Students work

School of Architecture and Planning

At our ARB prescribed and RIBA Part 1 accredited ARU School of Architecture and Planning, we’re creative innovators, designing the built environment for a sustainable future.

Three people in an architecture studio, with architectural models on a table
Town plan showing buildings and open spaces
Architecture students

About us

Explore our School of Architecture and Planning and meet our staff.

About our School Who we are
Students discussing project plans

Our research

Discover our major areas of research and scholarly activity.

Research and scholarly activity
Students sat at a table talking

Student life

As an Architecture student, you will have the opportunity to learn abroad in Italy, or on field trips within the UK.

Life as a student architect
Student exhibition

Student work

Explore our end of year exhibitions and students' work, such as the Flex Pavilion building.

Explore students' projects 1:1 hands-on experience End-of-year exhibition
A student using a drawing board for an architectural drawing

How to apply

Visit our course pages to find out more about how to apply and entry requirements. If you have any questions about building your portfolio or the next steps in your application, email [email protected] for information.

Close-up of structures made of card at the ARU Architecture End of Year Show Watch our 2024 End of Year Show video

End of Year Show 2024

Watch some of the highlights from our 2024 End of Year Show.

A group of students in hi viz working on the 2021 Flex Pavilion on ARU's Chelmsford campus Watch our 2023 End of Year Show video

End of Year Show 2023

Watch some of the highlights from our 2023 End of Year Show.

The 2021 Architecture Pavilion, One Stroke One Oak See our 2021 Pavilion take shape

ARU Pavilion 2021: One Stroke One Oak

In 2021, the theme for our annual Pavilion project for first-year students was 'One Stroke One Oak'.

Student with his work

Portfolio preparation

A portfolio is a well-organised and reflective collection of your best work as a designer, an artist or generally as a creative individual. Find out how you could make yours stand out.

Find out more
RIBA Validated course in architecture logo

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Our Architecture course has been awarded RIBA Part 1 Full Status, unconditionally. This gives further credibility to our degrees and offers greater career prospects to our students.

Architects Registration Board logo

Architects Registration Board

Our Architecture course is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board. When you complete our course you'll fulfil the first part of the three-part process to become a registered architect in the UK.

RTPI Accredited Planning Programme logo

RTPI

Our Town Planning course is accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and provides two years' free student membership of the institute alongside a route to full Chartered status of the Institute attainable two years after graduation.