
Focusing on the relationships between the built environment, social interaction and material culture, we examine the role architects play in contemporary society. This course is part of the Spatial Practices programme.
Virtual Open Days:
The undergraduate online open days are now finished for the September 2021 intake.
At Central Saint Martins, the safety of staff, students and visitors is our priority. Following government guidance on social distancing due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, we’re currently unable to run physical open days at the College.
Virtual Tours:
Instead you might be interested in checking out the College’s outstanding facilities and technical spaces through our virtual tours
With sea levels rising and the threats of drought growing, our lives are more vulnerable to the power of water, or lack thereof. From a collaboration with PUMA to the invention of the Ministry of Water, we look at the students exploring the value of
Since 1989, the CSM Museum & Study Collection has actively purchased works from graduating students. Now, after more than 30 years, the process has taken on a new form in our first ever Deans’ Awards.
Today we are happy to announce the graduating students shortlisted for this year's MullenLowe NOVA Awards and declare voting open for the YourNOVA Award.
From unwanted food to industrial byproducts, we are producing waste at an alarming rate. Many of our graduating students are rethinking waste as raw material and here, we speak to just a few of them.
Architecture is always political – it is first and foremost about people and our interaction with the world around us. BA Architecture at Central Saint Martins is committed to socially engaged practice. It promotes direct engagement with real-world social, cultural and political conditions in the contemporary urban landscape. Buildings are only one way in which we intervene in the built environment. The space of the city is charged and shaped through the interplay of multiple factors and tensions. Engaging with these complex dynamics requires innovative design approaches. These often encompass alternative forms of space-making. The course is underpinned by the idea that the human environment is alive with agency; as we shape our environment, our environment shapes us.
The practice of architecture has always been collaborative. On this course, we rethink the profession and imagine roles beyond disciplinary limits. Architects are increasingly called upon to design the integration of a broad range of practices. These range from the arts to urban development and landscape design to engineering. In order to bring these together into coherent ideas, architects must understand other practices while also effectively communicating their own.
On BA Architecture, we focus on the relationship between making and thinking. We believe this is central to understanding the ways in which architecture can engage with a range of scales and practices. On this course, we support the development of radical ideas, but also the radical potential of making and building. As a student on BA Architecture, you will be treated as a young practitioner. We will encourage you to develop your own critical and radical approach to architectural design.
The course collaborates with a range of external partners. These include social initiatives, cultural institutions and public and private sector bodies. You will also work with the other programmes and disciplines in the College. This creates a rich and multi-disciplinary learning experience, with ample opportunity to work on live projects. Here, you will undertake design work in live situations, often engaging with clients. This will allow you to gain an understanding of spatial practice and your role as a designer within it.
The increasing complexity of contemporary socio-economic, cultural and environmental issues requires architects to develop a broad skill set. This may be described as context-led – seeking solutions which address local issues arising from global agendas. Architects must move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to find innovative and sustainable design solutions. There is a growing need for contemporary city design which focuses not only on "hard" infrastructure but also the "softer". That is, not only buildings, transport and engineering but also systems of social networks, organisation and human interaction. BA Architecture shifts the focus of design from buildings as objects to the processes that bring them about, and their impact upon building. This provides greater opportunity for holistic learning and sustainable development.
The course provides a rich learning environment and set of experiences in order for you to develop as a spatial practitioner. It will introduce you to a range of cognitive and practical skills, critical theories and creative experiences. These are delivered through design studio tutorials, lectures, seminars, workshops and study visits.
Unit 1: Introduction to BA (Hons) Architecture
Unit 2: Design Studio 1
Unit 3: Contextual Studies 1: Architecture and Context
Unit 4: Technical Studies 1
Stage 1 will introduce you to core skills and concepts. These will allow you to develop a critical understanding of spatial practice. You will focus on studio-based projects, workshops and lectures. You will approach design for the human environment, exploring and representing different scales and typologies of spaces, buildings and places.
Unit 5: Design Studio 2
Unit 6: Contextual Studies 2: Modern Dialectics
Unit 7: Technical Studies 2
Unit 8: Professional Practice 2
This stage provides further development of your conceptual thinking, interpretive and design skills. Material knowledge, technical skills, critical writing and presentation skills will enable greater resolution in your designs. Stage 2 also focuses on your personal responses to design issues and the development of your unique voice as a spatial designer.
Unit 9: Design Studio 3
Unit 10: Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation
Unit 11: Technical Studies 3
Unit 12: Professional Practice 3
Stage 3 brings together your skills, concepts and knowledge into more integrated design projects. This stage offers you the opportunity to merge your previous experience. You will explore in-depth, potential directions for your future career through a self-directed project and written dissertation.
BA Architecture runs for 90 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into three stages over three academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study.
The course is credit-rated at 360 credits, with 120 credits at each stage (level).
On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons degree).
Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the stages for a BA are: Stage 1 (Level 4), Stage 2 (Level 5) and Stage 3 (Level 6). In order to progress to the next stage, all units of the preceding stage must normally be passed: 120 credits must be achieved in each stage. The classification of the award will be derived from the marks of units in Stages 2 and 3 or only Stage 3, using a dual algorithm.
If you are unable to continue on the course, a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level 4 (or 120 credits), or a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) following the successful completion of level 5 (or 240 credits).
BA Architecture is professionally validated by the RIBA. Successful completion of the course provides RIBA Part 1 qualification, the first of three stages of RIBA professional registration.
Please note that as a result of course specific regulations, unit compensation as detailed in UAL Course Regulations, is not available to students on this course.
During your course you will engage with learning and teaching that includes both online and face-to-face modes. Typically, this will include:
Progamme Director, Spatial Practices
Stage 1 Leader, BA (Hons) Architecture
Stage 3 Leader, BA Architecture
Senior Lecturer and Contextual Studies Co-ordinator, BA Architecture
Course Leader (Acting): Gregory Ross
Stage Two Leader: Gregory Ross
Media studies and Admissions Co-ordinator: Andrew Sides
Technical Studies Coordinator: Ciaran Malik
Professional Practice Coordinator: Douglas Murphy
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
136 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:
And five GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*–C) including English Language, Mathematics and a double award at Science, or two separate sciences such as Physics or Chemistry, and one other subject (Art and Design or Design Technology are recommended).
Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio. A very high proportion of successful applicants complete a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
Or a combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).
We offer English Language Development for Overseas students. See how we can help you with your studies.
Learn MoreWe select degree applicants according to your potential and current ability to:
Work imaginatively and creatively in architecture and design:
Demonstrate a range of skills and technical abilities:
Provide evidence of intellectual enquiry within your work:
Demonstrate cultural awareness and/or contextual framework of your work:
Articulate and communicate intentions clearly:
Demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the subject and the course:
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.
You should apply though Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and you will need the following information:
University Code: U65
UCAS Code: K101
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:
Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2
Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry). Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.
Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.
We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
Please add csm.ukeu@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL. Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.
There are three ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Central Saint Martins:
You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.
If you are applying via UCAS you will need the following information:
University Code: U65
UCAS Code: K101
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:
Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2
Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry). Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.
If you are an International applicant and studying outside the UK, please complete your Direct application and then contact us via your UAL Portal to ask to be considered for Year 2/Year 3.
Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.
We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Whether you are applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
Please add csm.international@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL. Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.
Your portfolio should be no more than 10 pages. It should be made up of your best work, showing your sensitivity to 3D design, your skills and thinking. You can create the pages in any layout (For example: presentation boards).
It should include:
Please note the quality of the work is more important than the quantity. We would also like you to organise your work by project, so that we can see any supporting work presented alongside final outcomes.
The only files that can be uploaded as part of the portfolio are:
Your portfolio should demonstrate creative development, whether for a college project or in your personal work. By creative development, we mean ideas that have originated through your own experience and research and progressed towards potential visual proposals. Ideas, visual research and experimentation are more important than finished design solutions and can be shown in two-dimensional work, or through three dimensional objects and maquettes.
It is important that the creative work you include reflects and demonstrates your thinking, initiative and personal commitment to a particular project, theme or idea. Both in your portfolio and at the interview we are interested in you as an individual, your personal interests, your creativity and initiative in finding out about your proposed area of study. We would also like to know about your favourite designers and artists, where you have seen their work at first hand and how you have acquired more information about the work that interests you.
For more portfolio advice please visit the portfolio advice page.
Following the review of the portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process. These applicants will be invited to an interview either online or by telephone.
You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS track.
This course receives a high number of applications, and unfortunately we cannot provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you have had an interview.
If you would like to request feedback – please email csm.ukeu@arts.ac.uk. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf.
Each and every application is carefully considered by a member(s) of our academic team. With so many strong applicants to choose from, it is often a very difficult decision to make. If you are unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply to us again in the future.
£9,250 per year
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.
Home fees are currently charged to UK resident nationals. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.
£22,920 per year
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.
Students from countries outside of the UK are currently charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.
You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees. These could include travel expenses and the costs of material. Find out more about additional costs.
Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost.
Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.
Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.
BA Architecture 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 alumni activity demonstrates the breadth of student activity within the subject:
BA Architecture 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's strong links with the Arts Council, Design Council and other agencies in London and beyond create useful project opportunities, contacts and networks.
BA Architecture 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.