Bachelor in Big Tent

For Bachelor in Big Tent, tuition costs 17,800 GBP per year.

How do architects bridge the gap between theoretical design and the realities of site-specific construction? The Big Tent project serves as an intensive, live-build laboratory where second and third-year architecture students confront the complexities of professional practice head-on. By responding to a live competition brief from the Dartington Hall Trust, participants are tasked with delivering a functional, demountable 7mx5m timber shelter, moving beyond the studio to navigate the entire project lifecycle.

Integrated Professional Practice

This initiative immerses students in the actual mechanics of architectural delivery. Participants manage the full spectrum of project responsibilities, mirroring the workflows of a professional firm:

• Technical Documentation: Students prepare comprehensive costing, measurement, and construction manuals.
• Regulatory Engagement: Teams draft and submit formal planning applications, successfully securing approval from local authorities like the South Hams Council.
• Site Management: Through a rotational system, students balance on-site construction duties with site-visit project management, ensuring the build adheres to design specifications and safety standards.

By engaging directly with the Dartington Hall Trust, students gain insight into the role of architecture in fostering societal change. This project is a hallmark of the University of Plymouth’s commitment to 'live' build pedagogy, following in the footsteps of previous collaborations such as the Eco Pod ‘Tiny House’ and the Queens Marsh Bird Hide, providing graduates with a distinct competitive edge for Part 1 employment.

University of Plymouth, situated on England’s southwest coast, is a modern, student-centred university with around 18,000 students and a welcoming international community. The campus blends contemporary facilities with strong industry links, particularly in marine science, health, engineering and business. Plymouth emphasises practical learning and employability, offering placements, internships and project-based modules that connect students directly with employers and local partners.

International students find Plymouth attractive for its supportive campus services, range of student societies and manageable city scale that balances urban amenities with coastal lifestyle. The university provides pre‑arrival guidance, English language support and dedicated international student teams to ease transition and help with accommodation, visas and wellbeing. Teaching approaches combine lectures, labs and applied projects, while research-active staff bring real-world problems into the classroom.

Graduates from Plymouth benefit from strong regional and national employer engagement, which can lead to placements, graduate roles and entrepreneurial support through incubators and career services. The city’s quality of life, lower cost compared with larger UK cities and emphasis on hands-on learning make Plymouth a practical choice for students seeking a balanced academic experience and strong prospects for work or further study after graduation.