Architecture (15–18 years)

Ages: 15–18
Term: Summer
Length: 2 weeks

Overview

Build your knowledge of architectural design! Are you fascinated by structures and building design? Do you dream of designing skyscrapers or ornate pavilions?

This 2-week intensive summer course is perfect for students aged 15–18 who are looking for an unparalleled insight into the world of architecture and 3D design.

During this course students will take part in pre-application reviews where they will receive feedback on their portfolios and could even be offered a place at AUB!

What you need to know

Teaching

Monday 3 August – Friday 14 August 2026 (including Saturday)

Weekdays (Monday – Friday), 09.00-17.00
Saturday 8 August, 10.00-16.00

Accommodation

Sunday 2 August, from 14.00 – Saturday 15 August, up till 10.00

Age

All students must be aged between 15-17 years at the time of attending the course. 

Experience or qualifications required

There are no formal academic entry requirements or qualifications needed to study this course. We only ask that you come with a passion for animation and plenty of enthusiasm! 

English language

This course will be taught in English. We don't require you hold an English language qualification; however, we recommend you have an intermediate level of English to benefit fully from your experience and be able to communicate with your tutors and fellow students. 

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

Package	Price	25% deposit
Course fee only	£1,799	£450
Course fee, accommodation and catering	£2,635	£659
Course fee, accommodation and catering plus airport* taxis	£2,970	£742

*Applies to London-based airports only.

Optional extras

You can choose to add the following optional extras to your course fee:

Accommodation and full-board catering
Accommodation and full-board catering plus private return taxi transfer to/from any London airport

See below for further details about our residential package.

Deposit

You can secure your place on the course today with just a 25% deposit of your total fee. Choose this option when you book your place. Refer to the table above for prices. 

A camera or mobile phone to record evidence of personal work
Suitable clothing for creative activities
Notebook and pens/pencils to take notes
Plenty of warm clothes – it's the UK and although it’s the summer, it can still get cold! – there will be outdoor activities throughout
We advise bringing any work you wish to include in your portfolio for review
You'll receive a welcome pack containing more detail of what to bring if you're a residential student

Residential packages for 2-week summer courses (13–18yrs and 18+ yrs)

Experience life as an AUB student by booking a residential package as part of your Summer Course. You can even stay in AUB accommodation...

Six lengths of fabric of different patterns and colours hanging next to each other.

FAQs for 2-week summer courses

These FAQs have been carefully curated to answer any questions you may have about studying a creative summer course with us here at AUB.

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Terms and conditions for 2-week summer courses (13yrs+)

Please read our terms and conditions before booking a summer course and contact us if you have any questions.

About this course

The highly practical summer course is an ideal introduction for those with a strong interest in architecture and for students studying art, design, art history, town planning, architecture, landscape architecture and other subjects related to the built environment.

Centred around the fundamental creative processes of observation, thinking, and making, the course covers the major architectural movements and addresses issues of style, patronage, and national identity. You'll consider architectural concepts of space, form, function and technology through a mixture of theory, practice and fieldwork. You'll develop your drawing skills, whilst individual and group studio projects will allow you to explore building materials and methods of construction.

Through a series of workshops, lectures and a field trip, you'll explore the fundamental principles of architecture and design including form, geometry, structure, colour, light and function. Teaching both traditional and contemporary analytical skills together with a general overview of architecture design, you'll have access to 3D workshops and a specialised library providing a range of relevant material in architecture and the arts.

In addition to traditional drawing skills, you'll explore digital media (including CAD) and photometric analysis of building elevations. There will be opportunities to visit landmarks in British architecture and design to support your studies. Taught by faculty members, industry experts and visiting speakers, the course culminates with the preparation of a professional portfolio.

Principles of architectural design
Spatial awareness
Urban planning
Course study trip
Project: ancient vs modern
Research and sketchbook sessions
Responding to an architectural brief
Experimental design and large-scale installations
Architectural materials, structures and construction
Digital Drawing
Laser Cutting and CAD software
Developing a 3D model
Practical workshops and themed projects
Layout and portfolio showcase
Portfolio reviews
A full itinerary of extracurricular evening and weekend activities, including a weekend cultural excursion at no additional cost

This course aims to:

Develop your working knowledge and understanding of architectural design concepts, techniques, and processes
Provide extended practical sessions to experiment with architectural processes in a Higher Education setting
Enable you to produce a varied folio of architectural drawings, designs and models work to demonstrate your skills and knowledge
Encourage your independent thinking and critical reflection when responding to a brief and investigating architectural design solutions
Raise your awareness of historical, contextual, and theoretical issues that influence architectural design
Encourage an understanding of the relationship between theory, history, and practice
Enhance your understanding of architectural design techniques; how to communicate visually and respond creatively to a brief
Improve your ability to communicate confidently and to use appropriate presentation skills

Will I be assessed?

You'll be continually assessed in a variety of ways including practical tasks, observations, assignments, presentations, and portfolio work.

Work produced during the course will be collated into a portfolio and/or digital journal for students to add to their portfolio or for future development.

Your course tutor will offer guidance and support you with your creative applications, as well as feedback on your work and offer advice for your future creative studies.

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Summer Course Certificate detailing course contents and study hours.

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Book your place today

Book now

Future options to study at AUB

During your time with us, you can attend a session to talk more about our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or BA (Hons) undergraduate degree courses, and discuss your personal portfolio with an expert academic. You may even be eligible for a pre-application interview, to secure your future place at AUB!

Each year, we’re proud to offer many of our summer students places on AUB’s incredible full-time creative courses. Explore courses that you may wish to consider below.