Undergraduate Prospectus 2009

Why study Architecture at Bath?

The discipline of architecture operates at the intersection between human beings and their environments. The architect therefore plays a vital role in shaping and sustaining our everyday experiences, our comfort and well-being, our delight in the grand vision and our appreciation of simple pleasures. A deep understanding of the subtle forces that shape architectural design is therefore essential for any practising architect.

At Bath we educate architects as professionals who appreciate the importance of design and are equipped with the technical skills to see their ideas through to realisation. Most of the courses are organised on a thin sandwich basis where students alternate their university studies with periods of paid employment in practice allowing students to immerse themselves in both the practical as well as theoretical aspects of design. Also, architecture and civil engineering students come together at intervals through the course for joint projects. The resulting skill in interdisciplinary team working is a particular characteristic of graduates from the Department, and leads to an excellent graduate employment record. Research strengths in the Department include architectural history and theory, lightweight structures, computer-aided design and the environmental design of buildings.

In the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, the Department was awarded a top research rating of 5. The strong focus on research is an important vehicle for delivering the insights into built form and environments that students must gain in order to become successful architects and engineers. Our commitment to this goal is reflected in the investment we have made in our faculty which draws from both successful practices as well as academic research.

Placements

The placements at Bath occur in Semester 2 of the second and third years of the BSc programme. Many students chose to extend their placement over the vacation period which allows them to make full use of the summer to gain practical architectural experience in paid employment. The University has a Professional Studies Advisor who helps prepare students for placement and is able to provide student support during the placement periods.

Career opportunities

www.bath.ac.uk/careers/destinations/intro.html

Many of the students who embark on the BSc programme go on to register as fully qualified architects. However the undergraduate course provides an excellent training in a range of transferable skills which draw on the humanities and science based elements of the programme. After graduation significant number of our students go on to successful careers in related design disciplines or other careers which require analytical and creative skills.