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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

University of Cambridge World Ranking 2024	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.

University College London World Ranking 2024	9
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.

University of Edinburgh World Ranking 2024	22
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

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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.

University of Sheffield World Ranking 2024	104
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.

University of Manchester World Ranking 2024	32
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

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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

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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.

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