The pre-university Architecture course at the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) provides an introduction to architectural design, spatial thinking and structural concepts.

At NSLC's Architecture programme, students explore how creative vision meets structural design to shape the world around us. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative projects, participants will learn how architects balance aesthetics, function and sustainability to solve real-world design challenges.

The programme allows students to sketch, model and experiment with digital tools as they collaborate with peers and develop their own architectural style.

Architecture is explored through interactive workshops as students take on real design challenges in a collaborative setting. Participants will experiment with materials, explore structure and see how each artistic decision shapes the strength and balance of their work.

Industry insights are provided through interactions with guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds, bringing practical knowledge and real-world experiences to the Architecture course.

The programme goes beyond the classroom, offering a new perspective on architecture through field trips that uncover how the industry works behind the scenes. A mix of educational and sightseeing tours allow participants to explore the city surrounding the university.

Each NSLC programme contains a leadership curriculum designed to teach skills that can apply to all areas of life. Workshops on personality styles, communication and listening, resilience and empathy set the foundation for a successful future, no matter where it may lead.

School: National Student Leadership Conference
Course: Architecture
Type: Pre-university
Location: Washington DC, USA
Course dates: June to July 2026
Application deadline: 12 May 2026

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Sketching
– Drafting
– Model-making
– Computer-aided design

What are the requirements?

– Average grade: B
– Recommendation from a school educator

What facilities and resources are available?

– On-campus housing and dining are included in the programme tuition fees

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Students will gain a better understanding of the architecture field, while interactions with professionals will provide insight into career path progression, jobs and internships.

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