Top Universities for Master’s in Architecture in the UK 2025

Global Ed
July 16, 2025


Masters in Architecture in the UK is a popular choice for budding architects from all over the world. Today, architecture has become a field that brings together the principles of technology, design, sustainability and social theory. There is no doubt that UK universities offer the latest in this integrated discipline with their top-notch theoretical instruction, state of the art labs and industry connections.

The UK’s skyline is dotted with buildings in various architectural styles, ranging from the Classical Roman to the contemporary designs of the 21st century, creating the perfect backdrop for your architectural studies.


How to study architecture in the UK?


Here’s an interesting fact to know: The term “Architect” is a legally protected term in the United Kingdom. It means that you cannot simply use the term without the necessary qualifications and registrations. To call yourself an Architect, your name must be included in the “Architect’s Register” after you clear the prescribed examinations. This process is in place so that the people who depend on your services know that you are appropriately qualified.

How do you become an architect in UK?

The governing body is the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This organisation maintains the Architects Register and accredits universities and courses. There is also the RIBA which is the Royal Institute of British Architects. The RIBA is a charity that offers professional memberships, networking, resources and other services to its members who are qualified architects.

Becoming an architect in the United Kingdom, according to ARB, requires a 3-part qualification.

Part 1: This is a 3-year degree in architecture (bachelor’s degree) that the ARB/RIBA has accredited. If the course is accredited, you are automatically given a Part-1 certification.

However, if you have completed your BArch in India, or have completed any other non-accredited degree, you can contact the ARB and take up the Exam for Equivalence to Prescribed Qualifications and get your Part 1 certification. While it is not mandatory, it is also highly recommended to get 1 year of practical experience with an employment mentor and a professional studies advisor through RIBA after getting your Part 1 certification.

Part 2: For Part 2, you must already have a Part 1 qualification and completed two further years of postgraduate study in architecture. This is typically the MArch courses in the UK, accredited by ARB/ RIBA. It normally takes 2 years to complete. During this time/ after completion of the course, you need 24 months of practical experience, out of which at least 12 must be in the UK.

Part 3: Part 3 is akin to a postgraduate diploma that takes about a year to prepare. This focuses on practice, project management and law. The part 3 course can only be taken by the board’s validated course providers. After your 2 year work experience, you will have to undertake a case study, a written exam and a final oral exam to qualify as a Chartered Architect in the UK.

What happens with a non-accredited course?

Many universities, including the top ones, have 1 year MSc or MA in architecture in the UK that are non-accredited. Are these courses recognised? Does it mean they are valued less? Can you become an architect if you choose these courses? Let’s take a look.

Firstly, you can get employed with a non-accredited degree. You can use your technical/ professional or design skills in the field, working for an architect. However, for a long-term plan, it is more profitable to be registered with the ARB.

1-year masters in architecture UK courses are typically chosen as a second master’s degree to have a specialisation within the field of architecture. For instance, you can continue on the architect track with an MArch while also having a specialisation in urban planning or bio-integrated design (MA/ MSc).

If you are looking to work in the UK in a niche area that can help architects, as opposed to being an architect yourself, these courses are the way to go.

For example, Cardiff University has an MSc in Computational Methods in Architecture. This is a technical course that dips into Machine Learning and AI to create 3D models and digital fabrications or, render animations. With this degree, you might not become an architect yourself but continue to be an integral part of the industry as a whole.

They are also useful for international students looking to practise outside the UK.

Is it good to study architecture in the UK?

The answer is yes. Here’s why.

The architecture and construction industry brings about £117 billion pounds to the economy in the UK revenue and provides over 2.3–2.4 million jobs. Looking at the UK’s history of stunning buildings, it is a lot of experience and expertise for you to learn from.

UK universities are world-renowned and the ideal higher education destinations to build a global career, offering both academic expertise and practical training.With a rich history and a culture of innovation ensuring that learning happens both inside and beyond the classroom, the UK is an ideal study destination to pursue a masters course in architecture.

UK architecture colleges offer a number of specialisations ranging from building design and landscape to urban and rural planning. This creates clearer career paths and niche areas of study and research.

The standards set by the ARB make UK degrees recognised and valued in many parts of the world, opening up your career opportunities as a global citizen.

Top universities to study MArch in the UK


To answer your question “Which architecture course is best?” take a look at the table below. In this section, we cover the fees, scholarships and the entry requirements for architecture universities in the UK.

Here’s a look at the top universities

Ranking Universities Tuition fees (MArch)
1 University College London (The Bartlett School of Architecture) £33,000
2 University of Cambridge £34,254
3 Cardiff University (Welsh School of Architecture) £25,000-30,000
4 University of Sheffield £25,000-30,000
5 University of Edinburgh £34,700
6 University of Nottingham £27,150
7 University of Liverpool £26,600
8 Loughborough University £29,750
9 Ulster University £17,810
10 UWE Bristol £16,000

1. University College London (UCL)


Source: UCL

University College London, more commonly referred to as UCL, is one of the best architecture schools in London and in the world. QS World University Rankings has placed UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture 1st in the world in the field of Architecture and Build Environment.

The MArch is their 2-year accredited programme while they also have some of the best 1 year masters in architecture in UK programmes covering architectural computation, history, design, urban environments, bio-integrated design and so on. This is one of the best one year programs you can do in the UK.

Fees

The annual tuition fee for the MArch programme is £33,000 for international students.

Eligibility

  • A minimum of second class degree from a UK university or its international equivalent with ARB Part 1 qualification. For students from India, a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 7.75/10 is required.
  • A portfolio of your design work
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 96 or equivalent.

Intake Dates and Duration

Application opens: Mid-October 2025
Application closes: End of February 2026
Course begins: September 2026
Duration: 2 years

Scholarships

You can consider applying to the UCL Global Master’s Scholarships or the Chevening Scholarships at UCL if you are seeking financial aid.

Employability

On completing this course, students have gone on to build their career paths in international architecture firms, set up small specialist practices, or work in fields of film making, website or even furniture design.

Related Courses

Undergraduate (BSc) programs:

  • Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 1)
  • Architecture MSci (ARB Part 1 & 2 – a 5-year integrated course)
  • Architectural & Interdisciplinary Studies BSc

Integrated UG/PG Engineering program:

  • Engineering & Architectural Design MEng (ARB/RIBA Part 1 CIBSE JBM)

Postgraduate (Accredited & Non‑accredited)

  • Architecture MArch (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
  • Architectural Design MArch
  • Bio‑Integrated Design (Bio‑ID) MSc & MArch
  • Cinematic & Videogame Architecture MArch
  • Design for Manufacture MArch
  • Design for Performance & Interaction MArch
  • Architectural Computation MSc
  • Architectural History MA
  • Architecture & Historic Urban Environments MA
  • Situated Practice MA
  • Landscape Architecture MA / MLA (note: MLA is 2‑year for non‑BA grads)
  • Urban Design MArch
  • Space Syntax: Architecture & Cities MSc/MRes
  • Advanced Architectural Research PG Cert

2. University of Cambridge


Source: University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge has always been synonymous with world-class higher education. The university’s Department of Architecture is ranked 8th in the world by QS World University Rankings and 1st in the United Kingdom by The Guardian.

Cambridge has a two-year professional degree, an ARB/RIBA Part 2 Master of Architecture (MArch) programme that allows its students to combine research and design. What you can expect out of this programme are

  • Intensive teaching in the qualitative and quantitative methods of architecture and urban planning
  • Profound discussions on the cultural and the technical aspects of the field
  • Supervised design development in a studio setup
  • A complex research project meeting the RIBA/ARB criteria.

Fees

The annual tuition fee for the course is £34,254.

Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria required to be considered are as follows:

  • A UK High 2.1 Honours Degree in Architecture. For students from India, it translates to a minimum score of 75% in undergraduate study from a recognised university.
  • A portfolio of previous work
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL iBT of 110 or equivalent.

Intake Dates for 2026-2027 and Duration

Applications open: early September 2025
Applications close: January 2026
Course begins: 1 October 2026
Duration: 2 years (about 21 months, full-time)

Scholarships

While there are no specific scholarships dedicated to the MArch programme, you can apply for any of the general funding opportunities that you are eligible for.
University scholarships include

  • Cambridge Trust
  • Gates Cambridge Trust
  • Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarships
  • College funding
  • Research Councils (UKRI) studentships

Employability

To become a professional architect in the UK or anywhere in the world, a master’s in architecture from the UK’s foremost university is a great first step. The employability rate of the Architecture department is one of the highest in the university, at around 98%, 6 months after graduating. About 85% of Cambridge architects go directly into employment in some of the top firms in the world and the remaining 13% have chosen to pursue further study.

Related Courses

Other postgraduate level courses:

  • Master of Architecture (MArch) Degree (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture – ARB/ RIBA Part 3
  • MSt Architecture Apprenticeship
  • MPhil in Architecture & Urban Studies (MAUS)
  • MPhil in Architecture
  • PhD in Architecture
  • MSt Building History
  • MSt in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment

Bachelor’s Courses:

  • Architecture Tripos (BA Hons)
  • Design Tripos (BA Hons).

Related Courses that are equally relevant:

  • MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development
  • MPhil in Environmental Policy

3. Cardiff University (Welsh School of Architecture)


Source: Cardiff University

The only Welsh member of the Russell Group of research intensive universities in the UK, Cardiff has a history going back to 1883. The university’s Welsh School of Architecture is ranked 2nd in the UK by the Guardian and is considered to be one of the top 50 schools of architecture in the world.

The MArch course offered by Cardiff is accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part 2 level. The first year of this 2-year course is primarily spent in an architectural practice for the students to gain professional experience that can later be applied in their research.

Fees

The first-year fees for international students is around £14,725 while the second year tuition is £29,450.

Eligibility

  • A RIBA Part 1 recognised qualification with a 2:1 honours. As an Indian student, if you have completed your BArch in India, you can take the “Prescribed Examination” and then apply.
  • A portfolio of your artwork including architectural drawings, other types of drawings, painting, sculptures, product design, etc.
  • Minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5.

Intake Dates and Duration

Application opens: Autumn 2025
Application Closes: End of August 2026
Programme start date: September 2026
Duration: 2 years

Scholarships

You can apply to the Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship. Indian students who have been selected for the MA Architectural Design and meet the eligibility criteria will automatically be awarded £5,000.

Employability

Besides architectural practice, graduates of the MArch programme from Cardiff have also created career paths in the fields of urban planning, design, town planning/ policy making, construction and teaching.

Related Courses

  • B.Sc Architectural Studies (RIBA/ARB Part 1)
  • MA Architectural Design
  • MA Urban Design
  • Master of Design Administration
  • MSc Computational Methods in Architecture
  • MSc Environmental Design of Buildings
  • MSc Sustainable Building Conservation
  • MSc Sustainable Mega Buildings
  • PgDip in Architecture: Professional Practice (RIBA/ARB Part 3)
  • PhD in Architecture (MPhil/PhD)

4. University of Sheffield


Source: University of Sheffield

A public research university in South Yorkshire, the history of the university can be traced back to its beginnings as Sheffield Medical School in 1828. Since then, the university has grown by leaps and bounds and is one of the top universities in the prestigious Russell Group of institutions.

The MArch degree offered by the school of Architecture, Faculty of Social Sciences is a two-year intensive programme where the study is primarily studio-based, with design projects each year. To complete the course, you must present at least one comprehensive design project and a thesis.

Fees

The 2025-2026 tuition fee for international students for the MArch programme is £25,000-30,000 per year.

Eligibility

  • Minimum 2:1 BA Architecture degree from a RIBA/ARB-approved institution
  • If you don’t have RIBA Part 1, it will be your responsibility to get the certification. However, you can take up the prescribed examination while being enrolled in the MArch course.
  • Minimum 9 months of practice
  • A comprehensive design portfolio
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent

Intake Dates and Duration

MArch:

  • Open: mid-Sep 2025
  • Close: ~5 Sep 2026 (or by similar late-August/early-September)
  • Start: Sep 2026 (2-year programme)

1-year MAs (Architectural Design, Urban Design, etc.):

  • Rolling rounds throughout late 2025–Spring 2026
  • Final deadline: ~5 Sep 2026
  • Start: Sep 2026

Scholarships

If eligible, you can consider the

  • International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship 2026
  • International Postgraduate Scholarship
  • NCUK Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
  • Chevening Scholarships

Employability

About 96% of Sheffield graduates have found employment or have enrolled in higher education within six months of graduation. Besides the high employability rate, the university has a dedicated Career Service that helps students build professional networks. They also work together with the RIBA Mentoring Scheme which gives second-year students the opportunity to make professional connections and gain insight into working in architectural practice.

Related Courses

  • Sustainable Architecture Studies MSc
  • Urban Design MA
  • Architectural Design MA
  • MA Urban Design & Planning

Undergraduate Courses:

  • Architecture BA
  • Architecture and Landscape BA
  • Structural Engineering and Architecture MEng
  • Structural Engineering and Architecture with an Industrial Placement Year MEng
  • Architectural Engineering MEng
  • Landscape Architecture MA
  • Landscape Studies MA

5. University of Edinburgh


Source: University of Edinburgh

One of Scotland’s four ancient universities, the University of Edinburgh has a history that can be traced back to 1583, and is ranked 22nd in the world by QS World University Rankings 2025.

Their MSc in Architectural and Urban Design is designed for candidates who already hold a professional degree in architecture. This course will help you critically evaluate the roles of and the technologies used in architectural and urban design. It also brings in the understanding and use of digital media for the conception and representation of designs.

Fees

This MSc degree costs £29,900 while the MArch is more expensive, costing about £34,700 a year.

Eligibility

  • A professional qualification in architecture, usually a five-year programme
  • A portfolio of design work
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT of 92.

Intake Dates and Duration

BA Architecture (Undergraduate):

  • Open Date: 1 September 2025
  • Deadline: 14 January 2026 (UCAS equal-consideration deadline)

MArch (Part 2):

  • Open Date: October 2025 (approximate)
  • Deadline: To be determined (likely early 2026)

MSc Urban Strategies & Design:

  • Open Date: October 2025
  • Deadline: 31 July 2026 (may close earlier if full)

Architecture MScR / PhD:

  • Open Date: October 2025
  • Deadline: 1 November 2025

Other MSc Programmes (e.g., Architectural Conservation):

  • Open Date: October 2025
  • Deadline: Varies by programme (early application recommended)

Scholarships

The Edinburgh College of Arts has a number of scholarships for students of architecture and design. You can access the entire list here. You can also apply to Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships at the University of Edinburgh for financial aid.

Employability

This programme will help you branch out into a specialisation and focus on the design aspects of architecture and explore your creative side. However, it is important to note that this programme does not give you an exemption from the Part 2 qualifying tests. To practise as an architect, you must sit for the ARB part 2 qualifier separately on completion of the course.

Related Courses

  • Architectural History and Archaeology (MA)
  • Architectural History and Heritage (MA)
  • Architecture (BA/MA)
  • History of Art and Architectural History (MA)
  • Landscape Architecture (MA)
  • Structural Engineering with Architecture (BEng and MEng)
  • Advanced Sustainable Design MSc
  • Architectural Conservation MSc
  • Architectural History PhD, MPhil
  • Architecture PhD, MPhil
  • Architecture MScR
  • Architecture by Design PhD
  • Architecture, Landscape and Environment MSc, PgCert, PgDip
  • Architecture, Master of (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch
  • Art PhD, MPhil
  • European Masters in Landscape Architecture
  • Interior Design, Architectural and Spatial Design MA
  • Urban Strategies and Design MSc

6. University of Nottingham


Source: University of Nottingham

Another member of the Russell Group of research intensive universities, the University of Nottingham ranks 51st in for its MArch courses in the UK. The university’s legacy continues in its Creative Energy Homes and the Trent Basin sustainable community. With an emphasis on independent research and student-centred learning, you will graduate with an ARB Part 2 qualification.

Fees

The annual tuition for international students is £27,150.

Eligibility

  • ARB/RIBA accredited Part 1 degree at 2.1 standard or international equivalent
  • 6 months approved practice-based experience
  • IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or equivalent
  • Portfolio, CV, SOP and letters of recommendation

Intake Dates and Duration

The course has only one intake in September and is 2 years (full-time). There is no part-time variant for this programme.

  • Course start date: September 2026
  • Duration: 12 months (except two-year ARB/RIBA route)
  • Application Deadlines: July–August 2026

Scholarships

While there are no specific scholarships for the master’s in architecture programme, you can apply to any of the general UK scholarships to get financial aid. The list of scholarships is available in the following section on costs and scholarships.

Employability

Graduates from this course have gone on to work for RIBA Award-winning practices including Haworth Tompkins, Caruso St John, Walters and Cohen, Mae, Carmody Groarke, Bennetts Associates and Harrison Stringfellow. The University of Nottingham is one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers.

Related Courses

  • Advanced Architecture Design MArch
  • Advanced Building Performance Engineering MSc (Accredited by Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers – CIBSE)
  • Architecture and Sustainable Design MArch
  • Professional Practice in Architecture (Part 3) PGDip

Undergraduate Programmes:

  • BArch Hons
  • Architecture and Environmental Design MEng
  • Architectural Environment Engineering MEng

7. University of Liverpool


Source: University of Liverpool

One of the the founding members of the Russell Group, the University of Liverpool is one of the six red brick universities in the UK. Their MArch programme balances local and international issues, making it one of the best architecture colleges in the UK for masters. Through international field trips, design competitions and industry collaborations, this architecture college in UK produces highly qualified and sought after graduates.

Fees

The tuition fee for one year is £26,600. It is a standalone one-year course, with no year-abroad option. However, The MArch (Master of Architecture, Part 2, RIBA/ARB accredited) at the University of Liverpool costs £29,900 per year for international students, with a reduced fee of £14,950 if the optional year abroad is taken.

Eligibility

To study architecture in the UK eligibility criteria is as follows

  • A first class undergraduate degree in architecture
  • A portfolio of at least 10 pages of images from final year project
  • Proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL

Intake Dates and Duration

Application deadline: 12 July 2026
Course begins: Approximately late September 2026

Scholarships

You can apply to the RIBA Education Fund and RIBA Walter Parker Bursaries, if eligible.

Employability

With an employability rate of over 95%, the recent employers of Liverpool’s architecture graduates include Arup, BDP, Foster and Partners. Hampshire County Council, Hodder and Partners, Rosenbergs Arkitekter, Stockholm, Shedkm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Union North and Wilkinson Eyre.

Related Courses

  • Architecture MA
  • Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability in Architecture MSc
  • Advanced Architecture MA
  • MSc Building Information Modelling and Digital Transformation
  • MA Sustainable Heritage Management

8. Loughborough University


Source: Lboro

A public research university in Leicestershire, England, Loughborough University has a history going back to 1909. The School of Architecture at Lboro is renowned for its cutting-edge research and academics and was ranked number 1st in the UK for Architecture in the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

The MArch programme engages its students with the latest technology and developments in architecture and urban design. It integrates industry experience and research. The first year is primarily a flexible learning year designed to support your personalised learning journey, with classes in between at the London campus. The second year will focus on a design-led research module, wherein you can make use of Lboro’s state-of-the-art studio, VR and digital fabrication labs, and workshops.

NOTE: The programme is not yet accredited by RIBA/ARB as a Part 2 course. However, it is designed to align with RIBA’s new professional validation framework to respond to current industry requirements.

Fees

The tuition for international students is £29,750 full-time per annum

Eligibility

  • An undergraduate degree in architecture with a minimum score of 70%.
  • A portfolio of previous work
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL iBT score of 92

Intake Dates and Duration

  • Apply (submit full application including ATAS) by 15 August 2025
  • Accept offer & upload required documents by 1 September 2025
  • Pay CAS deposit by 25 August 2025
  • CAS issuance begins around 5 September 2025 and continues to 12 September 2025

Duration: 2 years

Scholarships

  • Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
  • Chevening Partnership Scholarships

Employability

Industry partners at Lboro include Sheppard Robson, Fletcher Priest Architects, Glenn Howells Architects, Player Roberts Bell Architects, and Francesco Pierazzi Architects. Students and graduates get the opportunity to network with these industry giants, attend guest lectures and design studio workshops in preparation for future work.

Related Courses

  • Architecture BArch (Hons)
  • Architectural Engineering BEng (Hons)
  • Architectural Engineering MEng (Hons)
  • Urban Planning BSc (Hons)
  • Sustainable Design and Construction MSc
  • Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering with a Foundation Year
  • Construction Management MSc
  • Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
  • Urban Planning MPlan (Hons)

Other relevant courses:

  • Low Energy Building Services Engineering MSc
  • Digital Construction MSc

9. Ulster University


Source: Ulster

A multi-campus university in Northern Ireland, Ulster University is ranked 23rd for the study of architecture by The Guardian in 2025 Offered by the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, the MArch programme is an accredited course that is delivered as a series of studio projects, related studies and a final design research thesis.

The programme is designed to explore the complex and the changing landscape of architecture and bring together the worlds of science and creative arts.

Fees

The annual tuition fee for international students is around £17,810.

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate degree in architecture with 2:2 or equivalent (Minimum 55% from Indian universities).
  • RIBA/ ARB Part 1
  • An architectural portfolio
  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.

Intake Dates and Duration

Application to Ulster: ~30 June 2026
Accommodation deadline: ~14 August 2026
Arrival/orientation begins: ~mid-September 2026
Teaching Term 1: 22 September 2026 – January 2027
Duration: 2 years

Scholarships

The awards allocated specifically for the master’s in architecture include

  • ARD Mackel Prize
  • White Ink ‘Smart Thinking Award’
  • Specialist Joinery Awards
  • Deans List
  • RSUA President’s Medal Awards

Employability

Graduates of this course are now working for

  • Office for Metropolitan Architecture
  • Grimshaw Architects
  • Hall
  • Black and Douglas
  • Todd Architects
  • White Ink Architects
  • FaulknerBrowns Architects
  • Office of Public Works

Since the course is recognised by the ARB and RIBA, your qualification will be recognised both at the national and international levels.

Related Courses

  • Architecture BA (Hons)
  • Architectural Technology and Management BSc (Hons)
  • Construction Engineering & Management BSc (Hons)
  • Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
  • Quantity Surveying & Commercial Management BSc (Hons)
  • Planning, Regeneration & Development BSc / MSci (Hons)
  • Architecture MArch
  • Construction Management PGCert/PGDip/MSc
  • Planning & City Resilience MSc/PGDip
  • Fire Safety Engineering MSc/PGDip/PGCert
  • Civil & Infrastructure Engineering MSc/PGDip/PGCert
  • Environmental Health & Sustainability MSc (Global Strategy specialization)
  • Professional Software Development (Architecture & Design) PGCert

10. UWE Bristol


Source: UWE Bristol

University of the West of England (UWE) is a public research university in Bristol, England. UWE Bristol’s School of Architecture has a reputation for being one of the best in the country. Ranked 10th in the UK, UWE Bristol also has an MArch Architecture which is an apprenticeship programme. However, it is currently open only to citizens of EEA. For international students, the professionally accredited 2 year MArch course is available.

Fees

The annual fee for international students is £16,000.

Eligibility

  • an architecture degree from a UK or overseas institution equivalent to a 2:1 or above that is recognised by ARB, NAAB, RIBA, CCA or EAAE
  • Portfolio
  • English Language Requirement: Minimum IELTS score of 6.5

Intake Dates and Duration

The intake is in September 2026 for both full-time and part-time modules. The course takes 2 years to complete full-time and 3 years part-time.

International applicants should aim for around early August (or sooner) for the best chance, though late applications may still be possible on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships

You can apply to any of the general international postgraduate scholarships as listed below.

Employability

The second year focuses on the experience of working in an architecture practice, giving you real-world experiences. The school of architecture also has an award winning career service that will help you network and seek job opportunities in the UK.

Related Courses

Undergraduate Courses:

  • Architectural Technology and Design – BSc(Hons)
  • Architecture – BSc(Hons)
  • Architecture and Environmental Engineering – BEng(Hons)
  • Architecture and Planning – BA(Hons)
  • Interior Architecture – BA(Hons)

Postgraduate Courses:

  • Architecture – MArch
  • Computational Architecture – MSc
  • Facade Engineering – MSc
  • Professional Practice and Management in Architecture – Postgraduate Certificate

Other M Arch courses in the UK


Here is a list of some more top architecture colleges in the UK to consider.

S.No University Fees for Masters in Architecture
1 Manchester School of Architecture (University of Manchester) £31,500
2 Newcastle University £28,700
3 University of Bath £29,000-31,000
4 University of Leeds £31,500-33,000
5 Strathclyde University £23,100
6 University of East London £16,800-17,000
7 Oxford Brookes University £19,440
8 University of the Arts London £24,250
9 University of Plymouth £17,800-18,000
10 London Architectural Association School of Architecture £26,900 to £44,800

Types of Architecture Specialisations in the UK


Simply put, architecture is the combination of art, technology and social science to design a physical space. There is the general M Arch/MSc /MA in architecture (UK) which covers the discipline as a whole. However, you can also choose to specialise in

  • Urban Planning
  • Commercial Architecture
  • Landscape Design
  • Sustainable Architecture / Green Design
  • Computational Methods
  • Architectural History and Theory
  • Architectural Technology
  • Bio-integrated design.

This is not an exhaustive list of specialisations but some of the most popular ones offered by top architecture colleges in the UK.

Cost of studying Architecture in the UK


In this section, we answer the question “What is the cost of architecture course in the UK?”. It is important to note that the figures shown in the table below are averages and approximations to give you a general idea. The actual costs can vary depending on your selection of courses, the universities and the city that you will be living in.

Cost Amount in Pounds
(Approx figures per year)
Tuition (Range) £15,000 – £35,000
Rent (On Campus) £4,000 – £7,000
Rent (Off campus, shared living) London – £9,000
Rest of UK – £6,700
Food £1,800 – £2,200
Transport £1,000
Health Insurance £470
Utilities £650 – £800
Average Total Living Expenses £14,400 – £16,800

Scholarships

Scholarship options for architecture courses in the UK have been listed along with the respective universities. However, here are some of the common government scholarships for Indian students.

  • GREAT scholarships
  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships

A few non-government but legitimate scholarships are:

  • Felix Scholarships (Oxford, Reading, SOAS)
  • Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Scholarships
  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Awards
  • Global Study Award

Career Opportunities for Architecture in the UK


Now that you have an extensive list of the best architecture universities in the UK for masters, let us look at the career options available. There is a substantial demand for architects in the UK due to demands of the profession.

As mentioned earlier, to be a registered Architect, you must clear the ARB/ RIBA professional qualifications. The average salary is around £50,000 per year.

Even without the 3-part qualifications, you can find opportunities in roles such as:

Roles Average Salary
Architectural Technologist £25,000 – £40,000
Building control surveyor £36,000
CAD technician £34,000
Fire risk assessor £40,000
Interior and spatial designer £30,000 – £50,000
Town planner £44,000
Urban designer £37,000 – £40,000
Structural engineer £40,000 – £70,000

Source: prospects.ac.uk and Glassdoor

Frequently asked questions


Which exam is required for architecture in the UK?

To be a registered architect, you must qualify in all 3 parts prescribed by the ARB. However, these exams are not mandatory to find employment in the field. They are required if you want to be the signing architect who oversees everything.

Is architecture hard to study in the UK?

The answer is yes and no. If you are passionate towards art, design and technology, then the course might not be hard. However, the demands of a typical accredited MArch course are quite high requiring you to create complex projects and produce an original thesis. If you are passionate and manage your time well, it is quite easy to study architecture in the UK.

Are architects in high demand in the UK?

Yes. Since Covid and Brexit, there is a huge demand for architects in the UK. UK government ambition—like Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2028—requires over 250,000 additional construction workers, including architects, engineers,

What is the best architecture course in the UK?

If you see your future in the UK, then an ARB/ RIBA part ii accredited MArch is one of the best courses to choose from. However, if you are looking for a particular specialization, then you can choose from any of the specific ones offered by the top universities.

How many years is an architecture course in the UK?

An undergraduate programme is 3 years while an MArch takes 2 years. You also have 1-year masters in different fields of architecture.

What are the requirements to study architecture in the UK?

The specific requirements of the MArch courses in the UK are listed along with each university above. Entry requirements for architecture university in the UK to get into an undergraduate programme is as follows:

  • Successfull completion of X and XII (Higher Secondary School Certificate) with minimum marks of approximately 70 to 85%, with A level scores in Maths and English.
  • IELTS/ TOEFL scores
  • Art portfolio

How many years does it take to study architecture in the UK?

To become a registered architect, it usually takes 7 years of study.

  • 3 years bachelor’s (Part 1)
  • 2 years master’s (Part 2)
  • 2 years of work experience and Part 3 exam.

How much does it cost to study architecture in the UK?

The tuition can cost anywhere between £15,000 – £35,000 a year. The average cost of living expenses can be anywhere between £14,000 – £16,000.

Can I practise as an architect in the UK if I study in India?

You can practise architecture in the UK from India, after your clear ARB’s prescribed examination.

Can I work as an architect in India after a UK degree?

Yes, you can. Degrees awarded by most UK universities and recognised by ARB/RIBA are accepted by the Indian Council of Architecture.

How to apply to UK universities with TC Global?


While the idea of studying masters in architecture in UK can be very exciting, the prep and paperwork of it all can get overwhelming. The easiest way to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global(The Chopras) .

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! ??


https://tcglobal.com/our-locations/

Let’s shape your future together.

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