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If you study Architecture BEng at XJTLU you'll study Architecture at the University of Liverpool on the XJTLU 2+2 programme. View all XJTLU 2+2 programmes.

Architecture BA (Hons): XJTLU 2+2 programme

As the first UK university to award a RIBA-accredited degree in Architecture, the University of Liverpool has a long and proud tradition of excellence in architectural education and research. Our approach to teaching embraces contemporary debates around sustainability, climate change, equality and diversity, reflecting the industry today.

Architecture BA (Hons)

Read more about this course on the full programme page.

Course overview

Are you fascinated by the buildings and landscapes that make up the world around us? If you ask yourself why they are there, how they were created, and what the future might hold, then this is the programme for you.

We encourage a creative and individual approach to the future, knowing that more career paths are opening up each moment, and knowing that understanding design is crucial to the 21st century.

The programme aims to provide a comprehensive foundation in architecture, which demands knowledge of many different but interrelated disciplines and the development of personal as well as technical skills. In recognition of this, the programme is divided into a series of modules, which allows you to explore design alongside humanities (urban studies, history, theory and technology, structure, construction and environmental design).

RIBA Part I is awarded on completion of the degree.

Accreditation

This programme is validated by RIBA, prescribed by the Architects Registration Board for the purposes of admission to the UK Register of Architects, and validated by the Board of Architects Malaysia (LAM).

Accreditation in detail

ARB

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the independent statutory regulator of architects in the UK, and is also the UK's Competent Authority for Architects. In order to call yourself an architect in the UK you must be registered with the ARB.

ARB ensures that all registered architects meet the required standards and have the necessary qualifications to practise, as well as upholding relevant legislation and investigating any complaints made against a member.

In order to register in the UK, you typically need to hold the following:

  • An ARB prescribed UK qualification at Part 1; our BA is a prescribed Part 1 degree
  • An ARB prescribed UK qualification at Part 2; our MArch  is a prescribed part 2 degree
  • An ARB prescribed UK qualification at Part 3, including 24 months practical training experience.

RIBA

Dating all the way back to 1837, the Royal Institute of British Architects is the UK's chartered body for architecture. It was founded to promote the advancement of architecture and maintain high-quality design and customer service. RIBA chartered membership is voluntary and is not a legal requirement to practise as an architect. However, registering allows an architect to use the term “chartered” and the RIBA suffix.

The typical route to qualifying as an architect in the United Kingdom is a combination of academic studies at a university and practical experience. It involves training for five years at university and completing a minimum of two years practical experience before final qualification.

We were the first University in the UK to award an RIBA accredited degree and have had continuous accreditation since. Our first degree, the BA Hons in Architecture is a three year degree giving RIBA part 1 on completion. Our second degree is the Master of Architecture (MArch Hons) giving RIBA Part 2. We recommend that our MArch graduates take the part 3 qualification through the route offered by the Northwest RIBA, with which we have close links.

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We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

All XJTLU 2+2 students receive a partnership discount of 10% on the standard fees for international students. We also offer 50 XJTLU Excellence Scholarships providing a 25% discount on tuition fees to the students that score most highly in stage 2 at XJTLU across the different subject areas. Allocation is based on the number of applications received per programme.

The net fees (inclusive of the discounts) can be seen below.

Tuition fees

2025 tuition fee (full) - £29,900

2025 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students (inclusive of 10% discount) - £26,910

2025 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students qualifying for Excellence Scholarship (inclusive of 25% discount) - £22,425

Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.

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Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year two

You will deepen your understanding through compulsory modules in architectural theory and design.

On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Year three

You will study six compulsory modules, covering design, management, and history. Half of your credits will be taken in studio design.

On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

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Your experience

The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.

Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.

Explore where you'll study

Architecture exterior
Workspace in the Stirling Gallery
Workspace in the Stirling Gallery
Architecture Stirling Gallery
Student work on display
Student work on display
Arthictecture studio
Explore where you'll study
Workspace in the Stirling Gallery Student work on display
Watch on Panopto: 2+2 Architecture BA: Jiayi and Yingying’s story

2+2 Architecture BA: Jiayi and Yingying’s story

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Why study Architecture at Liverpool?

  • Established in 1894, the Liverpool School of Architecture was the first university in the UK to award a RIBA-accredited degree in Architecture
  • As one of the UK’s premier centres for architectural research and education, the Liverpool School of Architecture is the ideal place to pursue your architecture studies
  • We are ranked 3rd in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian University Guide 2025) and 7th in the Times and Sunday Times Higher Education Good University Guide 2025.
  • In the latest Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2021), we were rated 5th in the sector for overall research classified as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).
  • We are strongly focused on research, and have many leading architectural experts based amongst our teaching staff
  • Our membership of the School of the Arts and wider University presents intriguing specialist opportunities, in fields such as autonomous building systems, arts and building design, and climate change risk mitigation
  • Work is underway on a major refurbishment of our premises, which will comprise a new-build addition of more than 2,000M. The £23 million scheme has been designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, and is expected to be completed by 2024.
Zhong Yueying in Graduation robes at University of Liverpool

Liverpool School of Architecture has a model-assembly room, next to the workshop. There are many great machines for you to make physical models. For example, we have laser cutting machines and 3D printers, to support your model making.

Zhong Yueying, BA (Hons) Architecture
Two students chatting while walking through campus.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador
Watch on Panopto: David Grant – Architecture

David Grant – Architecture

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