Architecture UCL

Overview

Architecture offered by UCS is a design-based course, structured around four years of core taught modules and a fifth year in a placement in architectural practice.  

Key facts

Students across the first four years look at an annual theme that consists of a broad architectural and social issue, changing each year. The chosen theme will be examined from a local and global perspective, both historically and in terms of current and future challenges.  

The annually changing theme means that all students will be sequentially exposed to four different themes during their four years of academic study.

The final year of this integrated course is in professional placement or, if unavailable, students have the option to take the two final-year modules from the school’s Architecture MArch programme. 

What this course will give you

The Architecture MSci course is a design-based degree which encourages creative research from early on, whilst the final-year placement gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience that integrates academic learning with practical experience, offering insights into the architectural profession and ensuring they are ready for the workplace.

Students will be taught according to a comprehensive curriculum which provides a strong foundation in architectural design, real-world challenges such as sustainability, and social responsibility, while exploring technical and social aspects of the built environment.

Students will work closely with tutors and practitioners throughout the course to explore and research design and construction issues which shape today's-built environment, learning to incorporate specialist information with sophisticated designs, responding to different historical, cultural and physical settings. As a student in London, you will be immersed in a dynamic architectural hub and benefit from UCL’s international reputation and global connections.

Teaching is focused on training you to become an independent design researcher as well as achieving the first two stages of qualifying as an architect (ARB Part 1 and Part 2) with just four years of university-based study – one year less than it typically takes to get to Part 2 level. The course therefore offers students the opportunity to accelerate their education, increase earning power and save a proportion of tuition fees.

It also enables students to easily build up a professional network and learn about architectural practice first-hand during your final-year placement.  

We are consistently placed at the top of the QS World University Subject Rankings. In 2025, The Bartlett faculty ranked #1 in the world for Architecture and the Built Environment, and we remained #1 in the UK for the 11th year running. Students will also benefit from studying in London, ranked #1 in the QS Best Student Cities in the World for Studying Abroad. With its countless libraries, archives, cultural spaces and professional bodies, London is the perfect place to find context and support for your studies.