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Posted Jan. 4, 2024

Top 10 Architecture Masters Degree Courses In The UK

Architecture masters degree top 10There are two types of masters courses offered in Architecture.

One is an MPhil, which tends to research-based learning and is for those wanting to study for a PhD. The other type is an MArch and is part of the process to become an architect.

Architecture Course Search

MArch – University of Bath

Duration: 2 years full time.

Tuition fees:  £5,500 for UK students in the academic year 2024-25 (In the first year, you pay a reduced tuition fee to account for your work placement. In the second year, you will pay the full-year fee for that year – it is £9,250). £18,400 for international students in the academic year 2024-25 (In the first year, you pay a reduced tuition fee to account for your work placement. In the second year, you will pay the full-year fee for that year – it is £28,800.)

What you will study: The structure of the course at the University of Bath is unusual. For the first semester students participate in work experience at an architectural practice. Students then work on design projects to develop their skills and learn different approaches. This continues in the second year with the development of designs and projects from the first year.

MArch – Ulster University

Duration: 2 years full time.

Get in contact with Ulster University for duration and fees.

What you will study: In this Architecture program there is a diverse range of modules that students can take, and these are led by a team of academics, architects and historians. Students come away with a full understanding of architecture in rural and urban environments.

MArch – University College London

Duration: 2 years full time.

Tuition fees: £9,250 for UK students and £31,100 for international students.

What you will study: The Bartlett School of Architecture is part of University College London (UCL) and is world-renowned. Students focus on design units that develop and enhance their innovative thinking and design skills.

MArch – University of Kent

Duration: 2 years full time.

Tuition fees: £9,250 for home students and £22,700 for international for 2024/25.

What you will study: Students study a range of core modules focusing on design, employability, technology, cultural context and architectural theory. There is an opportunity to spend a semester abroad giving an international flavour to the course.

MArch – University of Edinburgh

Duration: 2 years full time.

Contact the university to find out more about fees.

What you will study: Split into two sections of studio work and non-studio work. This course at the University of Edinburgh offers a chance for students to study in a variety of environments. The studio work develops students architectural design abilities. The non-studio work is focused on lectures and seminars on a range of subjects such as technology, practice, planning and law.

Architectural Studies (MArch) – Cardiff University

Duration: 2 years full time.

Tuition fees: (Year 1) £4,500 and (Year 2) £9,000 for UK students. (Year 1) £14,100 and (Year 2) £28,200 for International students.

What you will study: The Welsh School of Architecture at Cardiff University is one of the best in the UK. The first year of the course is spent in an architectural practice. The second year is spent working on design projects and lectures on subjects like building economics and professional practice.

MA in Architecture – University of Liverpool

Duration: 1 year full time.

Tuition fees: £10,800 for UK students / £24,800 for international students. 

What you will study: Modules on this course at the University of Liverpool include architectural theories, Bim theory, climate design and urban design. 

Architecture (ARB RIBA PART 2) MArch – University of Nottingham

Duration: 2 years full time.

Tuition fees: £9,250 for UK students / £28,600 for international students.

What you will study: Modules on this MArch at the University of Nottingham include design, culture, environment and technology. 

MA in Architectural Design – University of Sheffield 

Duration: 1 year full time.

Tuition fees: £10,240 for UK students / £26,350 for international students.

What you will study: Modules on the MA in Architectural Design at the University of Sheffield include architectural design, environment and technology. 

MA in Advanced Architectural Design – University of Strathclyde 

Duration: 2 years full time.

Tuition fees: £9,250 for UK students / £23,200 for international students.

What you will study: Areas of study on this course at the University of Strathclyde include a combination of design studies and cultural studies.

In conclusion

Courses for Masters in Architecture vary greatly in the emphasis and method of teaching. There are many institutions where you can study architecture or a related subject such as construction. Try this further list of other universities that offer related subjects.

* Sources: 1 2 and 3

Editor’s note: this blog was originally published in December 2016. The tuition fees have been updated in January 2024 to reflect the latest tuition fees; and the rankings have been updated to reflect the rankings information in more recent sources.

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