Do you want to release your creative impulses and imagination, and nurture your intellectual drives whilst responding to real life design concerns? Studying University of Plymouth's Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Architectural Studies degree in Hong Kong will offer you an opportunity to do so! Accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for Part 1, the course allows you to engage with current affairs and ever-changing global currents across multiple fields, whilst consciously being oriented towards proposing sensitive responses.

You will learn to think outside the box by engaging in multi-faceted and integrated processes of building design; covering subjects to do with architecture, urbanism and critical theories, to communications, sustainable systems and technologies. Doing this in a stimulating, dynamic and collegial environment will allow you to gain the confidence to ask questions, challenge inherited beliefs and gain skills employers value highly, whilst appreciating the built environment past, present and future.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Architectural Studies aims to challenge and enable students to:

1. Develop and demonstrate their ability for creative and critical thought and judgement in generating the design of buildings and places of the highest calibre.
2. Develop ethical design solutions that are respectful of and responsive to people and their cultural and social traditions.
3. Develop design solutions that are responsive to technology and demonstrate an understanding of structure, construction, environmental design and sustainability.
4. Develop an understanding of the professional skills and responsibilities of design, the economic, legislative and regulatory context including health and safety and design for the disabled.
5. Acquire knowledge, develop strategies for learning and understand research methods.
6. Develop and demonstrate reasoned and coherent written and oral arguments in Design Studio and taught course project work.
7. Develop and demonstrate reasoned and coherent communication of design ideas in Design Studio and taught course project work through visual means (drawings, models, computing and other media).
8. Work together to share knowledge and to develop and articulate an individual critical position relative to a body of contextual and theoretical knowledge identified by the students as important to their development.
9. Acquire strategies for self-improvement and continued learning/research to embed confidence, life skills and transferable skills for their future role as leading professionals.

The programme has 360 credits in the U.K. Students holding a Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies or a Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE will be exempted 120 credits. Therefore, students will gain direct entry into Year 2 of the three years programme to take the remaining 240 credits to complete this honours degree. Granting of exemption is based on the University of Plymouth’s discretion and policy.

If students have achieved 240 credits, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Architectural Studies will be awarded . If students have achieved up to 120 credits but less than 240 credits, the Diploma in Higher Education will be awarded. Please note that there is no direct entry to the Diploma in Higher Education programme.

Progression and Awards Criteria

In order to obtain the award of Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Architectural Studies, students must complete 240 credits, and passing the continuous assessment of all FHEQ Level 5 and FHEQ Level 6 modules. 

Students must pass all FHEQ Level 5 modules (Year 2) to progress to FHEQ Level 6 modules (Year 3). 

If students have achieved up to 120 credits but less than 240 credits, students can apply to exit the programme with a Diploma in Higher Education. There is no direct entry to the Diploma in Higher Education programme.

The minimum pass mark for any modules, including individual assignments, research papers, design projects, etc., is 40%.

Duration of Study

The proposed programme consists of 240 credits. There is 2 semesters per academic year.  Students are expected to undertake 60 credits per semester, and complete the programme in 24 months.  The normal programme duration is 24 months and the maximum registration period is 48 months. 

Application Code	2350-AS013A	Apply Online Now
Apply Online Now

Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance

This is an exempted course under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.

This is a two-years top-up honours degree programme in full-time mode with classes scheduled on weeknights and on weekends. It consists of five FHEQ Level 5 modules in Year 2, and five FHEQ Level 6 modules in Year 3. There are 2 semesters in each year.

Semester	Course Code	Module Name	HKQF Level (Indicative)	PU/SPACE Credits
Year 2 (Level 5)	DSCM521HKU	Design Studio and Communication 5.1	5	40 credits
	HTCC521HKU	History Theory and Critical Context 5.1	5	20 credits
	DSCM522HKU	Detailed Design Studio and Communication 5.2	5	40 credits
	TECN522HKU	Sustainable Technology 5.2	5	20 credits
Year 3 (Level 6)	DSCM621HK	Strategic Design Studio and Communication 6.1	5	40 credits
	ADA600HK	Common Dissertation: Critical Practices	5	20 credits
	DSCM622HK	Detailed Design Studio and Communication 6.2	5	40 credits
	TECN622HK	Sustainable Technology 6.2	5	20 credits
			Total	240 credits

In year 2, students will explore architectural ideas and architecture in context. The focus will be on ideas and production, sustainable technologies, materials and building performance and continue with the study of the history and theories of 20th-century architecture. Opportunity for an Erasmus exchange with overseas partner institutions may be available.

In year 3, the final year, students build on themes explored in their second year, extending their work to examine, develop and articulate a personal approach to architecture. This will be reinforced by parallel work in history, theory and technology and a focus on their professional development. 

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.  This can be found in the University of Plymouth homepage.

Teaching Staff

Programme Leaders	HUMPHREYS, Andy (Plymouth) YIEN, Chris (HKU SPACE)
Programme Managers	REYES, Alejandro (Plymouth)
Module Leaders (University of Plymouth)	AURIGI, Alessandro BOBIC, Nikolina BURKE, Ricky EMMETT, Mathew HUMPHREYS, Andy SATISH, BK
Module Leaders (HKU SPACE)	CHAN, Ching Kan CHAN, Yick Lam HUNG, Wai Yin Louis KANSARA, Atul KEHNE, Holger RADOMAN, Slobodan SAINT-JEAN, Sebastien SUEN, Wai Kuen Ricky WANG, Nai-Huei Casey

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Architectural Studies programme is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The courses and qualifications of this programme are unconditionally validated for RIBA Part 1. The programme is commended by RIBA for offering alternative opportunities into the profession amongst other things. 

This programme offers articulation pathways to the Master of Architecture programmes in Hong Kong including the University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and other prestigious universities abroad.

Application Fee

HK$200 (Non-refundable)

Course Fee

• HK$109,800 per year (paid in 2 instalments)

Applicants shall:

1.        hold a Higher Diploma in Architectural Studies or a Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE.

OR

2.        (i)  hold any other qualification deemed equivalent such as:

• a Higher Diploma / Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies granted by a recognized institution; OR
• through credits accumulated at another university where the level of attainment indicates honours degree in Architecture. The achievements of the candidates for direct entry to Level 5 of the progamme must be such as to satisfy the Admissions Tutor of the University of Plymouth; OR
• have experiential learning such as experience in architectural practice or related design disciplines, other vocational work or work overseas;

AND

(ii)  submit a digital portfolio as part of the application process;

AND

(iii)  attend an interview by the academic admissions team;

AND

(iv)  provide evidence of English proficiency, such as an overall band of 6.0 or above with 5.5 in all elements in the IELTS.

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method

 

Online Enrolment

HKU SPACE provides 24-hour online application and payment service for students to apply to selected award-bearing programmes and to enrol in most open admission courses (courses enrolled on a first come, first served basis) via the Internet.  Applicants may settle the payment by using either "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard online.  Online WeChat Pay, Online AliPay and Faster Payment System (FPS) are also available for continuing enrolment in the same programme, if online service is offered.

 

For first time enrolment

In Person / Mail

Applicant should submit the following documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres:

1. HKU SPACE Application for Enrolment Form SF26 (available at the enrolment centres);
2. Copy of HKID card / Passport (please bring along the original for verification);
3. Copy of the certificate of HKU SPACE Higher Diploma / Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies or other qualification deemed equivalent (please bring along the original for verification)*;
4. HKD$200 application fee (non-refundable);
5. (For non-HKU SPACE students) Copy of IELTS result;
6. (For non-HKU SPACE students) Submit digital portfolio to architecture@hkuspace.hku.hk.

*Remarks: Graduates of HKU SPACE Higher Diploma / Professional Diploma in Architectural Studies in 2022 may submit Letter of Completion first and hand in the graduation certificate later by 30 November 2022.

For continuing enrolment in the same course

In person or by post

1. The standard ‘Enrolment/Payment Slip’ is designed for students of award-bearing programmes or remaining programmes in a suite of ogrammes requiring continuing enrolment and it applies to most programmes.
2. Students should complete the “Enrolment/Payment Slip” which will be made available by relevant programme staff and return the slip to any HKU SPACE enrolment centre or post it to the relevant programme staff with appropriate fee payment.

Disclaimer

The School provides a platform for online services for a selected range of products it offers. While every effort is made to ensure timeliness and accuracy of information contained in this website, such information and materials are provided "as is" without express or implied warranty of any kind. In particular, no warranty or assurance regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, fitness for a purpose or freedom from computer viruses is given in connection with such information and materials.

The School (and its respective employees and subsidiaries) is not liable for any loss or damage in connection with any online payments made by you by reason of (i) any failure, delay, interruption, suspension or restriction of the transmission of any information or message from any payment gateways of the relevant banks and/or third party merchants for processing credit/debit/smart card or other payment facilitation mechanism; (ii) any negligence, mistake, error in or omission from any information or message transmitted from the said payment gateways; (iii) any breakdown, malfunction or failure of those gateways in effecting online payment service or (iv) anything arisen out of or in connection with the said payment gateways, including but not limited to unauthorised access to or alternation of the transmission of data or any unlawful act not permitted by the law.

Payment Method

1. Cash, EPS  or WeChat Pay

Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS or WeChat Pay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

2. Cheque or Bank draft

Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and the applicant’s name.. You may either:

• bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
• or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying  “Course Application” on the envelope.  HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment sent by mail.

3. VISA/MasterCard

Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or MasterCard, including the “HKU SPACE MasterCard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE MasterCard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.

Notes

• For general and short courses, applicants may be required to pay the course fee in cash or by EPS, WeChat Pay, Visa or MasterCard if the course is to start shortly.
• Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, cheque or PPS (for online payment only) will normally be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will normally be reimbursed to the payment cardholder's credit card account.
• In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
• Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
• Receipts will be issued for fees paid but HKU SPACE will not be repsonsible for any loss of receipt sent by mail.
• For additional certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to "HKU SPACE" to any of our enrolment centres. 

University of Plymouth, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012, is one of the UK’s most prominent and dynamic universities with an educational history dating back to 1862. University of Plymouth is ranked 14th in The Guardian League Table 2018 UK universities ranking. Described by Times Higher Education as among the newly-emerging ‘modern global elite’, University of Plymouth is ranked inside the top 280 universities in the world, and 42nd in terms of those aged under 50. A twice-winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, most recently in 2012, it has been recognised for its innovative teaching, impact-driven approach to research, and the way it works with partners to create socio-economic benefit for the communities.

Plymouth is one of the largest universities in the UK, and has around 28,000 students and 13,000 off-campus students. The University has a long record of high quality innovative research as demonstrated by its achievements in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). The RAE 2012 saw Plymouth named as a top 50 research University and the ‘most improved’ with 80% of its research judged as being of international repute, meaning both the undergraduate and postgraduate students can be proud to be taught by, and work alongside, world-class experts.

Its School of Art, Design and Architecture is the fastest rising school of architecture in 2019 Subject Tables and the Guardian League tables.  It is a top 10 UK Young University for Art, Design and Architecture (Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2019) and in the First Class Category of Sustainable Universities in the UK (People and Planet Green League 2015).  The school has produced some of the top architects in the UK - in 2013, Alumni Stephen Witherford from Witherford Watson and Mann won the Stirling Prize (highest prize for architecture).