UK Architecture Courses

Become an expert in the art and science of designing and engineering large structures by studying architecture in the UK

Architecture courses at UK universities focus on the subject's technological, design, cultural and historical elements, and lectures on history and theory will take place alongside art and 3D design. This provides students with the best approach to learning about each element of the profession.

It takes seven years to become a fully qualified architect, combining five years of study followed by two years of professional training and practical work before final exams. Students will become members of the RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects, after their initial three-year undergraduate degree, before enrolling on a BArch, Diploma or March degree.

Prospective students require patience, hard work and dedication to become architects, but the rewards are huge. The Times University Guide recently reported that three years into their careers, architects are amongst the least likely of all graduates to be unhappy with their profession.

A Bachelor of Architecture degree is your first step towards becoming a fully qualified architect, and you’ll complete the course with an exemption from RIBA Part 1. For graduates looking to further their architecture education, a Master in Architecture is available as an MArch, Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Art (MA).

Types of Architecture Degrees

Bachelor of Architecture

A Bachelor of Architecture, usually a BA or BSc in Architecture, is a degree that focuses on studying buildings and their design. It involves learning about how buildings are shaped, how they work, and how they look. Students learn about topics like art, environment, math, and aesthetics, and the goal is to teach students all the different aspects of architecture so they can design sustainable, unique buildings that meet people's needs.

• Course fees: £18,000 to £40,000 per year
• Course duration: 3-4 years
• International entry requirements: Art and Design Foundation, 128 UCAS points, BTEC Extended Diploma DDM, International Baccalaureate 32+ points, or T Levels Distinction. Five GCSEs are also required.

Master’s of Architecture

A Master's in Architecture, sometimes known as an MA or MArch, is an advanced level of study that delves into the principles and practices of designing aesthetically pleasing structures. This programme focuses on various aspects such as architectural theory, project planning, and design, and students typically take classes in architecture history, CAD technical drawing, and structural engineering design. Graduates with a master's degree in architecture possess attention to detail, analytical thinking, and budget management skills. They are also equipped with leadership, teamwork, and organisational abilities, which can significantly impact their career prospects in business or further education.

• Course fees: £20,000 to £39,000 per year
• Course duration: 1-2 years
• International entry requirements: A 2:2 or above in architecture from an ARB/RIBA and its international equivalent.

PhD in Architecture

A PhD in Architecture is designed to generate knowledge in the areas of architecture, landscape architecture, and historic preservation. This programme operates within a university's design school, emphasising an interdisciplinary approach. It aims to explore new possibilities within the broader university context, reevaluating architectural knowledge concepts, methodologies, and future directions. 

• Course fees: £15,000 to £35,000 per year
• Course duration: 3-4 years
• International entry requirements: A Bachelor's degree with either a First Class or Upper Second Class honours classification or an equivalent international degree. Additionally, a relevant Master's degree is required, with a minimum average grade of 60% in both the taught course units and the dissertation.

Architecture Scholarships in the UK

Here are some scholarships available for architecture courses in the UK:

• The Bartlett Promise Master's Scholarship by the University of Manchester is designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds in The Bartlett, UCL's Faculty of the Built Environment.
• The Hilary Taylor Scholarship at Newcastle University is specifically for female-identifying individuals in need of financial assistance.
• The Architectural Association School of Architecture offers means-tested scholarships to new first-year and second-year students of the Intermediate Programme BA (Hons) and new first-year students of the Diploma Programme MArch.

Please note that scholarship availability and criteria may change, so it's advisable to visit the official websites of the respective universities or institutions for the most up-to-date information.

Graduate Architecture Careers and Salary

After completing the seven years of study required to become a registered architect, graduates will find roles in architectural design, engineering and construction, preservation and urban planning.

• Average starting professional salary: £20,000
• Average starting non-professional salary: £16,640

Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2016-17.

Architecture Entry Requirements

English language, art and design and mathematics are all preferable subjects to have studied before applying to an architecture degree, and you should also enjoy drawing freehand and have an interest in design and producing 3D work. At many UK universities, a portfolio of work is crucial in being offered a place.

• Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: Minimum 32 points.
• Typical A-level requirements: AAB, with a balance of art, sciences and writing ability.
• Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.

Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.

Where can I study Architecture in the UK?

To learn more about the best architecture courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Architecture universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:

1. University of Cambridge
2. Cardiff University
3. University College London
4. Loughborough University
5. Ulster University
6. University of Edinburgh
7. University of Sheffield
8. University of Liverpool
9. University of Nottingham
10. UWE Bristol

Study Architecture in the UK

If you are interested in studying Architecture in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK today. Don't forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university.

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Architecture Course FAQ

Is the UK a good place to study architecture?

The UK is an excellent place to study architecture due to its rich architectural heritage, renowned universities, and thriving industry. Students can benefit from exposure to diverse architectural styles, renowned architects, and cutting-edge design practices.

What are the best courses available in architecture in the UK?

The best courses in architecture in the UK can be found at institutions like the University of Cambridge, UCL, the University of Bath, and the University of Edinburgh.

What is the duration of an architecture course in the UK?

Typically, an undergraduate degree in architecture takes three to four years, while a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Architecture, usually takes one to two years, depending on the programme structure.

What are the most popular job positions available in the field of architecture in the UK?

Popular job positions in architecture include Architect, Architectural Technologist, Urban Designer, Interior Designer, Conservation Architect, and Landscape Architect.

What are some top organisations that hire graduates after an architecture degree in the UK?

Prominent organisations that hire graduates with Architecture degrees in the UK include Foster + Partners, Zaha Hadid Architects, BDP, Allies and Morrison, Grimshaw Architects, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, WilkinsonEyre, AHMM, Hawkins\Brown, and Heatherwick Studio, among others.