Architecture (Three Dimensional Design) A Level

Please note that applications to the sixth form close on Thursday 14th January 2027. If you wish to make an application after this date please contact the sixth form office at office@derehamsixthform.norfolk.sch.uk or call 01362 696884.

For more information about a place at Dereham Sixth Form College for September 2027, please visit the website - www.dsfc.org.uk

Course Instructions

Most students will choose the equivalent of 3 A Levels but in some circumstances a maximum of 4. These are subjects that will continue for the full two years. Select only one subject from each option block (choosing more than 1 course from the same block will delay your application as courses from each block are timetabled at the same time). All courses are equivalent to 1 A Level except where specified differently below.

Dereham Education & Soccer Academy Including BTEC Diploma in Sport (equivalent to three A Level subjects, no other subject choices required).

When choosing HSC Diploma, please be aware that this is taught over two blocks - B and C. Therefore you cannot choose another subject in either of these blocks.

If your choice of subjects are not available due to limitations of the blocks, please email us with the details: office@derehamsixthform.norfolk.sch.uk

This A Level is all about bringing ideas to life with a purpose. Unlike fine art sculpture which is purely aesthetic, architectural design focuses on functional, human-centric spaces. You are designing the future environments where people will live, work and connect. This course acts as a direct bridge to university architecture programs and highly lucrative careers in the spatial, construction and entertainment industries.

Year 1

Component One: workshop activities followed by a themed project based mainly on taught elements and developing ideas.

Year 2

Component One (continued): personal investigation. A practical unit of work with a written investigation between 1,000 and 3,000 words.

Component Two: controlled assessment – preparation and final piece. A 15-hour supervised period in which you are expected to fully realise your ideas.

Both components are centre assessed and moderated by Eduqas. You will be expected to demonstrate a response to all of the assessment objectives.

Minimum 44444 including 4 in GCSE Art and/or Design & Technology. You should also have a genuine interest in art, craft and design and an enthusiasm for being creative, designing and making quality outcomes.

THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE – Requires RIBA Part 1, 2 & 3 Qualifications

Chartered Architect: design buildings and spaces, managing projects from concept to final structural handover.

Urban Designer: shape the layout and public environment of entire towns, cities and local communities.

Conservation Architect: preserve, restore and sensitively adapt historic buildings and heritage sites.

THE TECHNICAL & BUILT ROUTE – focuses on construction, technology & management

Architectural Technologist: bridge the gap between pure design and technical construction reality using advanced software.

BIM Manager: oversee complex 3D digital data models and collaboration infrastructure for large building projects.

Interior Architect: transform the structural interior environment, focusing heavily on spacial ergonomics and material use.

THE CREATIVE & ALTERNATIVE ROUTE – leverages spatial design & creative skillsets

Set / Production Designer: design physical and spatial environments for film, television, theatre and commercial stages.

3D Environmental Artist: build virtual architecture, spaces and digital worlds for video games and immersive VR media.

Landscape Architect: plan and design open outdoor public spaces, parks and sustainable ecological environments.