busy world of design and construction and begin to consider your future position within the workplace. You will consider the practical application of a theoretical background that informs the way in which the built environment is designed and delivered. You will learn about the design process and fundamental construction technology and material solutions.

More information

KA3007 -

Quantity Surveying (Optional,20 Credits)

You will apply basic mathematical skills to the mensuration of land and buildings and to the calculation of building costs. This module will complement other level 3 modules and will contribute to an integrated project. You will develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data relating to the measurement of buildings and land and the calculation of building costs. Topics include:

• Productivity rates
• Estimating building costs
• Scheduling of building work
• Mathematical and arithmetic operations
• Mensuration formulae and techniques
• Organisation of information using databases

The emphasis is on organising and communicating information relating to the costs of buildings through the use of relational databases.You will apply basic mathematical skills to the mensuration of land and buildings and to the calculation of building costs. This module will complement other level 3 modules and will contribute to an integrated project. You will develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data relating to the measurement of buildings and land and the calculation of building costs. Topics include:

• Productivity Rates
• Estimating building costs
• Scheduling of building work
• Mathematical and arithmetic operations
• Mensuration formulae and techniques
• Organisation of information using databases

The emphasis is on organising and communicating information relating to the costs of buildings through the use of relational databases.

More information

KA3008 -

ABE Final Project (Optional,20 Credits)

This module is intended to distil your learning and assist you in progressing onto your chosen degree programme, providing the opportunity to explore and learn in a real-world setting.

More information

KA3009 -

Construction Management (Core,20 Credits)

This module aims to provide an introduction to construction management. You will appreciate the project-based and uniquely structured construction industry, and the professional roles that operate in it. You will develop an understanding of how the construction industry is structured, how it operates, and its economic significance. The module will also provide knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of the key project team members, how they relate to each other and how they influence the construction project outcomes. In addition, you will gain an appreciation of core construction project deliverables and constraints, including how these are managed on a project, how they are linked together, and how they are connected to the client. Overall, the module will develop your skills as a reflective practitioner to support your future personal and professional development.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Architecture and Built Environment Foundation Year

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

START MONTH
YEAR

UniStats

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

a sign in front of a crowd
+

Northumbria Open Days

Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

a person sitting at a table using a laptop
+
NU World Virtual Tours
+

Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

Back to top