Study Destination

Masters in Architecture UK: Best Universities for Architecture in UK, Fees, and Eligibility

Author_Image
Tumul Buch
6.6k views

The captivating English Architectural marvels like the Shard or the mesmerising London Skyline hold our attention even in the busiest moments. This is because of the style, sophistication, and futuristic design UK holds a strong arm upon. Thus, pursuing architecture masters UK from any of the top architecture university in UK is a great idea.

The top architecture universities UK offer some of the best programs in architecture that not only promise quality education but also a promising career. Therefore, let’s discuss and gather insights about studying architecture in UK through this blog. Here we have discussed everything about the best architecture universities in UK, requirements, application process, jobs after pursuing masters in architecture UK and much more.

Table of Content

Why Study Architecture in UK?

Studying Architecture in the UK/ m arch in UK enhances your career. Design experts in the UK have the best lessons to teach based on experience and expertise. It is with their knowledge and experience you will be able to develop the right skills, making it a prominent choice to invest in architecture universities UK. Apart from these, some of the best reasons to study Masters in Architecture UK are:

  • Trending courses: Architecture University UK offers a number of attractive courses on the subject. Be it the creative side of design sketching or the mathematical edge of architecture; you will be able to excel in all aspects as a successful architect.
  • Design exposure: There are around 3 top universities for m arch in UK offering different programs. This means that the study materials, experts and design exposure you will receive by studying Masters in architecture UK will be limitless.
  • Become a member of the Royal Institute Of British Architects (RIBA): By graduating from one of the top M Arch UK universities, you will become an integral member of the elite group of RIBA, an architects association that decides the course of architectural study in UK and overseas.
  • International experience: UK is the hub of architectural studies and many international students aspire to graduate from top architecture university UK. Hence, it is a great opportunity to make friends across the world and network while pursuing best architecture postgraduate programs uk.
  • Post-study work permit: After completing your M Arch UK, you can apply to extend your visa for two years to find the desired job. This way, you have ample time to settle in the UK.

Best Courses to Study in UK

Let us now discuss the eligibility and admission requirements for pursuing a postgraduate architecture degree in UK:

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for Masters in Architecture in UK

The needs and requirements for a Masters in Architecture in UK depend upon the university you are applying to. The eligibility differs based on the top architecture universities UK, However, some of the most essential requirements are:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • High CGPA Score
  • English Language Proficiency Requirements
  • Work Experience & LORs
  • SOPs
  • Portfolio
  • Valid Passport & Student Visa

Let us discuss each of requirements for architecture universities UK below:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

To pursue a Masters in Architecture UK, you must have a recognized Professional Bachelors in Architecture or relevant fields. Most UK universities accept students who have scored about 60%. For instance, the University of Edinburgh accepts 60% as the minimum percentage. Whereas the minimum cutoff for prestigious universities like the University of Cambridge is 75%.

2. High CGPA Score

Top universities in UK for Masters in Architecture accept a high CGPA score. For instance, the University of Cambridge accepts a minimum CGPA score of 8/10. Similarly, some other universities too require a minimum score of 6.5 or 7 in your graduation to be accepted in the UK.

3. English Language Proficiency Requirements

Students from Non-English speaking countries are required to prove their English proficiency to study architecture masters UK. To do so, you can take the IELTS or TOEFL test. Top universities accept a minimum overall IELTS score of 7, TOEFL - 110. Whereas many other UK universities accept a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS and about 92-95 in TOEFL, respectively.

Masters in Architecture in Germany

4. Work Experience and LORs

If you have relevant experience in Architecture, it is an added advantage. Most universities require LORs from your mentors stating your interest in further studies. LORs are a great way to convince the universities about your caliber and to show that you are deserving of a master.

5. SOPs

Most universities in UK require students to submit a well-written SOP. Your SOP defines your interest in the subject and justifies your qualification. SOPs for a Masters in Architecture must display your interest in design, construction, and mathematics. In case you have work experience in your field, then that will further add brownie points to your SOP.

6. Portfolio

As students of architecture, you will be required to display your understanding of design to the university you are applying to. A portfolio will showcase your style, your taste and also give a sense of understanding of your knowledge. Therefore, most UK universities require a portfolio attached along with your application.

7. Valid Passport and Visa

A valid passport and visa are a must for all international students to opt for any course in the UK. Make sure you apply for your student visa at least 3 months prior to the expected date of travelling.

Here’s how to apply for a UK student Visa

Documents Required for Masters in Architecture in UK

In order to study Masters in Architecture in UK, you will need to submit a few documents. They are:

  • Transcripts of all educational qualifications
  • LOR or Letter of Recommendation
  • SOP or Statement of Purpose
  • Portfolio
  • Scores of IELTS/TOEFL
  • Passport size photographs
  • Updated CV
  • Passport copy
  • Financial documents (loans taken, income tax details, bank statements)

NOTE:

Most UK universities require a portfolio of your previous work. This is as important as your SOP and LORs for admission in Masters of Architecture UK.

Find Out the Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL

Now that you know the requirements, let's take a brief overview of the admission process for best architecture universities UK.

Steps to Apply for Masters in Architecture UK

UK offers two intakes every year. This means you can take your admission during the September-October intake or during the January-February intake. Students can apply for masters in Architecture in UK directly through the university’s application portal during any of these intakes.

To apply to any university in the UK, follow the steps below:

  • Shortlist the universities you wish to apply to. Make a note of their eligibility criteria, requirements, last day of submission, etc.
  • Make an account on the university website you wish to apply to.
  • Choose the Architecture program you want to study.
  • Make sure you fulfil the eligibility criteria as per the pre requite. For example, your minimum IELTS score must be as per the minimum required score to apply.
  • Apply via the university portal by filling out the online application form.
  • Submit all the required documents, portfolio, and proofs.
  • Pay the application fee and submit the form.
  • Await the university’s response. On acceptance, apply for a student visa.

Find out all about Intakes and Deadlines in UK Universities

Cost of Studying Masters in Architecture in UK

Studying Masters in Architecture in the UK includes majorly spending on your pre-preparation, tuition fees, cost of living, travel, and visa expenses. The cost of studying Masters in Architecture in the UK depends upon the type of course and university you are enrolling in. However, on average, the tuition fee for Masters in Architecture is about £20,000 - £50,000/year.

Apart from the cost of education in UK, the other expenditure you will have to spend on is the cost of living in the UK. You will need about £1500 - £1800 per month to live in UK.

A Complete Breakdown of Your Cost of Living in UK

Scholarship to Study Architecture in UK:

If you wish to study Architecture from the UK, you can also apply for RIBA Scholarships that are allotted especially for architecture students across the world to study in the UK. This scholarship awards you £6000 to any RIBA institute.

Scholarships for Architecture Masters UK

Following are the list of Scholarships for Architecture masters UK.

Scholarship Name

Stiphend

University College London, Alumni Scholarship

£11,713

University of Cambridge, Apprenticeship fees

£24,599

University of Sheffield, International Postgraduate Scholarship

£2,342 - £2,982

Cardiff University, Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship

£2,342

Oxford Brookes University Scholarship

£2,342

University of Nottingham, Master’s Scholarship

50% to 100% of Tuition Fee

University of Bath, Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence

£5,856

Ultimate Guide on FAFSA Scholarship for International Students

Studying at top universities in UK makes a lot of difference. Therefore, let's take a look at the top universities for Masters in Architecture in UK or best architecture colleges in UK for masters.

Top 5 Universities for Masters in Architecture in UK

The UK houses some of the best university for Architecture UK. Here’s a list of top 5 universities you should apply to if you wish to do your masters in Architecture in UK:

  • University of Cambridge
  • UCL
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • The University of Sheffield
  • The University of Manchester

Some of the other famous schools of Architecture in the UK are Cardiff University, Loughborough University, Newcastle University, Oxford University, Lancaster University, etc.

However, let’s discuss the top 5 in detail below:

1. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is the third best university in the world. Excelling in every subject, the university offers the best faculty and infrastructure to learn Architecture. The university is the best choice to study for a Masters in Architecture, not just in the UK but the World. You can choose this university to pursue MSc architecture in UK.

QS Rank 2023

2

QS Architecture & Built Environment Rank 2022

11

Programs Offered

 

  • MPhil Architecture and Urban Studies
  • MPhil Architecture
  • MPhil History of Art and Architecture
  • MSt in Architecture Apprenticeship
  • Master of Architecture

Duration

9-21 months (Full time)

3 years (Part-time)

Average Fee

£40,000 - £49,000/year

2. UCL

University College London is undoubtedly one of the best architecture schools UK, London and the world. UCLs holds a high reputation among professionals and an amicable one among its students and alumni. This is because of the industry and student life balance that they have successfully established over the years.

QS Rank 2023

8

QS Architecture & Built Environment Rank 2021

3

Programs Offered

  • MSc Architecture
  • MRes Architecture and Digital Theory
  • MPhil Architecture and Digital Theory
  • MA Landscape Architecture
  • MLA Landscape Architecture
  • MRes Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities

Duration

1-5 years

Average Fee

£20,000 - £29,000/year

3. The University of Edinburgh

Located in Scotland, the University of Edinburgh’s practical teaching and industry exposure help students get the best out of their masters program. Their programs allow the flexibility that helps students to select between a range of research-driven studio courses and a choice of curricular pathways throughout the degree.

QS Rank 2023

15

QS Architecture & Built Environment Rank 2022

51-100

Programs Offered

  • MSc Architectural and Urban Design
  • MSc Architectural Conservation
  • MPhil Architectural History
  • MSc Architectural History and Theory
  • MPhil Architecture
  • MScR Architecture
  • Master of Architecture

Duration

1-2 years

Average Fee

£23,300-£30,000/year

What Makes Scotland An Attractive Study Destination?

4. University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is home to one of the leading schools of architecture in the UK. It offers a range of masters programs that channel the research strength of its academic staff. The programs aim to enhance the academic and professional skills of students to help them build promising careers.

QS Rank 2023

96

QS Architecture & Built Environment Rank 2022

33

Programs Offered

  • MArch Architecture
  • MArch Architecture and Landscape Architecture
  • MSc Sustainable Architecture Studies
  • MA Urban Design
  • MA Architectural Design
  • Urban Design and Planning

Duration

1-2 years

Average Fee

£25,670/ year

5. The University of Manchester

MArch at the Manchester School of Architecture under University of Manchester is an interesting subject to study. This is because the university combines coaching with your personal development and work. The university allows you to regularly showcase your work to professionals as well as highly experienced faculty, thus exposing you to the real world during your study.

QS Rank 2023

28

QS Architecture & Built Environment Rank 2022

7

Programs Offered

  • MArch Architecture
  • MA Architecture and Urbanism
  • MLA Master of Landscape Architecture

Duration

1-2 year

Average Fee

£49,000/ year

Architecture in UK for Indian Students

After the completion of your Masters in Architecture UK, you will definitely look forward to working as an architect in UK. So, let's explore the job opportunities-.

Job Opportunities after Pursuing Masters in Architecture UK

Architects earn a very good salary in the UK. A beginner Architect can expect anywhere between £25,000-£38,000 per year in the UK. However, your earnings depend on how talented an architect you are! After a couple of years of experience, you can expect your pay to rise dramatically and can reach up to £70,000.

As an architect, your salary in London is slightly higher than in the rest of the country. The pay of an architect in London is about £65,000 and upwards. Whereas a project architect can make up to £45,000+.

Here are a few top job profiles that a graduate can expect to work as and the respective average salaries:

Job Titles

Average Annual Base Salary

Landscape Architect

£36,000

Architectural Technologist

£28,000

Interior and Spatial designer

£32,000

Historic Buildings Inspector

£34,000

Urban Planner

£45,000

Research Architect

£58,000

You can choose any job you desire and work in some of the top UK architecture companies.

Some of the best UK architectural firms to work for are:

  • Foster + Partners
  • BDP – Building Design Partnership
  • Zaha Hadid Architects
  • Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
  • Allies and Morrison
  • Sheppard Robson
  • Grimshaw
  • Hawkins\Brown Architect

High-paying Jobs in UK 2022

The best part about studying for a masters in architecture in the UK or specifically in London is that you can be assured of learning from the experts. You will also be learning from some of the most ancient universities in the world. This means that you will be able to learn the past, present, and future of architecture and design from the UK. Thus, it makes studying in UK one of the best choices for architecture programs.

However, during the process, if at any step you face difficulty or need expert guidance, get in touch with our well-trained counsellors by choosing Yocket premium.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Masters in Architecture in UK

Which is the best university to study M Arch In the UK?

Are architects well paid in the UK?

Which are the top 10 UK universities for architecture?

What are the job prospects after architecture postgraduate programs UK?

Are architects in demand in UK?

Articles you might like