BA (Honours) Architecture: Spaces and Objects explores design for the human environment through the buildings and spaces we inhabit, and the objects we use within those spaces.

By considering the interaction between built form and material culture we develop a greater understanding of the role architects and designers can play in the broader contexts of contemporary society. Spaces and objects within and around buildings inform and transform our understanding and use of our buildings and cities. The interrelation of architecture, spaces and objects forms our human environment.

Architecture has always been collaborative. But modern practitioners are increasingly called on to design and facilitate the integration of a broad range of other practices, from arts to engineering. Methods and materials we use to construct and maintain our built environment become critical in reflecting and questioning the impact we have on the natural environment. Issues relating to sustainability, the environment, economies and communities are central to the way this course views design.

BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects enables you to adopt a critical perspective on the architectural design of our human environment in all its aspects. You'll understand how it came to be, and how we might lead its future development.

BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects runs for 90 weeks full time over three years, and is divided into three Levels (or Stages), each lasting 30 weeks. The whole course is credit-rated at 360 credits, with 120 credits at each Level (Stage).

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the Levels for a BA are: Level 4 (which is stage 1 of the course), Level 5 (Stage 2) and Level 6 (Stage 3).

There's a progression point at the end of each Level and, in order to progress, all units of the preceding Level must normally have been passed.

If you're unable to continue on the course a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level 4, or a Diploma in Higher Education following the successful completion of Level 5.

To gain a BA (Honours), students must successfully complete 360 credits. The final award consists of marks from Level 6 units only, weighted according to their credits.

Course outline

BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects has seven closely interrelated areas of study, delivered through project work, lectures, seminars, assignments, and supporting studies. Areas of study are: Studio Design Practice, Contextual Studies, Technical Studies, Media Practice, Personal and Professional Development, Professional Practice, Elective Studies.

Studio Design Practice forms the core of your studio-based learning and is directed by your studio tutors or through your own, self-directed projects. In individual and group tutorials, workshops, seminars and critiques you're encouraged to develop your design thinking plus ways to support your position as a practitioner.

Contextual Studies locates your learning within an understanding of the historical and contemporary issues relevant to design for the human environment.

Elective Studies are offered as part of contextual studies. Working in mixed groups with students from other courses in the School, Elective Studies promotes critical thinking through the presentation of ideas, debate and discussion, and requires you to consider your subject and role in a wider contexts and to position your practice within the 'bigger picture' of cultural production and meaning-making.

Technical Studies looks at the theory and practice of materials, structures, production and construction. This area of study supports design development through practical as well as theoretical understanding of how design is both conceived and realised.

Media Practice takes in lectures, seminars and workshops that introduce you to the many ways design ideas are communicated through physical and digital media.

Personal and Professional Development provides the skills and knowledge you need to be an active member of a learning community, to become a self-sufficient learner, and to be able to enter the professional world and manage your subsequent career development.

Professional Practice explores the practice of architecture and the broader context of running a business. In seminars and workshops you'll consider how the profession influences the design and realisation of architecture, spaces and objects.

Main study - Stage One

Stage One introduces the core skills and concepts that allow you to develop design proposals and a critical understanding of design for the human environment. Through projects, workshops, seminars and independent study you're encouraged to explore issues related to the way we conceive of and understand the buildings, spaces and objects that form the world around us. You'll also consider the professional roles and responsibilities within architectural practice.

Main study - Stage Two

You'll continue to develop design skills and conceptual thinking, but the emphasis shifts to the exploration of personal responses to design issues.

Live projects, undertaken in teams and individually, offer a chance to do design work in 'real' situations, often with real clients, as a way to understand your own position in professional practice and to begin to identify your future direction.

Main study - Stage Three

The three parts of this stage allow you to consolidate your past experience and to explore, in depth, possible directions for the future.

'Consolidation' is a detailed building design project, bringing together your skills, conceptual ideas and understanding of architectural practice. 'Dissertation' is a major academic paper, on a topic of your choice that begins to frame your specific interests and critical perspective on design. 'Trajectory' develops in tandem with 'Dissertation' and offers the chance to undertake a large-scale, self-directed project.

These projects help you identify and define the specific area of design for the human environment you might pursue through professional practice or postgraduate study.

BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects students leave with a broad and valuable understanding of architectural design practice in its many forms. The skills acquired equip graduates to become versatile practitioners in many exciting and diverse professions in London and beyond.

Recent BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects alumni activity demonstrates the breadth of student activity within the subject:

• Misha Grigoriev is working with Moscow-based architects Project Meganom on large-scale residential developments across Russia.
• Grant Mitchell is doing an Mphil at University of Kent where he is also an associate lecturer.
• Sabba Khan has recently achieved Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part 1 exemption and continues to work with Peter Beard-Landroom on substantial architecture and landscape interventions.
• Sana Hasan has recently achieved Architects Registration Board (ARB) Part 1 exemption and continues to work with Assael Architects.
• Talenia Gajardo is working with Zaha Hadid Architects.
• Julian Konti is working with Sheppard Robson Architects.
• Lucia Dehez is working with The Sorrell Foundation and teaching at the London College of Communication.
• Dominic Honeysett continues to work at Space Syntax following a successful internship.

Developing your skills - external activities

BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects is designed to help you develop both transferable and industry specific skills. You'll be introduced to the issues, organisations and legal frameworks within which architecture and the creative industries operate. Media practice workshops and seminars develop your skills in drawing, model making and computer aided design and visualisation.

BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects' strong links with the Arts Council, Design Council and other agencies in London and beyond create useful project opportunities, contacts and networks.

BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects also works actively with clients and commercial organisations. Recent clients have included the Swiss Embassy, Saachi & Saachi, Hermes, the Home Office, TINO, Green Works and With Feeling. We also get involved in community activities in London, working with The Sorrell Foundation, The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, and local secondary schools.

We think of London as an extension of the studio. We encourage all our students to consider how London, one of the great design capitals of the world, can deepen an appreciation of architecture and design.

This degree course requires portfolio evidence.

Entry to BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects is highly competitive. Selection is determined by the quality of the application, indicated primarily in your portfolio of work and written statements. A very high proportion of successful applicants complete a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. The course will only exceptionally consider A Level candidates who can present a portfolio of equivalent standard to those produced by students on Foundation courses.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved, or be expected to achieve, the course entry requirements detailed below:

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
• A pass in 1 GCE A level
• Passes at GCSE level in 5 subjects (grade C or above) including English Language, Mathematics and a double award at science, or a separate science such as Physics or Chemistry, and one other subject (Art & Design or Design Technology are recommended).

This educational level may be demonstrated by possession of equivalent qualifications; e.g. BTEC Higher National Diploma, International Baccalaureat or High School Diploma.

Applicants may also be considered exceptionally if they present a portfolio of equivalent standard to a one-year Foundation course in art and design and have achieved, or expect to achieve:

• Passes in 2 GCE A Levels (80 UCAS tariff points normally including one single award) 
• Passes at GCSE level in 5 subjects (grade C or above) including English Language, Mathematics and a double award at science, or a separate science such as Physics or Chemistry, and one other subject (Art & Design or Design Technology are recommended).

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered if the course team judges the application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might be demonstrated by, for example: related academic or work experience; the quality of the personal statement; a strong academic or other professional reference; or a combination of these factors.

English language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability at enrolment. The standard English language requirement for entry is IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.0* in any one paper, or equivalent. For further information visit the Language Centre website.
 
* However - the UK Border Agency requires a minimum of 5.5 in each paper, so applicants who will need a Tier 4 General Student Visa should check the External English Tests page which provides important information about UK Border Agency (UKBA) requirements. 

What we look for

We don't just look for a passion for architecture. We're also seeking people who are open to new ideas, informed risk taking and challenge, and who are willing to get involved in the different disciplines and practices of architectural design during their degree.

Student selection criteria

We select degree applicants according to your potential and current ability to:

Work imaginatively and creatively in architecture and design:

• Engage with experimentation and invention
• Show imagination and ambition in proposals for your work

Demonstrate a range of skills and technical abilities:

• Demonstrate an engagement with 3D and architecture/spatial design
• Demonstrate a basic ability to draw and model objects and spaces
• Demonstrate a basic ability to discuss ideas verbally and through written work

Provide evidence of intellectual enquiry within your work:

• Demonstrate relevant research
• Reflect critically on your learning

Demonstrate cultural awareness and/or contextual framework of your work:

• Identify historical and contemporary architecture and architects
• Identify social and/or cultural influences on your work

Articulate and communicate intentions clearly:

• Discuss your work in group situations
• Present your work appropriately and effectively

Demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the subject and the course:

• Develop your own ideas and address project briefs
• Show willingness to collaborate
• Reflect your knowledge of this course

Portfolio and interview advice

Your work should demonstrate creative development, whether for a college project or in your personal work. By creative development, we mean ideas that have originated in your own experience and research and progressed towards potential visualisation. Ideas, visual research and experimentation are more important than finished design solutions and can be shown in 2D work, or through 3D objects and maquettes. It's important that the creative work you include reflects and demonstrates your thinking, initiative and personal commitment to a particular project, theme or idea.

Both through your work and in talking to you at interview we're interested in you as an individual. Our focus is on your personal interests, your creativity and your initiative in finding out about your proposed area of study. We'd like to know about your favourite designers and artists, where you've seen their work at first hand and how you've gathered more information about the work that interests you.

For students who haven't had design as a study subject, or who are unsure of their ability to demonstrate a subject area interest within architecture, an optional design project is available for candidates to complete before portfolio review and interview.

Home / EU applicants

Apply to BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). From the UCAS home page go to 'Apply', where you’ll be able to register and create a password that gives you unique access as you complete your application form. 

The University UCAS code is UAL. The University code is U65. Course Code – K100 BA/ASO

The deadline for equal consideration is 15 January 2012

International applicants

If you are from outside the European Union: You have three options to apply for undergraduate courses.

• Apply through UCAS. The deadline for equal consideration is 15 January 2012
• Apply directly to Central Saint Martins. Choose this option if you are only applying to undergraduate courses at UAL.
• Apply through one of our overseas representitives.

Visit the undergraduate application page for full details of these options.

We're here to help.

Our website includes all the information you need to successfully apply. However, if you still have unanswered questions about the admissions process, please contact us. Email: international@csm.arts.ac.uk

The University has a dedicated team to help prepare you for your studies. For help on visa requirements, housing, tuition fees and language requirements visit the University's International section.

The Language Centre offers international students quality language training from qualified and experienced teachers. The Pre-sessional Academic English Programme is available to all international (non-EU) students who have been offered a place on a full time course at the University of the Arts. For further information visit the Language Centre website.

We also offer a number of short courses that enable students to improve their portfolios and English skills before applying to their chosen course. For further information visit our Short Course section.

Deferred entry

Entry can only be deferred in exceptional circumstances. Please contact us before submitting your application if you’re considering applying for deferred entry.

What happens next?

Home/EU and International applicants applying through UCAS

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the course team against the selection criteria listed under What We Look For.  Depending on the quality of your application, you may then be invited to submit a portfolio.

When you attend with your full portfolio, your application may be successful, you may be invited to interview in order to clarify any aspect of your application or your work, which is not evident from the material submitted, or you may be rejected.

Selection is conducted by two members of staff and offers of places are made on the basis of the selection criteria. Notes are kept in relation to decisions made following the interview process.

Please note that if you are unable to attend the portfolio review the College may not be able to re-schedule, however you could arrange to submit evidence of your work by post.

You should send either a non-returnable A4 portfolio or a non-returnable USB documenting your work, following the guidelines below.

• Your A4 portfolio or USB should consist of a series of images of your work - the quality of the work is more important than the quantity
• Please supply title, media and dimensions of each piece, bottom left of the image
• Where possible, scan rather than photograph work. Large or 3-dimensional work should be photographed
• Please organise your work by project, with supporting work presented alongside final outcomes
• Make sure you label your A4 portfolio or USB with your name

If presenting your work as an A4 portfolio please ensure the sheets are attached in order to preserve the sequence. Do not send original work.

If presenting your work on USB:

• All portfolio images should be arranged in a single PDF file
• Individual images imported into PDF files should be no larger  than 1024 x 768 pixels

International applicants applying directly to Central Saint Martins:

You will be asked to submit a full portfolio for review. This can be in the form of printed photographs or images on USB. If you are in the UK you can bring your portfolio of original work to the College. Selection is usually based on the review of your portfolio of work.

Home/EU Postal Portfolios should be sent to Student Administration, BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA

International Postal Portfolio should be sent to the International Office, BA Architecture: Spaces and Objects, Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, University of the Arts London, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London N1C 4AA

Receiving results of your application

If you applied through UCAS the result of your application will be communicated to you via UCAS track.

• If you made a direct application, the result will be emailed or sent by post.
• If you applied through one of our overseas representatives, they will tell you the result of your application.

You’ll only receive further communication directly from the college if your application has been successful and this will be in the form of a full offer pack.