The United Kingdom holds its own when it comes to architectural design marvels. From the mesmerising London Skyline to the sublime Shard, there are many design works in which it takes pride. Many of it is due to the strong backing the government and its people have for architectural programmes in the country.
During their duration, courses in the UK cover a broad spectrum of intricacies in the design world, such as technology, design, history, and culture. It allows its students to get acquainted with areas they need to excel at even before they go out and practice as registered architects. This article lists Architecture in the UK for 2022 and their eligibility, cost, and admission processes for top colleges.
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Scope of Studying Architecture in the UK
Architecture as a subject offers a lot of potentials, especially in the United Kingdom. Every year thousands of international students from India, Canada, Spain, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland, and other countries apply to pursue their architectural passion in the country. In addition, British architecture is one of the most revered globally and fascinates thousands of students to pursue it as a profession.
Here are the reasons you should consider studying architecture in the UK –
Exposure
The country has the top three universities that specialise in architectural design studies. It means that international students coming to the UK can hone their skills under the best professionals and prepare themselves for a bright future.
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A broad spectrum of courses
The UK offers applicants a wide range of attractive and meaningful architecture courses. From mathematical speciality to design sketching, you can find several top universities providing ample resources in a bid to make you a successful professional.
Grab a membership in RIBA
All applicants who graduate from top Architecture universities in the country are eligible to be a part of an elite group of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects). A community of professionals in this field decides the course of architectural design studios in the country and abroad.
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Post-study work permit
The UK allows all international students who have completed their MArch UK to extend their visa for up to two years. It gives them the leeway to find the job most suited to their profile and settle in the country afterwards.
Top Colleges for Pursuing Architecture in the UK
Here are the top options for pursuing Architecture in England –
University of Cambridge, Cambridge
- Course Name – MPhil in Architecture
- Cost – INR 28 lakh per annum
- Minimum IELTS Score – 7.5
Birmingham City University, Birmingham
- Course Name – Landscape Architecture – MA
- Cost – INR 23 lakh per annum
- Minimum IELTS Score – 6
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
- Course Name – MArch Architectural Design
- Cost – INR 28 lakh per annum
- Minimum IELTS Score – 6.5
Leeds Beckett University, Leeds
- Course Name – MA Town and Regional Planning
- Cost – INR 23 lakh per annum
- Minimum IELTS Score – 6
University of Nottingham, Nottingham
- Course Name – Architecture and Sustainable Design MArch
- Cost – INR 23 lakh per annum
- Minimum IELTS Score – 7
University of Manchester, Manchester
- Course Name – Master of Architecture (MArch)
- Cost – 25.5 lakh per annum
- Minimum IELTS Score – 6.5
Eligibility Requirements
A qualified architect has to spend at least seven years of study, where they will have to dedicate the first five or six years to studying, and the last two years are for practical training and work before appearing for final exams. For this, students become members of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) once they complete the three-year undergraduate degree. They then enrol for a BArch, MArch, or Diploma.
While the eligibility requirements vary depending on the universities you apply to, here are the standard entry requirements you are likely to come across –
- A minimum of 32 International Baccalaureate points
- A score of AAB or higher in A-levels with a focus on art, sciences, and writing ability
- An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, with a minimum of 6.0 in all four tasks individually
Admission Process
For those applying for MS in Architecture in the UK, you will require a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and submit a portfolio to be eligible for admission. The minimum marks range between 50% and 60% depending on the university you apply to.
Most universities invite applications for the architecture programme in September, and the admission process starts between May and June for most university applicants. They can submit their application online or go the UCAS route (ensure the university accepts it).
As for documentation, you will need a design work portfolio that includes your practical work samples from previous education or work you undertook. It would consist of diagrams, sketches, drawings, and more. In addition, you would also have to submit a Resume/CV about the architecture field.
Furthermore, many universities require a personal statement from the applicants, a 300-odd word document that acts as a cover letter and defines your previous education and professional endeavours. In addition, it should also include the reasons why you are looking to pursue the course.
Cost of Studying Masters in Architecture in the UK
Best universities in the UK charge approximately INR 25 lakh per annum. Depending on the university you opt for, the cost of studying contemporary architecture courses would range between INR 15 lakh and 40 lakh per annum.
It includes tuition fees, cost of living, pre-arrival expenses, and personal expenses. You can expect to incur pre-arrival costs to the tune of up to INR 2 lakh, with the student visa and health insurance taking away a significant chunk of it.
If you are looking for cheaper options, several options such as Leeds Beckett University and Birmingham City University allow you to Architecture in the UK at a reasonable cost.
Conclusion
If you are unsure whether you should think of pursuing Architecture in the UK, think no further. Get in contact with our experts at LeapScholar and understand your chances of getting into the top colleges in England. They would give you real-time insights pertaining to your portfolio and help you find out the best universities to apply to.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the Job Prospects after completing a Master’s in Architecture in UK?
Once you have completed your Master’s in Architecture, you can apply to become an architectural designer, registered architect, project architect, design manager, etc. After clearing their MArch from the United Kingdom, there are many well-paying options for candidates.
2. Which Countries pay the Highest to Architects?
The USA, UK, Australia, and Ireland are some of the top prospects for architects.
3. Is the English Language compulsory for Applying for Architectural Engineering in the UK?
Most top higher education schools and universities demand an IELTS score of 6 or higher for students applying for Architecture and other specialised courses in the UK. So it is safe to say that English does play a vital role in your application getting accepted or rejected for Hons, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses.
4. What do Architects Study in Colleges or Universities?
A student pursuing architecture studies and history and theory of design for the major part of their first five or six years. They get practical experience and learn precisions, creativity, and the other requisite skills throughout this period and get to hone their skills in the last year or two.
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