Application and Selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

The course is open to applicants currently studying in the UK only.

As well as having the required grades, you must have attended a UK state school/college and meet at least one of the following personal background criteria:

  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you live in an area where people are less likely to go to university - check your postcode
  • You will be under 21 years old when you begin your course and you have spent more than three months in public care or as a looked-after child.
  • You will be over 21 years old when you begin your course and have not been in full time education for at least three years.
  • You have refugee status from the Home Office.

The Foundation Year is part of the Manchester Metropolitan and The University of Manchester's commitment to widening participation in higher education.

We welcome applicants with alternative qualifications or experience - please contact us to discuss your situation.

UCAS course code

K101

Use the University of Manchester (M20) institution code.

Interview requirements

None

Portfolio requirements

How to prepare your file

When you have constructed your portfolio, check to make sure that it is correct and that all the images and information can be viewed clearly.

  • The maximum pdf file size of your portfolio should be 20mb
  • Title your portfolio with your 10-digit UCAS number (eg. 1234567899) and make sure you do not include any spaces, punctuation or symbols eg. [ ] or any non-standard characters such as accented letters or those from different alphabets such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian etc.
  • Please do NOT password protect your portfolio.

To upload your portfolio:

  • Log in to Self-Service using your university username and password. (If you have not done so already, you will need to complete IT Sign Up via via https://iam.manchester.ac.uk/ to obtain these details.)
  • Click the Tasks tile which will take you into your To Do List.
  • Select Portfolio and then Upload file .
  • On the File Attachment page, click Add and then My Device to browse to your saved PDF file.
  • After selecting this, click Upload and then Done once complete.
  • Select Portfolio as the Attachment Type.
  • Click Save .

Please note that failure to submit the portfolio by the due date in your To Do list may result in your application being unsuccessful.

If you have any questions or difficulties putting together or uploading your portfolio, please contact msa.portfolios@manchester.ac.uk

We will only use the information you send us as part of the admissions process for the Manchester School of Architecture.

Disability Support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Entry Requirements (2026 Entry)

A-level

BBB

See personal background eligibility criteria.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

A-level Contextual offer

This course is not eligible for a contextual offer. Contextual offers are only available for courses that have a standard entry requirements of ABB or higher. For further information on our contextual admissions please view our contextual admissions page .

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall. 5,5,5 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;

IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;

An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Scottish requirements

Scottish requirements

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers BBC

or

Two Advanced Highers BB , plus additional Highers CC

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)

We require minimum Grade B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).

Foundation year

Foundation year

International Foundation years will not be considered for admission to BA Architecture with Foundation Year.

If you are studying a Foundation year based in the UK please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to for guidance about the acceptability of this qualification.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma in a relevant subject area with grades DDM.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a relevant subject area. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an A-level at grade B.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a relevant subject area. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades BB.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grades BB.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades BB.

Other

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit in either a Humanities based subject or Construction/Engineering.

The specific course requirements are 60 credits are required with 45 at level 3 and 30 credits at Distinction and the remaining 15 credits at merit grade. We also consider other factors such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.

T Level

T Level

If you are studying T levels please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to for guidance about the acceptability of this qualification.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement.

Home-schooled applicants

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.

We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.

If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.

Non-standard educational routes

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.

Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Further information for mature students can be found here .

Tuition Fees (2026 Entry)

Foundation year students

Fees for this course have yet to be confirmed and will be updated as soon as more information is available.

EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £32,000 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)

Additional information

A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,905 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.

Additional Costs

Specialist Costs

£80* plus optional £500*

An £80 Materials Fee is a compulsory cost to cover basic studio materials and paper throughout the year. This Materials fee will give tutors freedom to purchase resources for class (such as card for models, paper for drawings etc).

There are costs associated with producing a portfolio such as printing and a portfolio case, as well as materials for models and specialist clothing for site visits. Some students may also wish to have their own laptop and books. However, it is possible to work on university machines and to hire cameras, thus alleviating the costs incurred on some of these items. Estimated costs are approximately £300-£500 for a PC laptop and up to £100 for books and printing. The vast majority of relevant software is free to download by student licences. Campus printing starts from 5p per page.

The manner in which items are acquired can result in significant savings, e.g. the re-use and recycling of available materials in the production of models. All materials, printing (2D, 3D), laser cutting etc. are charged at a cost within the institution although many materials are recycled to avoid unnecessary costs.

Other Costs

£100* plus optional £500*

Study trips are likely to be UK based. A UK trip may cost between £100-200 including travel, food and accommodation. The anticipated cost of a European study trip is in the area of £400-500 inclusive of travel, accommodation and subsistence (plus any relevant visa costs). All overnight / residential trips will not be compulsory and an alternative will be offered.

* All amounts shown are estimates.

Financial Support

All students on the Foundation course will receive a one-off £1000 bursary to support course costs. This is managed by MMU.

As part of our ongoing commitment to widening participation, the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) also offers a Student Financial Support Package amounting to £750 for those with a household income of £25,000 or less as a contribution to aid you with some of the costs of getting started at university. This is managed by MMU, see further information here .

Additionally, you might be eligible for further scholarships offered by the University of Manchester. For more information, please see our undergraduate finance pages .

Course Enquiries

If you have any questions about the BA (Hons) Architecture course or the application process please contact the Admissions team at:

ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk