Architecture

At Kingston, architecture is emphasised as a material practice, with particular attention given to how buildings are made and how tectonic components are fundamental to architectural character. Studio projects are an integral element of each year, forming 50 per cent of the course and equipping you with skills and knowledge to tackle design issues in the built environment. Workshops teach drawing and making skills, such as casting, pencil and charcoal rendering, detailed large-scale model-making, computer-based graphics and CAD drawing. You will also study theoretical, cultural, historical, social, sustainable, material and technical issues.

Year 1 features site-based projects, addressing the principles and context of architectural design. Supporting studies, such as drawing and model-making, materials, sustainability and architectural history, are included.

In Years 2 and 3, you will work in independent studio groups, carrying out design projects that may last from a few weeks to a year. In Year 2, you will be encouraged to experiment creatively, typically working on a main design project each semester. You will continue the skills-based learning introduced in Year 1, expanding your knowledge of supporting subjects and beginning to apply this to the design projects.

Year 3 involves the production of a thesis design project. Previously-acquired skills and knowledge will inform the development of this project. Integration of your professional knowledge will be demonstrated in the final presentation of the thesis project.Your design studio work, the research undertaken for your thesis project, and your written dissertation give you the opportunity to develop and express your individual interests.

Our students regularly achieve recognition in the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President's Medals – considered the world's most prestigious and established awards in architectural education. Recent graduate Simon Dean won Bronze for the best degree-level design project.

For 2016, the Guardian league table listed us as one of the top schools of architecture in London. Domus magazine consistently lists us as one of the top 50 architecture schools in Europe. We were one of only two UK schools of architecture invited to present to an international audience at the 12th Biennale in Venice in 2010.