Architects have the potential to change people’s lives. They provide the vision to imagine new environments and breathe life into existing buildings. They are part of the creative profession that helps to build our communities.

It’s not just about creating beautiful buildings. At Kent, our design approach takes into account how people want to live and work in the 21st century, as well as environmental concerns.

Kent School of Architecture and Planning has a forward-thinking philosophy and that means you have stimulating debates as well as developing your own creative ideas and practical skills.

Our degree programme

Our BA (Hons) degree is the first step towards qualifying as an architect. You study areas such as regeneration, sustainability, landscape, community, and urban life. You also develop the practical design skills needed within the profession.

You are encouraged to be creative and experiment through models, drawings and digital representation – gaining confidence through your project work.

We also arrange optional field study tours to complement your studies. In recent years, students have been to:

• France – Lille and Paris
• Spain – Barcelona
• Germany – Berlin
• Italy – Rome
• Austria – Vienna
• the USA – San Francisco and Washington DC.

 (Please note that our field trips can involve extra costs that are not covered by your tuition fees.)

Year in Computing

You can take a Year in Computing if you are a current undergraduate student at the University of Kent, studying another non-computing degree programme. The Year in Computing is suitable for you if:

• you are interested in studying computing AND another subject
• you would like to get prepared for a career in tech
• you are interested in exploring the frontiers of another subject and computing
• you want to learn how to be creative with computing.

You can only apply for the Year in Computing once you are a student at Kent.

Study abroad

You have the chance to study abroad for a term in your second year. Previous study destinations have included:

• Virginia Tech (US)
• École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture et de Paysage, Lille.
• University of Tor Vergata, Rome
• Istanbul Technical University
• Istituto Universitario Architettura Venezia, Venice

Study resources

Our open-plan studios are at the creative heart of our teaching. It’s a place where our students can work on projects, sharing ideas and inspiring each other.

The Digital Crit Space provides a more formal environment for sharing work and getting feedback. They are also used to present finished work.

Overall, our facilities include:

• modern design workshops
• dedicated model workshops
• laser-cutting facilities
• computer studio and labs
• digital fabrication tank
• Digital Crit Space for presenting designs, including uTouch HD screens
• an excellent library collection of books, journals and electronic resources.

Extra activities

Many of our students like to join the Kent Architectural Student Association (KASA). It is run by students and in previous years has organised:

• social events
• design competitions
• talks from experts in architecture, graphic design, product design and art.

Kent School of Architecture and Planning also puts on special events that you are welcome to attend. These may include:

• open lectures
• research seminars
• exhibitions
• conferences and symposia.

Professional network

Kent School of Architecture and Planning has a wide professional network and invites guest speakers from inspirational practices such as:

• Farrells
• Carl Turner Architects
• Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
• Heatherwick Studio
• Guy Hollaway Architects.