BA (Hons) Architectural Venue Design
Why choose this course?
This course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Designers, and will develop the knowledge and skills you'll need to become professionally qualified- You can gain valuable experience on industry placements - Katie Ellis and Sarah Downes went to Los Angeles for theirs, and they worked in Beverly Hills and Bel Air.
- We've got a fantastic employment record. Many graduates find jobs both abroad - such as at the Akar Studio in Los Angeles - and in the UK - such as with national or local architectural and interior design practices or local authorities.
UCAS code: K110
Start date: September
Course length: full time: three or four years with a placement year (optional), part time: normally entry after foundation degree, two to three years for completion.
Campus: Markeaton Street site, Derby Campus
This course is available to international students
You can also study Architectural Design (Joint Honours) as part of a Joint Honours degree.
During this course you'll be constantly challenged to conceptualise, investigate and develop the design of three dimensional spaces, understanding the ways that architectural and interior design histories and theories and the existing physical and cultural context can inform design processes, programmes and proposals. You'll be encouraged to develop an ethos of producing socially, culturally and environmentally responsive design proposals, drawing upon the best practice and expertise within the School.
The course covers a wide range of venue designs that offer exciting areas of study, ranging from interior architectural design of bars, restaurants, night clubs and multipurpose venue spaces to the design of hotels and resorts. You'll look at planning and design of live performance spaces, social and community places, theme and amusement parks, sports architecture, film and stage architecture, exhibition spaces, galleries, brand retail and museums to name a few.
You'll study a total of 120 credits per year. This will be made up of single or double modules.
Stage one
You'll take modules such as:
- Studio Design and Personal Development
- Technology and Structures 1
- Environmental Design and Services
- Architectural CAD
- Design Analysis and Personal Development
- History and Theory of Design and Architecture 1
Stage two
You'll take modules such as:
- Studio Design 2 and Personal Development Part A
- Studio Design 2 and Personal Development Part B
- Technology and Structures 2
- Venue Design
- Interior Design
- Design Communication
- History and Theory of Design and Architecture 2
Diploma in professional practice (optional)
You'll study modules such as:
Stage three
You'll take modules such as:
- Integrated Project (double module)
- Independent Study and Personal Development (Architecture) (double module)
- Sustainable Design Analysis
- Professional Practice and Project Management
- Project Research and Urban Design
Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.
We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.
We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.
We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.
Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.
UK/EU students
- Full time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
- Part time students should apply directly to the University.
International students
- If you want to start in September, you usually need to apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Information for international applicants
This is a specialist course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £8,800 (each year)
- £1,100 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)
International students
- Full time: £10,510 (per year)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
Our courses have been designed with the help of employers, so they're focused on giving you the knowledge and skills you'll need to get a job in this field. We've got links with companies such as Scott Wilson, Vinci PLC, Taylor Woodrow, Bowmer & Kirkland and Baggaley Construction, and we regularly have experts from industry as guest lecturers.
There are many employment opportunities for Architectural Venue Design graduates, ranging from generic architectural or interior design to venue project management and technical consultancy.
You can gain valuable industry experience on an optional work placement between stages two and three. You'll also gain an additional qualification, the Diploma in Professional Practice. Find out more about placements.
Erika Bitto won the award for Best in Faculty at this year's graduation ceremonies. Watch her interview to find out more about her studies at Derby.