This course provides a vital introduction to the architectural profession. A major strength of the course is its location within a specialist University College with the potential for students to study alongside creative and cultural disciplines and determine their individual sphere of practice through interdisciplinary collaboration across Fine Art, Design, Media, and Performance.

As a student of architecture you will have the opportunity to experiment with architectural design, including many different media, such as drawing, photography, printmaking, model making, video and electronic media. With this breadth of skill and experience you will be able to propose challenging and innovative places and work collaboratively with other specialisms.

How does Short Courses Study Abroad work?

Year 1: Architecture and Material Culture. Following an introduction to key concepts and methods, you will start by making physical models and exploring forms of representation and manipulation of architectural form by graphic, photographic and digital means. Small scale individual and group studio projects allow an exploration of the methods of realisation, including the conventions of architectural drawing as a means of communication, and methods of construction. In parallel with design projects, you will also broaden your understanding of both historical and contemporary precedents in architectural design. All work is thoroughly documented and presented in a final individual portfolio.

Autumn Term Modules: 3 October 2011 - 9 December 2011 
Maximum Credit Points available: 60
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Introduction to Architectural Design
• Introduction to Architectural Technology
• Visual Studies 1
• Thinking about Making (Architecture)

Spring Term Modules: 3 January 2012 - 23 March 2012
Maximum Credit Points available: 60 
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Architectural Design for Living
• Introduction to Domestic Construction
• Visual Studies 2
• Contemporary Issues and Ideas (Architecture)

Year 2: Urban Interventions. You will build on the making experiences by exploring the issues of building in the local urban context through architectural intervention projects. This will include the measurement, research, analysis, and representation of a local site. Through an informed understanding of context, you will propose innovative and thoughtful interventions to house public, convivial activities associated with the economic and physical opportunities of the local urban context. Theory and history will inform the understanding of the unique cultural context of the region. The special technical issues of building with existing buildings and their role in a sustainable city will be considered. 

Autumn Term Modules: 3 October 2011 - 9 December 2011
Maximum Credit Points available: 60
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Architectural Design and Realisation: Urban Interventions
• Visual Studies 3
• History and Theory of Architecture 1

Spring Term Modules: 3 January 2012 - 23 March 2012
Maximum Credit Points available: 60 
Maximum Study Time: 600 Hours

• Architecture, Realisation and Representation: Public Buildings
• History and Theory of Architecture 2

Study Abroad Short Course students at the Arts University College Bournemouth pay £3,650 per term for tuition fees (2011/12).