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According to a survey conducted by the Royal Institute of British Architects (a professional body for architects in the UK), it was found that the Architecture sector churned out a mind boggling revenue of 3.4 billion (GBP) in the year 2018. Year after year, this revenue is on the rise and this speaks volumes on why architecture is considered as one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the UK. With a massive number of students inclined towards specializing in architecture, it has become quite essential for them to opt for a reputed institute in some highly acclaimed study abroad destination. And if there is one location in the world which possesses a galore of top notch universities for architecture, it is the United Kingdom.
According to UUKi (Universities UK International), there were 4,58,490 international students studying in the UK for the year 2017-2018. The research also concluded that almost 90% of international students were satisfied by the educational experience in the UK. Out of these, there were 13,155 students who pursued education in architecture, building and planning.
In this article, we have emphasized on the top universities for architecture in the UK, their specialized courses, fee details, top firms for architects in the UK and average salaries for architects in the UK (location-wise).
Why UK for Architecture?
The United Kingdom is one of the most fascinating locations for international education. The QS World Rankings rates this country at the top of its charts in the study of various subjects . According to the QS World Rankings 2019, London ranks as the best student city in the world. This includes the quality of education, privileges granted to the students, quality of life and opportunities after the education.
Not having an IELTS score? You can pursue higher studies without IELTS in UK.
When it comes to specialization in architecture, the UK reigns supreme. Many top universities in the UK are included in the 2019 QS World University Rankings by Subject (Architecture).
TOP RANKED UNIVERSITIES IN UK FOR ARCHITECTURE
| University | QS World University Subject Rankings 2019 ( Architecture) | Total Students Enrolled | International Students Enrolled |
| University College London (UCL) | 1 | 32,795 | 16,750 |
| University of Cambridge | 7 | 19,578 | 7,307 |
| Manchester School of Architecture | 9 | – | – |
| The University of Sheffield | 21 | 27,066 | 9,056 |
| Cardiff University | 37 | 26,735 | 6,290 |
| Loughborough University | 51-100 | 15,991 | 3,864 |
1. BARTLETT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE (UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON)
Ranked as the best university for architecture in the world (as per QS Rankings 2019), University of London is a paradise for all those skilful aspirants hoping to make it big in the field of architecture. With a prolific history, impeccable quality of teaching standards and a location as mesmerizing as London( which is regarded as the world’s best student city as per QS World Rankings 2019),UCL certainly possesses all the ingredients of an ideal university for international students.
The Bartlett School of Architecture offers a comprehensive range of architecture programmes. With accreditations from Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), an undergraduate, graduate or diploma course from this institute would ensure that you have a highly authenticated degree from a widely recognised body of education. The UCL Bartlett, Faculty of Built Environment, Specializes in subjects like Architecture, Development Planning, Environmental Design in Engineering and Construction & Project Management.
Looking to pursue management studies in the UK? Read – MBA in UK
TOP ARCHITECTURE COURSES – DURATION, FEE AND START OF SESSION AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
| Course | Duration | Programme Starts | Average Annual Fee |
| BSc. Architecture | 3 Years | September 2020 | 26,540 GBP |
| MSci. Architecture | 5 Years | September 2020 | 27,540 GBP |
| Engineering and Architectural Design ( M.Eng) | 4 Years | September 2020 | 26,540 GBP |
| Architectural and Interdisciplinary Studies with a Year abroad BSc | 4 Years | September 2020 | 26,540 GBP |
| Architecture M.Arch | 2 Years | September 2020 | 24,980 GBP |
2. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE)
Though the university offers multiple programmes and courses, one of its key specializations is the study of architecture. The Department of Architecture lays the foundation for artistic geniuses, who propel forward to design eminent buildings or other structures. A shear blend of sophisticated and practical knowledge along with the theoretical proficiencies extracts the best out of the students. The emphasis is not only made on the conventional aspects of architecture, but the modern and futuristic ones as well. Students get to study the history and philosophy of architecture, cultural and urban architecture and contemporary architecture.
TOP ARCHITECTURE COURSES – DURATION, FEE AND START OF SESSION AT UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
| Course | Duration | Average Annual Tuition Fee | Starts From |
| Architecture PHD | 4 years | 23,000 -24,000 GBP | October 2020 |
| Architecture BA (Hons.) | 3 years | 27,000 – 28,000 GBP | October 2020 |
| Building History (MSt) | 2 years | 10,000 – 11,000 GBP | October 2020 |
| Architecture and Urban Design (MPhil) | 22 months | 1st year – 29,000 GBP, 2nd year- 13,800 GBP | October 2020 |
3. SHEFFIELD SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
The Sheffield School of Architecture is one of the oldest and prestigious architecture schools in the United Kingdom. It was initiated in the year 1908 and has received massive praises from both international and national students over the past decades. Along with the top-notch standards of education, the university is also renowned for its breathtaking ambiance and environment. Sheffield is renowned as the greenest city in this part of the world. Thus, living here certainly makes for an amazing experience for international students. The cost of living in Sheffield is comparatively cheaper than other prominent cities in the United Kingdom such as London and Manchester. The architecture degrees here are validated by RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and ARB(Architects Registration Board).
TOP ARCHITECTURE COURSES – DURATION, FEE AND START OF SESSION AT SHEFFIELD SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
| Course | Duration | Average Annual Fees | Eligibility |
| MSc. Digital Architecture and Design | 1 year (fulltime) or 2 years(parttime) | 21,000 GBP | Honours Degree
(Preferably. in architecture), Knowledge of various architecture domains, IELTS- 6.5 |
| Architecture and Landscape BA (Hons) | 3 years | 22,600 GBP | AAA (for A levels) with at least one acceptable subject, International Baccalaureate – 36,
Other international qualifications |
| Structural Engineering and Architecture M. Eng ( Hons) | 4 years | 23,750 GBP | 2:1 honours degree or an equivalent qualification, IELTS score of 6.5( with a minimum of 6 in each test), AAA including maths (A- Levels), International Baccalaureate – 36,6 (Maths)
Complete details |
| Digital Architecture and Design MSc | 1 year or 2 years part-time | 21,100 GBP | Bachelor’s degree, AAA including maths (A- Levels), International Baccalaureate- 36,6 (Maths) |
4. WELSH SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE (CARDIFF UNIVERSITY)
Ranked 4th best university in the UK for architecture, Cardiff University was established in the year 1883, making it one of the most prestigious and iconic universities in the United Kingdom. Cardiff University is also the only welsh university which belongs to the prestigious Russell Group’. The Welsh School of Architecture was introduced in the year 1920 and since then has paved the way for architects all over the globe. Some popular courses available at the Welsh School of Architecture are Architectural Design MA, Architecture BSc Hons, Architectural Studies MSc and Environmental Design of Building MSc.
TOP ARCHITECTURE COURSES, DURATION, FEE AND START OF SESSION AT WELSH SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
| Course | Duration | Average Tuition Fee (Annual) | Starts From |
| Architecture BSc. Hons | 5 years | 21,000 GBPapprox | September |
| Architectural Design MA | 1 year | 31,000 GBP approx | End of September |
| Environmental Design of Buildings MSc | 1 year | 21,000 GBP approx | End of September |
| Architectural Studies MSc | 2 years | 21,000 GBP approx | Third week of September |
| Environmental Design of Buildings MSc (distant learning) | 1 year/3 years | 16,500 GBP approx (1 year), 4,100 GBP for 3 years | End of September |
5. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING (LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY)
Study of architecture at the Loughborough University is widely acclaimed by many prestigious organizations. QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings have named this university amongst the top architecture universities in not only the UK but all over the globe. The education system works on the ‘Theory and practicals’ method for various programmes. The school of architecture specializes in architectural programmes like Civil, Urban and Construction management courses. According to the official website of the university, Some of the popular companies where students have been placed are Morgan Sindall, Balfour Beatty, Galliford Try, Network Rail , Interverse , Tony Gee and Vinci.
TOP ARCHITECTURE COURSES, DURATION, FEE AND START OF SESSION AT LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
| Course | Duration | Average Annual Fees | Starts |
| Architecture BArch | 4 years | 22,350 GBP | End of September |
| Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering (M Phil) | 2 years | 22,350 GBP | April |
| Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering PhD | 3 years | 22,350 GBP | April |
| MSc Construction Management Degree | 1 year | 23,500 GBP | End of September |
| Construction Engineering Management BSc
(Hons.) |
4 years | 22,350 GBP | End of September |
TOP ARCHITECTURE FIRMS IN UK
| Ranking | Architecture Firm | Total Income Fees (in Million GBP) |
| 1 | Foster + Partners | 185 |
| 2 | BDP | 57.5 |
| 3 | Zaha Hadid Architects | 57.5 |
| 4 | Allford Hall Monaghan Morris | 39.9 |
| 5 | Allies and Morrison | 41.9 |
| 6 | Shepherd Robson | 22.1 |
| 7 | GrimShaw | 56 |
| 8 | Hawkins/Brown | 24.7 |
| 9 | Atkins | 105 |
| 10 | Scott Brownrigg | 20 |
| 11 | Stride Treglown | 20.7 |
| 12 | Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios | 14.5 |
| 12 | Squire & Partners | 17.1 |
| 14 | Tp Bennet | 29.3 |
| 15 | Purcell | 17.9 |
Note- The above data was published by the popular UK publication ‘Archivibe’.
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AVERAGE SALARY OF ARCHITECTS IN UK (LOCATION-WISE)
| Location | Average Annual Salary (GBP) | Range of Annual Salary Earned (GBP) |
| South East London | 87,500 | 71,250 – 92,500 |
| City of London | 82,500 | 62,500 – 90,000 |
| Cambridge, Cambridgeshire | 62,500 | 62,500 – 97,500 |
| Sheffield, South Yorkshire | 47,500 | 37,500 – 72,500 |
| Northampton, Northamptonshire | 77,500 | 66,944 – 82,500 |
| Birmingham | 67,500 | 47,500 – 87,500 |
| Bristol | 72,500 | 47,500 – 82,500 |
| Glasgow | 67,500 | 57,500 – 82,500 |
| Leeds, West Yorkshire | 67,500 | 58,750 – 82,500 |
| Reading | 82,500 | 67,500 – 87,500 |
Note- The above data was published by a UK-based organization “CW Jobs”.
Study Architecture in UK – FAQ’s
According to the prestigious QS World subject rankings 2019 for Architecture, UCL (University College London) ranks 1st in the world. The university has a prolific history in teaching standards and facilities and a plethora of architecture courses are available for students in various specializations.
In the UK, it takes around 7 years to become a highly equipped architect. Firstly, 3-4 years need to be spent on a bachelor course in architecture. Then, the aspirants need to pursue a masters degree in architecture from some reputed university. After the completion of the graduate degree, students must do an internship at an architecture firm. The degree earned by students must be validated by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).
According to Natwest Student Living Index (2017), Cardiff was declared the most affordable city for students in the UK. This is one of the reasons why Cardiff University is popular among the overseas students. Q.1 Which is the best university for Architecture in the UK?
Q.2 How long does it take to become an architect in the UK?
Q.3 Which is the most affordable city for students in the UK?
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