Architecture is a creative field and its studies often involve the incorporation of technology and science, history, and design principles so that the graduates become well-rounded professionals in the field. 

Architecture programs are offered at all levels from undergraduate degrees to the doctoral programs in the UK. All these programs are accredited allowing graduates to sit for licensure examinations and register as professional architects in the UK.

Graduates are hired by construction companies, consultancies, interior designing companies, etc. for roles such as architectural designer, project manager, drafter, etc. One who specializes in urban architecture or environmental design is also hired by government offices and INGOs. 

As per the QS World University ranking 2022, the UK is home to some of the top universities in the world. 

Similarly, there are some top universities and colleges in the UK offering architecture programs. 

Top Architecture University in the UK: Bachelor of Architecture

Bachelor's program in Architecture is available as a bachelor of architecture and BA in architecture. The course duration is generally 3 to 4 years. The tuition fee for a Bachelor of Architecture degree in the UK ranges from £14,000 to £30,000 per year.

 Academic Requirement:

Completion of higher secondary education or grade 12 with a score ranging from 65 to 85% overall is required.

English Language Requirement:

The following English language test scores are sufficient for the English language requirement for entry into an undergraduate program.

• IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 to 6.0 in each band.
• TOEFL score of 70 to 90 overall with at least 13 to 17 in listening and reading, 17 to 19 in speaking, and 19 to 23 in writing.
• PTE score of 54 to 62 overall with no less than 51 in each section.

Portfolio:

Unlike other engineering fields of study, applicants for architecture programs are required to submit a digital portfolio of creative works that demonstrate their creativity and ability. The requirements are not similar in all institutions. The portfolios demanded are specified by the university.

Pathway for Entry:

In specific cases where the higher secondary education certificate of the applicant is not recognized or the applicant does not meet the entry requirement of the program, universities offer the following alternatives.

• Applying with SAT or ACT scores along with a higher education certificate
• Completing 1 year of the undergraduate program in the home country with a score of 65% or more
• Applying for the foundation program for undergraduate studies

Top Architecture University in the UK: Bachelor of Architecture (Tuition Fee)

Top Architecture University in the UK: Master of Architecture

Master of Architecture in the UK is available as both M.Arch. and MA in architecture. The course duration varies from 1 to 2 years. The tuition fee of a master-level architectural program ranges from £11,000 to £25,000 per year. Most of the master's programs offered are accredited by RIBA.

Academic Requirement:

A bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a score of 60% or higher equivalent to an upper second class honors degree in the UK is required.

English Language Requirement:

The following English language test scores are accepted.

• An IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 to 6.0 in each mode of communication.
• A TOEFL score of 70 to 90 overall with 13 to 17 in reading and listening, 17 to 19 in speaking, and 19 to 23 in writing.
• A PTE score of 58 to 62 overall with at least 51 to 54 in each section.

Portfolio Requirement:

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of creative works along with their application. The portfolio may contain creative arts, pieces of professional works, etc. 

Top Architecture University in the UK: Master of Architecture in the UK (Tuition Fee)

Top Architecture University in the UK: Ph.D. in Architecture

Doctoral programs in architecture are also offered by universities in the UK. The course duration for such programs can range from 3 to 8 years and the tuition fee ranges from £14,000 to £18,000 per year. Students are mostly supported financially through research grants and scholarships.

Document Checklist:

• Transcripts of all university-level courses
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Proof of Funds
• Letter of references
• Research Proposals
• Proof of English language proficiency

Academic Requirement:

For entry into a doctoral program in architecture in the UK, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a score equivalent to first-class and a master's degree in a relevant field with merit is required.

English Language Requirement:

  The following test scores are sufficient for the English language requirement for entry into a doctoral program. Applicants who have completed their master's in the UK are generally exempt from this requirement.

• An IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.
• TOEFL score of 80 or higher 
• PTE score of 54 or higher

Research Proposal:

Applicants of a doctoral program are required to submit a research proposal with word content of 1000 to 2000. The research proposal must demonstrate the main research idea, existing knowledge of the applicant, methodology of research, and the scope of the project. 

Top Architecture University in the UK: Scholarship

The following table lists some of the scholarships awarded to international students of architecture in universities in the UK. 

Top Architecture University in the UK: Job Scope

Architects are hired by consultancies, construction companies, interior designing companies, etc. for roles such as project manager, designer, drafter, etc. Skilled architects also have choices for freelance jobs. 

Graduates specializing in the field of urban architecture and environmental design are also hired by government offices and INGOs. The average salary with a bachelor of architecture degree in the UK is £31,000 per year and that of a master of architecture degree is £33,000 per year.