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Architecture colleges in UK takes seven years to prepare a fully qualified architect, combining five years of study followed by two years of professional training and practical work before final exams. Students become members of the RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects, after their initial three-year undergraduate degree and before enrolling on a B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture), M.Arch (Master of Architecture) or Ph.D. degree. Students willing to study architecture in UK needs to demonstrate quality academic transcripts, SOP, academic and professional LOR for USA, scores of standardized exams to study in USA, English proficiency test score, portfolio, immigration details.
- 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 salary for architects in UK is 40,600 GBP per annum.
- Around 90% of Architecture graduates in the UK are either employed or go for further studies.
- On average, students need between 1,190-1,460 GBP for living expenses per month of study (depending on if you decide to live inside or outside London).
- The new 2-year post-study UK work visa rules is allowing students to work in the UK after graduation. Any student enrolling at a UK university can stay in the UK after graduation for up to two years in order to look for work related to their degree or course.
Top Architecture Colleges in UK
Some of the top architecture universities in the UK according to the QS Global Ranking 2022 are:
| QS Global Ranking 2022 | University | Architecture Programs |
|---|---|---|
| #=8 | UCL (University College London) | 1 undergraduate, 1 postgraduate, 1 doctoral. |
| #=3 | University of Cambridge | 1 undergraduate, 3 postgraduate, 1 doctoral. |
| - | Manchester School of Architecture | 1 undergraduate, 3 postgraduate, 1 doctoral. |
| #95 | The University of Sheffield | 1 undergraduate, 8 postgraduate, 1 doctoral. |
| #151 | Cardiff University | 1 undergraduate, 3 postgraduate, 1 doctoral, 1 postgraduate diploma. |
| #231 | Loughborough University | 1 undergraduate, 1 postgraduate, 1 doctoral. |
| #134 | Newcastle University | 1 undergraduate, 4 postgraduate, 1 doctoral, 1 postgraduate diploma. |
| #429 | Oxford Brookes University | 2 undergraduate, 2 postgraduate, 1 doctoral. |
| #166 | University of Bath | 1 undergraduate, 1 postgraduate, 1 doctoral. |
| #16 | The University of Edinburgh | 1 undergraduate, 3 postgraduate, 2 doctoral. |
Architecture Colleges in UK: Specialization and Degree Types
The degree of architecture is provided in bachelor, master and doctoral forms in the UK. A student can choose from the different specializations offered by different universities. There are three types of degrees offered by the architectural universities in the UK –
- Undergraduate degree – BA, BSc., BArch (Bachelor of Architecture).
- Postgraduate degree – MA, MSc., MArch (Master of Architecture), MLA (Master of Landscape Architecture), MEng (Master of Engineering), MArchD (Applied Design in Architecture).
- Doctoral degree – MPhil., Ph.D.
There are various specializations in architecture that can be chosen by students to study in UK.
| Specializations | |
|---|---|
| Architectural Design | Digital Architecture and Design |
| Architectural Studies | Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering |
| Architecture and Urban Design | Interior Architecture |
| Architectural Engineering Design | Architecture |
| Landscape Architecture | Advanced Architectural Design |
UCAS stands for Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. It is the centralized service that students use to apply to the university for admissions. To apply for admissions at top architecture colleges in UK, students can apply using the UCAS application portal.
The students can select up to 5 colleges through UCAS. They have to note down their UCAS codes for particular courses and universities. If successful the student will receive a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
The students need to get hold of your predicted A-level (or equivalent) grades and cross-reference them with the entry requirements for courses that interest them.
Architecture Colleges in UK: Undergraduate Programs
Undergraduate degrees in architecture are closely connected to other disciplines like arts and design. Architecture is very important in human history and anthropology. Architecture degrees share ties to academic subjects like Construction Engineering, Graphic Design, User Experience Design and Arts.
The duration to study an undergraduate course in architecture will take 3-4 years depending on the university chosen for admissions.
The table below shows some of the top undergraduate programs at architecture colleges in UK:
| Program | University | Annual Fees (in GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| BA Interior Architecture (Hons.) | Oxford Brookes University | 15,849 |
| BA Architecture | University of Edinburgh | 29,645 |
| BSc. Architectural and Interdisciplinary Studies | UCL (University College London) | 30,261 |
| BSc. (Hons.) Architecture | Cardiff University | 25,027 |
| BA Architecture (Honours) | Newcastle University | 23,944 |
Eligibility for Bachelors in Architecture
- Students should have an aggregate of 60% in their 12th grade (it may vary depending on the university)
- Provide proof of English language proficiency through one of the following exams:
- IELTS – 7.5
- TOEFL (iBT) – 100
- PTE – 51
Documents required
- An up-to-date passport.
- Academic transcripts and certificates with their English translations
- SOP
- Scores of English language proficiency.
Architecture Colleges in UK: Postgraduate Programs
Architects need to have an eye for beauty, utility and durability. During pursuing Masters in Architecture in UK, a student will learn about architectural styles, the science of designing, design structures, landscape architecture and 3D designs. They will also discover computer software such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), which helps to plan, analyze and optimize design work.
A masters in architecture in UK takes about 2-3 years to complete. A student can pursue a Masters in Architecture in UK from the following universities:
| Program | University | Annual Fees (in GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| MArch Architectural Studies | Cardiff University | 25,027 |
| MA Architectural Design | University of Sheffield | 27,080 |
| MA Landscape Architecture Studies | Newcastle University | 20,524 |
| MSc. Architectural Engineering Environmental Design | University of Bath | 22,120 |
| MA Architecture and Urbanism | Manchester School of Architecture (The University of Manchester) | 18,813 |
Eligibility for Masters in Architecture
- The students should have completed a bachelor's degree in relevant discipline with a UK 2:1 or 2:2 honors equivalent i.e., 50%-60% from a recognized university or college.
- Complete a design portfolio
- Provide proof of English language proficiency through:
- IELTS – 6.5
- TOEFL – 88
- PTE – 70.
Documents required
- Academic transcripts from all educational institutions attended
- Academic LOR
- Professional LOR
- Scores of standardized test to study in UK showcasing English proficiency
- Students are required to submit proof of their professional development, by providing a strong portfolio. The portfolio will help consider students on an individual basis.
- Also, students with a year of professional training will be preferred by the Institution.
Architecture Colleges in UK: Doctoral Programs
Doctoral programs in architecture provide students with access to Analysis of Contemporary Architecture, City Design and Development, Urban Design Policy, Residential Design, etc. A Ph.D. in architecture in UK takes 3-4 years for completion.
There are various specialized field options for a student to study Ph.D. in Architecture in UK
| Program | University | Annual Fees (in GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. Architecture (Practice-Based) | Loughborough University | 22,350 |
| Ph.D. Architecture and Civil Engineering | University of Bath | 22,576 |
| MPhil./PhD Architectural Space and Computation | UCL (University College London) | 25,096 |
| MPhil./PhD Architecture, Planning and Landscape | Newcastle University | 18,810 |
| MPhil./PhD Architecture | University of Edinburgh | 22,918 |
Eligibility for Ph.D. in Architecture
- A relevant master's degree in architecture or any related field, with merit and a minimum average grade of 60% in both the taught course units and the dissertation (or the international equivalent of 60%).
- Proof of English language proficiency through one of the exams such as:
- IELTS – 7
- TOEFL (iBT)– 100
- PTE – 66.
Documents required
- Students are required to send their academic transcripts from all educational institutions attended
- Thesis or research proposal to the university
- Writing samples
- Portfolio
- CV
- Scores of standardized exams to study in UK.
Scholarships at Best Architecture Colleges in UK
An international student studying in the UK can apply for various financial support options to study in the UK. These financial support options can include various ways to cover the expenses that are to be incurred in the UK by a student.
The various financial support options include education loans, international scholarships to study in UK, etc. These scholarships are provided by the university or private organizations or agencies.
| Scholarships | Provided by | Provided to | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECA Ph.D. Scholarship | University of Edinburgh | Ph.D. students at Edinburgh College of Arts | 16,000 GBP per year |
| Hodgkinson Scholarship | Oxford Brookes University | Masters in architecture students | Tuition fees for one year |
| Ph.D. in Architecture Studentship | University of Strathclyde | Research applicants with first/upper second class degree in architecture | International fees & maintenance grant of 13,836 GBP per year |
| Royal Institutes of British Architects (RIBA) Wren Insurance Association Scholarships | Royal Institutes of British Architects (RIBA). | Architecture students fulfilling RIBA requirements | 6,000 GBP |
| University of Kent Postgraduate Scholarships | University of Kent | Architecture students at postgraduate levels. | Various Scholarships. |
| Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship | Cardiff University | International students in Masters program | 2,000 GBP |
| Chevening Scholarship | UK Government | International students in Masters program | Tuition Fees |
Scope after Studying at Top Architecture Colleges in UK
Architects earn an average salary of 27,000-35,000 GBP in the UK. The British architecture scene is thriving, both locally in the UK and on international projects. There are many types of architecture vacancies and projects available. Positions can be either of a contract or permanent nature but may depend on the work visa the person holds.
Students can find various jobs in the UK such as architectural technicians, architects, architectural designers, etc. Currently, the demand is so great that qualified architects can generally expect to find a job within 2 weeks of arriving in the UK. High demand means the person will have the opportunity to evaluate his/her options. Architectural firms are located most commonly in London but can be offered in cities across the UK.
A person working as an Architect in the United Kingdom earns an average salary of 33,752 GBP. The salary increases with years of experience and skills.
The highest paying architecture jobs in UK are as follows:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (in GBP) |
|---|---|
| Architect | 15,000-70,000 |
| Architectural Designer | 22,000-56,000 |
| Architectural Intern | 16,000-30,000 |
| Architectural Project Manager | 21,000-108,000 |
| Landscape Architect | 21,000-37,000 |
| Architectural Technician | 17,000-35,000 |
| Interior Designer | 21,000-38,000 |
| Senior Project Architect | 34,000-50,000 |
Architecture Colleges in UK will teach students all about design rules, knowing how to work with texture, color, contrast, lighting and many other aspects like designing buildings. After their architecture studies in the UK, students will get the opportunity to work as a licensed architect, CAD technician, interior designer and urban designer, building surveyor, construction manager, landscape architect, or structural engineer.
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