Architects play an important role in balancing creativity and practicality in life, manifested in all aspects, from the skyscrapers to the ubiquitous urban planning. It is undoubtedly a great career option for those who are obsessed with admiring and building eye-catching and functional architecture. The UK is a suitable choice to study Architecture with 3 universities ranking in the top 10 according to the QS World University Rankings 2024 by Architecture and Built Environment. Follow our footprints and get to know the top 10 universities to study Architecture in the UK.
Top 5 Universities in the UK to Study Architecture
UCL
University College London (UCL) has ranked 1st in the QS Rankings by Architecture and Built Environment for many years. The Bartlett School of Architecture is the dream school for many students studying architecture. Its undergraduate degrees are particularly popular with international applicants, with an AAB level grade as a minimum admission requirement. Meanwhile, the design portfolio accounts for 70% of the total score, acknowledging the importance of practice. Students also have the opportunity to take field trips to major European cities in their second semester. The school also offers various master’s degrees in Architecture and Design. Every year, all students attend the Bartlett Summer Exhibition, a major exhibition that attracts thousands of visitors. It can be regarded as a highlight in the field of architecture. When it comes to accommodation, you can find an off-campus UCL accommodation with an elegant design and attractive appearance through uhomes.com.
Manchester School of Architecture
Manchester has a rich architectural and landscape history. With beautiful and meaningful architecture, the city itself provides a deep academic atmosphere for students studying architecture. The Manchester School of Architecture is jointly run by the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. It ranks 5th in the QS World University Rankings 2024 by subject, offering a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Architecture. Research at Manchester School of Architecture is interdisciplinary in essence, including diverse field, such as Urban Design, Urban Development, Ecology and Landscape Design, and Conservation and Management of Historic Environment.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge is one of the best architecture schools and one of the few that offers 1-on-1 teaching. Its 3-year undergraduate program is grounded in the Arts and Sciences, with an emphasis on the historical and cultural context of the subject. Meanwhile, the university provides a dedicated design space for every student. The work in this space is time-consuming and important, counting for 60% of the mark. Therefore, students need to spend more time on this part each week. All in all, University of Cambridge expects to cultivate the students’ faculties of practice, creativity, curiosity and intelligence.
University of Sheffield
University of Sheffield is a leading university in Architecture, Urban Design, and Sustainable Energy Technologies. The university is famous for the study of landscape architecture, It is also the only university in the UK offering double major option in Architecture and Landscape. By the way, there is a small tip for applicants. The university has stated that it is an important quality for applicants to have excellent academic performance and a “strong sense of social responsibility”. Therefore, it may be more helpful for applicants to reflect this character in the craft submitted.
Cardiff University
The Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff University was founded in 1920 and is now recognized as one of the best architecture schools in the UK. It features the world’s largest sky dome, where students in the school can simulate the shadows casted by sun and clouds at any time of day on their models. The school emphasizes more on practical work than academic research. The students will spend most of time in the design studio. The size and complexity of the project will increase as it progresses. The majority of graduates from Cardiff University are occupied in Architecture and work for many well-known companies in the UK and around the world.
Entry Requirements of Architecture School in the UK
◆ To apply an undergraduate degree in Architecture in the UK, students must have completed high school with an overall score of approximately 60%. A mixed course in Science or Mathematics is also compulsory.
◆ To apply a master’s degree in Architecture in the UK, students need to provide portfolios that meet the demands. 2 years of practical experience is also required.
◆ Every international student is required to get a total score of 6.5 in IELTS, with no part lower than 6.0.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced 5 best UK universities to study Architecture, including UCL, Manchester School of Architecture, University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield, and Cardiff University. We have also mentioned the entry requirements and small tip on the application to these universities. If you dream of study Architecture in the UK, we highly recommend these 5 universities that lay more emphasis on practice than academic research.
