Architecture (BA)

There are no compulsory books for Semester 1. Each module has a suggested reading list. An excellent range of books are available in the Library to support this. Students can choose to buy books that are relevant to their work as they see fit. Here is suggestion for a good read before joining Oxford Brookes University: 

Awan, N, Schneider, T, and Till, J. Spatial Agency: Other Ways of Doing Architecture. 2011. 

Library support
Get help and support from the Library and explore their resources for new students.

Preparation for starting the programme
The most useful way to prepare for the course is to spend lots of time sketching. 
Cultural activities such as films, exhibitions, concerts, building visits, reading and travel are all very useful (and enjoyable!) forms of preparation. 

Equipment 
Please refer to the Year 1 Equipment list and IT Guide. 

Further Details
In your first year of study students from the BA Architecture programme and the BA Interior Architecture programme will take the same Year 1 modules. You will develop ideas and design proposals through group and individual tutorials, presentations and discussions.

As an architecture student you will produce many drawings and models, which can be quite expensive so you are encouraged to recycle used materials where possible, particularly for sketch models. Some students tend to work digitally, spending more on printing and some by hand, spending more on materials so these costs vary widely between students.

You should expect to spend approximately £500 - £700 on materials in your first year. You will be expected to keep a sketchbook, produce specific drawings, make models, mostly out of recycled and inexpensive materials, but consumables such as glue, knives etc will be needed. As you progress into your 2nd and 3rd year you will be expected to produce more finished presentation models using more expensive materials. You can expect to spend approximately £500 - £1500 on materials in years 2 and 3.

You will also produce drawings and models using a variety of media, including computer drawing software. The cost of materials and computer print-outs are kept as low as possible by the university. Printing is charged at no profit and there is no charge for laser cutting beyond your own material costs. You can expect to spend approximately £300 - £500 on printing in year 1 and approximately £500 - £1500 in years 2 and 3.
PCs with the programmes needed for your course are available in the studios 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some students choose to buy a laptop or PC and software when they begin to draw digitally but this is not mandatory and free student licences are available for much of the software. An optional laptop and software would cost approximately £500-£1200.

There are no compulsory books to purchase because the library is very well stocked and the direction of your reading is very individual due to the diverse nature of the course. Some students choose to purchase specific books to support their interests so you can expect to spend £25 - £150 on books each year.

A 3-day residential UK field trip is likely to cost £200-400 depending on duration and destination. You will be required to pay the costs for any short field or day trips. For those who cannot attend the field trips, an equivalent programme of work, which can be carried out locally, will be provided. Overseas field trips usually cost between £300 and £600.

New Arrivals Exhibition
In the first few weeks of the semester we will exhibit the diverse artistic talents that were on display in your application portfolios. Please bring one selected piece to display in the studio. If you don't have access to an original copy of the work please bring a printed reproduction.

Connections with Oxford School of Architecture

• Oxford School of Architecture Magazine
• Oxford Architecture Society