International Foundation in Architecture
Prepare for entry to Year 1 of a professionally accredited undergraduate degree in Architecture or Planning, Environment and Development at Queen's University Belfast.
There's no portfolio requirement for admission to the International Foundation in Architecture - you'll prepare your art portfolio during the program.
On campus study
This program is available to study on campus only.

Course features
- Develop the academic knowledge and study skills for your chosen degree through a specialist pathway.
- Guaranteed university placement at a UK university for all successful students. Find out more about our money back guarantee.
- Adapt to studying in the UK with modules designed to equip you with the skills you need for university and build your confidence in an academic setting.
- Extensive guidance and support with your university applications, so you choose the best degree for you.
Your course options
View detailed course content by selecting one of the options below:
How do I qualify?
English language requirements: |
4 Terms: IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing and no less than 4.0 in all other subskills) or equivalent. 5 Terms: IELTS 4.0 (with a minimum of 4.0 in all subskills) or equivalent. |
Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses for the September start date must be 16 years old by 01 September of that calendar year. For the June intake for the Extended course, students must be 16 before registering at the Center. For all other start dates, students must be 16 years old by 01 September of the preceding calendar year. Therefore have turned 17 before 01 September of the year they progress to university. |
Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. All students must hold a GCSE grade 4/C Mathematics or equivalent. |
At INTO Queen's University Belfast, we are committed to helping ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer, you could be eligible to receive funding to help towards your tuition fees – regardless of your background or financial circumstance.
Scholarships up to the value of £3,000 are available during your time studying at INTO Queen's. There are further progression scholarships available upon successful completion of your course and entry to your degree program at Queen's University Belfast.
Dates and prices
Class information
Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 16 |
Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
Class duration: |
Morning and afternoon classes are held Monday to Friday between 09.00 - 18.00 excluding bank holidays. |
Where will it take me?
If you’re inspired by creativity and design, a degree in Architecture is the ideal choice.
In this exciting degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of history and theory, technology and environment, and professional practice of architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn through design-based projects, develop research methods and build your critical thinking skills.
From design strategies to the importance of architectural communication, you’ll learn a wide range of interesting and practical skills to take forward into your career.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Entry to all undergraduate degrees at Queen's University is highly competitive and students hoping to study at undergraduate level must maintain high standards throughout their International Foundation program.
Whilst grades in the International Foundation program do not count towards your undergraduate degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the criteria for entry to your chosen undergraduate degree programme at the university.
Assessment is both formal and informal, designed to help students build on their successes and meet requirements for entry to postgraduate study.
Assessment of English language and communication skills will be based on:
- written assignments
- research journals
- lecture listening tasks
- oral presentations
- examinations in all four skills.
Assessment of academic modules will be based on:
- written assignments
- group project work
- art portfolio
- written examinations.

How do I qualify?
English language requirements: |
IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in writing and no less than 4.5 in all other subskills) or equivalent. |
Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses for the September start date must be 16 years old by 01 September of that calendar year. For the June intake for the Extended course, students must be 16 before registering at the Center. For all other start dates, students must be 16 years old by 01 September of the preceding calendar year. Therefore have turned 17 before 01 September of the year they progress to university. |
Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. All students must hold a GCSE grade 4/C Mathematics or equivalent. |
At INTO Queen's University Belfast, we are committed to helping ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer, you could be eligible to receive funding to help towards your tuition fees – regardless of your background or financial circumstance.
Scholarships up to the value of £3,000 are available during your time studying at INTO Queen's. There are further progression scholarships available upon successful completion of your course and entry to your degree program at Queen's University Belfast.
Dates and prices
Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
18 September 2023 | 21 June 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,900 |
8 January 2024 | 30 August 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,900 |
Class information
Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 16 |
Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
Class duration: |
Morning and afternoon classes are held Monday to Friday between 09.00 - 18.00 excluding bank holidays. |
Where will it take me?
If you’re inspired by creativity and design, a degree in Architecture is the ideal choice.
In this exciting degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of history and theory, technology and environment, and professional practice of architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn through design-based projects, develop research methods and build your critical thinking skills.
From design strategies to the importance of architectural communication, you’ll learn a wide range of interesting and practical skills to take forward into your career.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Entry to all undergraduate degrees at Queen's University is highly competitive and students hoping to study at undergraduate level must maintain high standards throughout their International Foundation program.
Whilst grades in the International Foundation program do not count towards your undergraduate degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the criteria for entry to your chosen undergraduate degree programme at the university.
Assessment is both formal and informal, designed to help students build on their successes and meet requirements for entry to postgraduate study.
Assessment of English language and communication skills will be based on:
- written assignments
- research journals
- lecture listening tasks
- oral presentations
- examinations in all four skills.
Assessment of academic modules will be based on:
- written assignments
- group project work
- art portfolio
- written examinations.

How do I qualify?
English language requirements: |
IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing and no less than 4.0 in all other subskills) or equivalent. |
Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses for the September start date must be 16 years old by 01 September of that calendar year. For the June intake for the Extended course, students must be 16 before registering at the Center. For all other start dates, students must be 16 years old by 01 September of the preceding calendar year. Therefore have turned 17 before 01 September of the year they progress to university. |
Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. All students must hold a GCSE grade 4/C Mathematics or equivalent. |
At INTO Queen's University Belfast, we are committed to helping ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer, you could be eligible to receive funding to help towards your tuition fees – regardless of your background or financial circumstance.
Scholarships up to the value of £3,000 are available during your time studying at INTO Queen's. There are further progression scholarships available upon successful completion of your course and entry to your degree program at Queen's University Belfast.
Dates and prices
Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
18 September 2023 | 30 August 2024 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £20,500 |
24 June 2024 | 20 June 2025 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
* |
*All students who confirm their offer on or before 31 January 2024 will pay the 2023/2024 price as per their existing offer letter. After 31 January 2024, where tuition fees have increased, all current offers will be reissued and students will receive a new offer with the new 2024/2025 pricing. Please note that the fees listed are for Year 1 of study only.
Class information
Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 16 |
Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
Class duration: |
Morning and afternoon classes are held Monday to Friday between 09.00 - 18.00 excluding bank holidays. |
Where will it take me?
If you’re inspired by creativity and design, a degree in Architecture is the ideal choice.
In this exciting degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of history and theory, technology and environment, and professional practice of architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn through design-based projects, develop research methods and build your critical thinking skills.
From design strategies to the importance of architectural communication, you’ll learn a wide range of interesting and practical skills to take forward into your career.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Entry to all undergraduate degrees at Queen's University is highly competitive and students hoping to study at undergraduate level must maintain high standards throughout their International Foundation program.
Whilst grades in the International Foundation program do not count towards your undergraduate degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the criteria for entry to your chosen undergraduate degree programme at the university.
Assessment is both formal and informal, designed to help students build on their successes and meet requirements for entry to postgraduate study.
Assessment of English language and communication skills will be based on:
- written assignments
- research journals
- lecture listening tasks
- oral presentations
- examinations in all four skills.
Assessment of academic modules will be based on:
- written assignments
- group project work
- art portfolio
- written examinations.

How do I qualify?
English language requirements: |
4 Terms: IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing and no less than 4.0 in all other subskills) or equivalent. 5 Terms: IELTS 4.0 (with a minimum of 4.0 in all subskills) or equivalent. |
Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses for the September start date must be 16 years old by 01 September of that calendar year. For the June intake for the Extended course, students must be 16 before registering at the Center. For all other start dates, students must be 16 years old by 01 September of the preceding calendar year. Therefore have turned 17 before 01 September of the year they progress to university. |
Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. All students must hold a GCSE grade 4/C Mathematics or equivalent. |
At INTO Queen's University Belfast, we are committed to helping ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer, you could be eligible to receive funding to help towards your tuition fees – regardless of your background or financial circumstance.
Scholarships up to the value of £3,000 are available during your time studying at INTO Queen's. There are further progression scholarships available upon successful completion of your course and entry to your degree program at Queen's University Belfast.
Dates and prices
Class information
Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 16 |
Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
Class duration: |
Morning and afternoon classes are held Monday to Friday between 09.00 - 18.00 excluding bank holidays. |
Where will it take me?
If you’re inspired by creativity and design, a degree in Architecture is the ideal choice.
In this exciting degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of history and theory, technology and environment, and professional practice of architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn through design-based projects, develop research methods and build your critical thinking skills.
From design strategies to the importance of architectural communication, you’ll learn a wide range of interesting and practical skills to take forward into your career.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Entry to all undergraduate degrees at Queen's University is highly competitive and students hoping to study at undergraduate level must maintain high standards throughout their International Foundation program.
Whilst grades in the International Foundation program do not count towards your undergraduate degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the criteria for entry to your chosen undergraduate degree programme at the university.
Assessment is both formal and informal, designed to help students build on their successes and meet requirements for entry to postgraduate study.
Assessment of English language and communication skills will be based on:
- written assignments
- research journals
- lecture listening tasks
- oral presentations
- examinations in all four skills.
Assessment of academic modules will be based on:
- written assignments
- group project work
- art portfolio
- written examinations.

How do I qualify?
English language requirements: |
IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in writing and no less than 4.5 in all other subskills) or equivalent. |
Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses for the September start date must be 16 years old by 01 September of that calendar year. For the June intake for the Extended course, students must be 16 before registering at the Center. For all other start dates, students must be 16 years old by 01 September of the preceding calendar year. Therefore have turned 17 before 01 September of the year they progress to university. |
Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. All students must hold a GCSE grade 4/C Mathematics or equivalent. |
At INTO Queen's University Belfast, we are committed to helping ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer, you could be eligible to receive funding to help towards your tuition fees – regardless of your background or financial circumstance.
Scholarships up to the value of £3,000 are available during your time studying at INTO Queen's. There are further progression scholarships available upon successful completion of your course and entry to your degree program at Queen's University Belfast.
Dates and prices
Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
18 September 2023 | 21 June 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,900 |
8 January 2024 | 30 August 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,900 |
Class information
Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 16 |
Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
Class duration: |
Morning and afternoon classes are held Monday to Friday between 09.00 - 18.00 excluding bank holidays. |
Where will it take me?
If you’re inspired by creativity and design, a degree in Architecture is the ideal choice.
In this exciting degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of history and theory, technology and environment, and professional practice of architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn through design-based projects, develop research methods and build your critical thinking skills.
From design strategies to the importance of architectural communication, you’ll learn a wide range of interesting and practical skills to take forward into your career.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Entry to all undergraduate degrees at Queen's University is highly competitive and students hoping to study at undergraduate level must maintain high standards throughout their International Foundation program.
Whilst grades in the International Foundation program do not count towards your undergraduate degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the criteria for entry to your chosen undergraduate degree programme at the university.
Assessment is both formal and informal, designed to help students build on their successes and meet requirements for entry to postgraduate study.
Assessment of English language and communication skills will be based on:
- written assignments
- research journals
- lecture listening tasks
- oral presentations
- examinations in all four skills.
Assessment of academic modules will be based on:
- written assignments
- group project work
- art portfolio
- written examinations.

How do I qualify?
English language requirements: |
IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing and no less than 4.0 in all other subskills) or equivalent. |
Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses for the September start date must be 16 years old by 01 September of that calendar year. For the June intake for the Extended course, students must be 16 before registering at the Center. For all other start dates, students must be 16 years old by 01 September of the preceding calendar year. Therefore have turned 17 before 01 September of the year they progress to university. |
Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or the local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. All students must hold a GCSE grade 4/C Mathematics or equivalent. |
At INTO Queen's University Belfast, we are committed to helping ambitious international students like you achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer, you could be eligible to receive funding to help towards your tuition fees – regardless of your background or financial circumstance.
Scholarships up to the value of £3,000 are available during your time studying at INTO Queen's. There are further progression scholarships available upon successful completion of your course and entry to your degree program at Queen's University Belfast.
Dates and prices
Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
18 September 2023 | 30 August 2024 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £20,500 |
24 June 2024 | 20 June 2025 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
* |
*All students who confirm their offer on or before 31 January 2024 will pay the 2023/2024 price as per their existing offer letter. After 31 January 2024, where tuition fees have increased, all current offers will be reissued and students will receive a new offer with the new 2024/2025 pricing. Please note that the fees listed are for Year 1 of study only.
Class information
Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 16 |
Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
Class duration: |
Morning and afternoon classes are held Monday to Friday between 09.00 - 18.00 excluding bank holidays. |
Where will it take me?
If you’re inspired by creativity and design, a degree in Architecture is the ideal choice.
In this exciting degree, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of history and theory, technology and environment, and professional practice of architecture. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn through design-based projects, develop research methods and build your critical thinking skills.
From design strategies to the importance of architectural communication, you’ll learn a wide range of interesting and practical skills to take forward into your career.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Entry to all undergraduate degrees at Queen's University is highly competitive and students hoping to study at undergraduate level must maintain high standards throughout their International Foundation program.
Whilst grades in the International Foundation program do not count towards your undergraduate degree, your performance will be used to determine whether you meet the criteria for entry to your chosen undergraduate degree programme at the university.
Assessment is both formal and informal, designed to help students build on their successes and meet requirements for entry to postgraduate study.
Assessment of English language and communication skills will be based on:
- written assignments
- research journals
- lecture listening tasks
- oral presentations
- examinations in all four skills.
Assessment of academic modules will be based on:
- written assignments
- group project work
- art portfolio
- written examinations.
