Study Architecture in UK for International Students

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Study-Architecture-in-UK-for-International-Students

The United Kingdom or the UK provides world-class education facilities in architecture. It also allows students to combine courses according to their liking and needs. Students can tailor their courses, making the UK the ultimate paradise for students. Architecture, a complex profession, needs time and patience to master the subject. Thus, UK universities and colleges provide a five-year study for architecture and two years of practical work experience before appearing for final exams.
To know more about studying architecture in the UK for international students, read on. 

Why is UK Famous for Architecture Courses?

Architecture courses include studying technology, design, culture, and historical elements of the subject. In the UK, it is done such that history and theory take place alongside art and 3D design. This allows students to get the best approach to learning about each subject.

UK universities and colleges provide Architecture courses that last up to 7 years. The first five years are for study while the last two years are for educational training and practical work. After completing the course, students will become official members of RIBA, i.e. the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Thus, UK is famous for its architecture. It provides students with every possible aspect of education in architecture without making it overbearing. 

Architecture Entry Requirements

To enrol in any UK college or university, one must have studied science or math, humanities, and arts subjects in grade 12. Subjects like art and design are not given consideration.

Every college in the UK provides different criteria for education. Given below are some standard eligibility requirements that one must have:

  • Minimum 95% marks in grade 12th
  • High/ secondary school mark sheet
  • High/ secondary school leaving certificate
  • Proof of financial support
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Proof of English proficiency by giving exams like IELTS or TOEFL
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Resume of skills and other qualifications
  • Appear for exams like GMAT, GRE, etc.

Top Universities for Architecture Courses

The United Kingdom is home to some of the top universities in the world. According to the QS rankings, the UK has 90 of the best universities, and four lie in the top 10 categories. Tuition fees in UK colleges range from USD 13,130 to – USD 53,700 per year. While the living costs vary from USD 16,950 – to USD 31380 Per year for students.

Some of the top universities for architecture according to QS Rankings:

  • University of London
  • University of Cambridge
  • Manchester School of Architecture
  • The University of Sheffield
  • Cardiff University
  • Loughborough University
  • Newcastle University
  • Oxford Brookes University
  • University of Bath
  • The University of Edinburg.

Some of the top universities for architecture according to World Rankings:

  • University of Cambridge
  • UCL
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • Lancaster University
  • The University of Manchester
  • The University of Sheffield
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Exeter

Popular Architecture Courses in UK

Even though the UK is famous for all its courses due to its universal education standards, some courses in architecture have gained more traction from students compared to the rest. Some of these courses are listed below, with the colleges that provide them: 

University

Popular Courses

University of Cambridge

  • MPhil Degree in Architecture and Urban Design (MAUD) – ARB/ RIBA Pt2
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture – ARB/ RIBA Pt3
  • MPhil in Architecture & Urban Studies (MAUS)
  • PhD in ArchitecturMScSt in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment – (part-time)
  • MSc in Building History – (part-time)

University of Sheffield

  • BA Architecture (RIBA Part 1)
  • BA Architecture and Landscape (RIBA and LI Pt 1)
  • MEng Structural Engineering and Architecture (RIBA Pt 1, IStructE, and ICE)
  • Master of Architecture Programs (ARB/RIBA Pt 2) that include: MArch Architecture, MArch Architecture,e, and Landscape Architecture, March Architecture(Collaborative Practice)
  • Postgraduate Taught MasterPh.D.hD Programs

Loughborough University

  • Architecture BArch (Hons)
  • Architectural Engineering & Design Management BSc (Hons)

University of Edinburg

  • Architectural History and Heritage (MA)
  • Architectural History and Archaeology (MA)
  • Architecture (BA/MA)
  • Advanced Sustainable Design MSc
  • Architectural & Urban Design MSc
  • Architectural Conservation MSc
  • Architectural History & Theory MSc
  • architecture.D.Ph.D., MPhil
  • Architecture MScR
  • Architecture by Design, PhD
  • Architecture, Master of (ARB/RIBA Part 2) March ARB Pt 2

University of Liverpool

  • Architecture BA
  • Architecture BA (Design Studies)
  • Architecture MArch
  • At the postgraduate level there are still more choices for you:
  • Architecture MA
  • Arts: Architecture MRes
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) MSc
  • Digital Integrated Design MSc
  • Master of Architecture MArch
  • Sustainable Environmental Design in Architecture (SEDA) MSc
  • MSc Advanced Transdisciplinary Design

Cardiff University

  • MA in Urban Design
  • PgDip in Architecture: Professional Practice (Part 3)
  • MA Architectural Design
  • Master of Design Administration (MDA)
  • MSc in Environmental Design of Buildings (local and distance learning)
  • MSc in Sustainable Mega Buildings
  • MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation
  • MSc in Building Diagnostics for Energy and Environmental Performance

University of Newcastle

  • Bachelor of Design Architecture
  • Master of Architecture
  • Project Management
  • Disaster resilience & sustainable development
  • Disaster risk reduction

Architecture Course Fees in UK for International Students

Fees of various architecture courses in the UK vary with the type of course and college. It can range anywhere from USD 11,000 – to USD 61,000. Students can apply for various scholarship programs and student discounts to enjoy their advantages.

Given below are some of the top colleges with their expected tuition fees in UK: 

QS World Ranking

University

Fees

3

University of Cambridge

$50,771

8

University College London

$38,091

16

University of Edinburgh

$31,829

27

Manchester School of Architecture

$61,185

95

University of Sheffield

$27,468

103

University of Nottingham

$30,058

134

Newcastle University

$54,676

151

Cardiff University

$28,575

166

University of Bath

$47,581

189

University of Liverpool

$12,041

201

University of Reading

$29,746

Architecture Scholarships in UK 

Various colleges provide different amounts of scholarships depending on the course. The University of Dundee and Oxford School of Architecture offer significant scholarships for the Architecture course.

These are the details of the scholarships provided: 

University of Dundee

  • The University of Dundee is a well-known university in the UK. It lies in the top 20 categories according to Guardian University Guide 2021. Many scholarships are offered, but the university, one of them is the Global Citizenship Scholarship – The Undergraduate and the Postgraduate edition.
  • This grant is only available to students in UG and PG courses provided by the university and must enrol in the university in the year they receive their scholarship award. They must also be holding UK 1st Class Honours degree or equivalent. They must be classified as 'international' when paying tuition fees.
  • The students who get awarded this scholarship receive USD 6500 contribution and help with their tuition fees.

Oxford school of Architecture

  • Many students enrol every year from UK, EU, and international backgrounds. Thus, the university faculties formed a tie-up with RIBA part 1 and part 2 to provide students with full-time funding facilities.
  • Students who must be enrolled to benefit from this award must be enrolled in the first year of the RIBA Part 1 course in the UK or applying for the RIBA Part 2 course in the UK. Scholars also need to provide proof of enrolment.
  • Students who are awarded this scholarship receive USD 7810 in termly instalments through the course.

Some other scholarships for architecture students are: 

Scholarship

Benefits

Kent School Of Architecture Scholarships

Tuition fee Waiver, Minimum Stipend, Payment for Teaching

International Scholarships

USD 6,509

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships

USD 2,603

GREAT Scholarships

USD 13,018

York Marshall Scholarships

Varies

ARB/RIBA Part 2

10% scholarship/ Fee discount

Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship

USD 1,00,000

Erasmus Scholarship:

Full funding

Jared J. Davis Grant:

USD 1000

Harvey Fellowship

USD 16,000

Student Visa Process for Architecture in UK

A student applying for a student visa to study in the UK must be 16 years or above. They must be applying three months before their course starts. This way, they can get a decision in approximately eight weeks. Once a student receives their visa, they can stay in the UK for as lost as their course lasts. Following are a few essential documents a student must possess to apply for a visa to study in the UK:

  • An offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
  • Enough money to support the student and pay for the course
  • Ability to speak, read, write and understand English
  • Parents' consent if they are 16 or 17 years old.

Jobs & Salary for Architecture in UK

Architecture has a lot of potentials, particularly in the United Kingdom. Thousands of international students from Bangladesh, Canada, Spain, Germany, Malaysia, Scotland, and other countries apply to study architecture each year. Furthermore, British architecture is revered worldwide and inspires thousands of students to pursue it as a career.
Graduates will find jobs in architectural design, engineering and construction, preservation, and urban planning after completing the seven years of study required to become a registered architects.

  • Average starting salary for a professional: £20,000
  • The average starting salary for a non-professional is £16,640.

Still unclear about anything? Well, not to worry. Contact AECC and get your queries answered today! AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream. 


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