Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
This module introduces underlying issues, principles, and tools associated with the subject of architecture. You'll develop fundamental design skills, processes, and techniques relevant to conceive, resolve, and communicate basic design tasks that respond to simple briefs. The module supports a range of learning activities that will familiarise you with analogue representation and physical modelling. You'll also be introduced to the use of appropriate graphic design software.
This module introduces you to contemporary multidisciplinary and collaborative theory and practice. You'll explore how natural and cultural processes and practices have shaped the development of spatial disciplines and their connection to current discussions of space and place. The module examines the broader historical and theoretical contexts, including society, nature, culture, politics, economy, sciences, and the arts. It helps you understand the environmental and societal implications of your practice, providing a strong foundation for academic research, essay writing, and introducing key research methods and methodologies.
Discover the fundamentals of the climate emergency, biodiversity and their global impacts. You'll explore the primary relationships between people and their environments, both built and natural. The module also looks in depth at what environment really means and how human activity ultimately shapes and changes these environments.
Investigate various phases of the design process through the development of a simple spatial project. You'll understand how design proposals are conceived, developed, and resolved in response to simple briefs, research findings, and iterative processes. The module supports a range of learning activities including site analysis, research and design strategies, as well as basic detailing. You'll also be introduced to the use of appropriate CAD software.
Understand the wealth of global perspectives on the histories of architectures, interiors, and landscapes. This module introduces you to major traditions and examples of design within these three disciplines and shows in detail their interconnectedness over time. You'll examine the very definition of history, its relationship to theory, and its implications for the creation of knowledge. Additionally, you'll further develop research techniques and academic writing skills to improve your proficiency in writing and construction of arguments, progressing your overall research autonomy.
This module introduces the rationale and underlying principles driving choice of materials and planting, as well as the basic approaches of assembling them. You'll also develop your knowledge of key structural principles, ecological contexts, terminology and typologies through exploration of detailed technical drawings and information.
What you'll learn
Learn to develop design proposals within small-scale, existing sites. This module deepens your understanding of the relationship between conceptual ideas and the physical processes necessary to bring projects to life. Lectures will introduce you to both physical and digital fabrication techniques, including essential tools and technologies used in contemporary practice. Workshops will offer hands-on experience in these methods, enabling you to experiment with and apply various fabrication skills. By the end of the module, you'll have expanded your ability to translate abstract concepts into realised forms, laying a foundation for thoughtful and well-crafted spatial design solutions.
Explore key historical and theoretical themes specific to interior architecture. During your lectures and seminars, you'll learn about different approaches to the reuse of existing built environments and their spatial transformation in time. Working with your peers, you'll discuss the challenges and potentials of working with sites of historic and cultural significance, raising questions of value and heritage.
In Design Projects 4, you'll engage with medium-scale existing buildings to create a project brief that incorporates a social and/or environmental agenda. Emphasis is placed on understanding the context and histories of the site, enabling you to propose thoughtful and contextually appropriate design interventions. Through a series of lectures, workshops and tutorials, you'll develop and refine your design proposals to ensure coherence between the brief, concept, functional, technical and environmental requirements. This module supports you in exploring detailed design development, equipping you to produce well-resolved architectural interventions.
This module introduces the diverse career paths in interior architecture and offers insight into various practice types and further education opportunities. A series of lectures and workshops will support you to develop key employability skills, understand industry standards, and create a professional identity (including CVs, cover letters, online professional platforms, and portfolios).
Option modules may include
This work placement module offers you the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the workplace and your contribution to it. Over the course of one academic year, you'll have the chance to reflect on your own professional identity and gain a deeper understanding of one or more industries through the networks you engage with. The experience and associated assessments will help you identify the relevant knowledge, intellectual and professional skills, and personal attributes you've developed during your degree. They will also show you how to apply and refine these in a professional workplace. By the end of your placement, you'll have an informed understanding of your career aspirations and increased self-awareness regarding future pathways and the employment market. On successfully completing a placement year (minimum period of 40 weeks full-time or equivalent), you'll be awarded a 120-credit Diploma of Professional Practice.
What you'll learn
This module focuses on the development of an individually negotiated major interior architecture project. You'll demonstrate your creative culmination of learning from across the course through the completion of a self-determined project. Your design proposals will thoughtfully engage with existing buildings, landscapes, and infrastructures, prioritising repair and reuse while considering the communities connected to the site.
This module aims to equip you with the research skills and confidence for use in practice. It will also support your final year design project with a high level of criticality and rigour. You'll be supported in developing your work in relation to your own interests and design project. Ultimately, you'll produce a document that investigates and locates your practice from a theoretical perspective.
Develop essential knowledge of architecture and design industry standards and best practices while fostering skills in workplace communication and collaboration. Through career development activities, reflective practice, and employability preparation, you'll build confidence, strengthen your professional readiness, and explore potential pathways for further studies. This module empowers you to take agency over your career path as you transition into professional practice.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.