Studying Architecture won’t just open the door to a career in the field – it’ll teach you how to design the door, the frame, and the whole building. Our rankings list the best Architecture universities in the UK, including courses like ArchitecturalDesign and Architectural Technology. You can find the best universities for Architecture in our Architecture league table based on what factors you find important in a course. Filter your course search results by region, entry standards, student satisfaction, graduate prospects, and more. You can then compare your search results and decide which Architecture courses you’d like to apply for.
University of the Arts London (UAL) is ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design in the 2020 QS World University Rankings®, for the second year in a row, and is Europe’s largest specialist university for art and design.
UAL draws together six renowned Colleges, each with a long established, global reputation for producing outstanding work:
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins
- Chelsea College of Arts
- London College of Communication
- London College of Fashion
- Wimbledon College of Arts
Each College has its own culture, philosophy and focus.
UAL graduates go on to work in and shape creative industries worldwide, and the University has launched the careers of many creative and cultural leaders, including over half of all Turner Prize nominees.
Undergraduate study at UAL
UAL offers over 100 courses at degree preparation and undergraduate level in art, design, fashion, media, communication, screen and performing arts.
The University’s courses are delivered by inspiring and supportive teaching staff made up of professional artists, practitioners, designers, critics and theorists. With a UAL qualification, you could follow the path of many of the University’s alumni to become a world leader in your field.
Take a look at the list of courses to find out if there’s something for you.
How to apply
Course pages contain all the information you need to apply, including application forms and entry requirements.
Use the Course Finder on the UAL website to search for a specific undergraduate course.
Foundation Diplomas
The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is one of the main routes into practice-based undergraduate courses at University of the Arts London. The course, which lasts one year, will prepare you for higher education and help you decide the specific subject you want to study at undergraduate level.
You can find more information about the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design on the UAL website.
Undergraduate funding
The UAL website contains information on grants and loans for undergraduates.
UAL also has a range of bursaries, scholarships and awards open to undergraduate students.
If you are from outside the EU, visit the International Fees and Funding page.
Facilities
Each of the University’s Colleges boasts specialist equipment and facilities, including stunning galleries, dramatic workspaces and performance venues. Students have access to a range of learning resources — including archives and special collections, with items dating from the 15th century to the 21st — and can borrow materials from all of the College libraries.
You can find more information about the University’s specialist art and design facilities on the UAL website.
Open Days
Open Days provide a great opportunity to visit any of UAL’s six London Colleges. You will get to meet staff and students and gain in-depth information about undergraduate courses, fees and funding. It’s your chance to start to experience life at UAL. The University has a full programme of Undergraduate Open Days that take place at each of the six Colleges. Take a look at the UAL website for upcoming Open Day events.
Top 10 UK Universities for Architecture 2023
A UK Architecture degree will focus on the design and mechanics behind the construction of buildings. Architecture study takes in the areas of technology, design, and theory, and students will take advantage of state-of-the-art facilities at UK universities including labs for building prototypes (3D printing and laser cutting) and unique workshop spaces.
Courses in the UK are validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects, and completion of an undergraduate Architecture degree is the first step on the road to becoming a professional architect.
Top 10 UK Universities for Architecture
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge, England |
| 2 | University of Leeds | Leeds, England |
| 3 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| 4 | University College London | London, England |
| 5 | University of Sheffield | Sheffield, England |
| 6 | Cardiff University | Cardiff, Wales |
| 7 | UWE Bristol | Bristol, England |
| 8 | Queen’s University Belfast | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| 9 | University of Liverpool | Liverpool, England |
| 10 | Oxford Brookes University | Oxford, England |
Best London Architecture Schools
London is renowned for its beautiful architecture and buildings. It is, therefore, unsurprising that hundreds of students head to the capital to study architecture. But which are the best London architecture unis? Read our comprehensive guide on the best architecture courses in London to help you find the right programme for you.
1. UCL (University College London)
UCL’s Barlett School of Architecture is a firm favourite among aspiring architects. Ranked as the 2nd best department in the world for Architecture and the Built environment (QS World University Rankings 2021), you will be taught by leading experts in the field. There are four undergraduate architecture courses to choose from. These include BScs in Architecture and Architectural & Interdisciplinary Studies, an MSci in Architecture and an MEng in Engineering & Architectural Design. This school also offers 14 postgraduate programmes, including MSc, MArch, MRes, MA and Advanced courses. The Barlett School of Architecture is based across two sites: 22 Gordon Street in Bloomsbury and Here East in Queen Elizabeth Park. Both campuses have state-of-the-art facilities to assist you with your studies and are surrounded by new and old buildings to help inspire your projects. 22 Gordon Street even won a RIBA London Region Award in 2017. Want to study architecture at UCL and need accommodation? Check out The Stay Club’s four locations – perfect for Barlett students.
2. University of the Arts London (UAL)
Initially established as a single institution to help students from seven institutions to study art, the University of the Arts London is now a popular choice for those studying architecture. Choose from a variety of pre-degree, undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses to take your architectural skills to the next level. All students have access to the fully-equipped workshops and cutting-edge facilities for architecture, spatial and interior design at Camberwell College of Arts, Chelsea College of Arts, Central Saint Martins and London College of Communication. If you would like to pursue your architectural studies at UAL, check out The Stay Club’s premium student accommodation locations – perfect for UAL students.
3. London South Bank University (LSBU)
LSBU’s School of the Built Environment and Architecture is a popular choice for budding architects. The institution offers a BA (Hons) in Architecture and a Postgraduate Masters in Architecture (RIBA Part 2) programme to prepare you for your career as an architect. The split nature of the course gives students the opportunity to study for their RIBA part 2 at other universities. LSBU graduates have been accepted to continue their studies at other prestigious schools, including the Bartlett, the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, the Architectural Association and the Royal College of Art. So, the London South Bank University would be a great choice for students wanting to experience life in multiple cities. Moreover, LSBU maintains dedicated studio spaces and specialised equipment for architecture students. The school’s dedicated studio spaces with inspirational views across the London landscape are used to develop student’s skills and train the next generation of architects. Considering LSBU, but have nowhere to stay? Fear not, The Stay Club is here to help. Check out our The Stay Club Kentish Town and Camden sites – ideal for LSBU students.
4. University of Westminster
The University of Westminster has been widely acclaimed since its foundation in 1838. It was the UK’s first polytechnic university and now welcomes approximately 20,000 students from all over the globe. The university’s Department of Architecture and Interiors is known for its strong reputation for research. Both full-time and part-time undergrad and postgrad courses are available. This allows you to find the right study-life balance for you. Are you enticed by the University of Westminster’s flexible programmes and need to sort out accommodation? Take a look at The Stay Club’s University of Westminster accommodation at our Camden, Kentish Town and Colindale sites.
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