Thinking of doing a master’s in architecture in the UK? You should know that this is a full-time one to two years course. M Arch, MS, and MA versions are available for the subject at this level. You will need to score at least 60% in your undergraduate course to gain admission into the best architecture universities in the UK. Personal portfolios may also be required for applying. Architects are in high demand throughout the United Kingdom (UK), and pursuing a master’s course in the subject will open doors to attractive opportunities.
There are many reasons why you should pursue your M Arch in the UK or an equivalent course. Here’s looking at the same:
Those studying masters’ courses associated with the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) or the ARB (Architects Registration Board) will automatically become members of these bodies after course completion. 50+ UK universities are RIBA affiliated. Members have several advantages, including scholarships, bursaries, networking, and vacancy notifications.
The UK is home to some of the highest-ranked global universities and institutions for architecture courses.
Architects earn handsome salaries in the UK, with increments after every 12-16 months.
UK universities offer an intensive curriculum with sufficient industry exposure and practical skill development.
Top Universities for Master’s in Architecture in the UK
MS in Digital Architecture and Design, Sustainable Architecture and Studies and MA in Urban Design or Architectural Design for 1 year
£21,100 or INR 21 lakh
University of Liverpool
M Arch for 2 years
£9,250 or INR 9 lakh
Cardiff University
M Arch in Architectural Studies for 2 years or MA for 2 years
£21,950 or INR 21 lakh
Oxford Brookes University
M Arch for 1 year
£14,700 or INR 14 lakh
University of Reading
M Arch for 2 years
£22,850 or INR 22 lakh
University of Salford
M Arch for 1 year
£15,300 or INR 15 lakh
University of Strathclyde
M Arch in Architectural Design
£18,950 or INR 18 lakh
University of Westminster
MA Architecture for 1 year
£13,000 or INR 13 lakh
University of Bath
M Arch for 2 years (Honors)
£36,550 or INR 36 lakh
The fees are all approximate figures. Check university websites carefully for final confirmation. The fees are for each year.
Cost of Studying Master’s in Architecture in the UK
If you study at the best architecture universities in the UK, you can expect to pay anywhere between £15,000-40,000 or INR 15-40 lakh per year. Some of the additional charges include the following:
Check individual university websites carefully for information on the application deadlines.
Requirements for Admission
Students should apply directly to the websites of their chosen universities. They should download and complete their application forms before submitting the same with all documents within the requisite deadlines. Some institutions also take applications through the UCAS portal, while many invite applications in September.
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject with 60% marks or UK2.1 or 50% marks/UK 2.2. Some institutions may require anywhere between 65-69%.
A personal design portfolio.
Proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores. Most institutions insist on IELTS 6.5-7.5 for granting admission to applicants.
Documents Needed
Portfolio of samples and design work done for organizations and in educational courses. New work can be added to this portfolio. This will include diagrams, sketches, and explanations.
SOP (Statement of Purpose) or Personal Statement, detailing the candidate’s earlier education and professional experience while stating why a particular program and the country will help them pursue future goals.
CV or Resume.
Letter of support is similar to referral letters, although majorly written by employers, talking about how the aspirant will benefit from the course and their performance in the professional sphere.
Academic transcripts- This will include mark sheets and scores in undergraduate degrees and other courses.
English language proficiency scores- Score sheets of TOEFL or IELTS have to be submitted.
Job Prospects after Master’s in architecture in the UK
The UK is one of the best employment markets for those completing their master’s in architecture. Graduates may expect average salaries between 22,000-45,000 GBP or INR 22-45 lakh per year, depending on the job role in question. Some top recruiters include Broadway Malyan, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster and Partners, Adamson Associates Architects, Balfour Beatty, etc.
Those working as architects can expect median salaries of 33,000 GBP or approximately INR 33 lakh per year, while project architects may earn up to 36,000 GBP or INR 36 lakh annually. Design architects may make up to 32,000 GBP (approximately INR 32 lakh respectively) per year. Project managers may earn up to 40,000 GBP or INR 40 lakh per year, while interior designers earn up to 27,000 GBP or INR 27 lakh per annum. Senior project architects and 3D artists command salaries of 41,000 GBP (INR 41 lakh approx) and 25,000 GBP (INR 25 lakh approx) per year. Interns may start from 22,000 GBP or INR 22 lakh each year. With multiple job opportunities and lucrative starting salaries, completing a master’s in architecture in the UK will be a good decision.
Visa Procedure for Applicants
You should provide the offer letter confirming postgraduate study at a university in the UK, proof of English language proficiency, and proof of funds.
You should be accepted by your university into an eligible Master’s program and issued with CAS (Confirmation Acceptance for Studies). You can request a CAS statement upon getting your unconditional offer letter. You must provide the confirmation statement, your degree results, and course information for validation. You may have to furnish a deposit as well.
You can, after that, apply for the student visa online. You should provide CAS with your valid passport copy and proof of funds for living and study costs.
You will also have to go to your nearest visa application center to provide your photograph and fingerprints. This will help make the biometric residence permit upon landing in the UK.
You should then pay the immigration health surcharge for accessing the National Health Service (NHS). This is roughly £470 annually, or INR 47,000.
Apply for a study visa around six months before the commencement of your course.
The application will require a processing time of roughly three weeks.
If you are applying from within the UK, you can apply three months before the starting date of your educational course, and a decision is given within eight weeks at the most.
Available Scholarships for Students
There are many scholarships that architecture aspirants can consider in the UK. Here’s taking a look at the same:
How do I get a master’s in architecture in the UK?
You can apply for a master’s in architecture in the UK by checking out available courses in M Arch or MA or even MS offered by universities. Find universities offering these courses and check the eligibility criteria. You will mostly need a score between 50-65% in your undergraduate degree (in a relevant or related field) along with good English language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL) for applying. You can then directly apply online by submitting documents including your academic transcripts, referral letters, statement of purpose or application essay, your portfolio of work and samples, your English language proficiency test scores, etc.
Where can I study master’s in architecture in the UK?
There are many leading universities where you can study for a master’s in architecture. Some of the top names include the University of Bath, Cardiff University, University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield, the University for the Creative Arts, Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Liverpool, and Cardiff University. There are many highly-ranked institutions offering architecture courses in the United Kingdom.
Does architecture have scope in the UK?
Architecture has tremendous scope in the UK, with architects drawing handsome starting salaries and finding lucrative employment with top companies in the field. Hiring is expected to increase across architectural firms in the UK over the next few years, especially with the construction and development industry boom. Architecture degrees are highly revered and respected in the UK, especially with accreditation from RIBA. Membership of this body and other architectural organizations also comes with various benefits.
Is the UK good for architecture?
The UK is one of the best global destinations to study architecture. The UK offers some of the highest-ranked institutions for architecture in the world. It has a flourishing job market for trained architects with hiring levels steadily picking up, and the starting salaries are lucrative. The courses require students to develop their theoretical knowledge and skills and enhance their creative and design abilities simultaneously.
What subjects do I need to study in architecture in the UK?
For getting into the right architecture course in the UK, you will have to study subjects like art and design, mathematics, and English. You should be skilled with freehand drawing along with 3D samples done on computers. Portfolios are often required for applying to many architectural institutions in the UK. Ideally, you should have studied physics, mathematics, and chemistry in school while possessing a keen sense of drawing and design.
How much are architects paid in the UK?
Architects earn approximately £34,895-45,234 per year, which works out to roughly INR 34-45 lakh. Those with excellent portfolios, good academic transcripts, and skills in CAD (Computer-Aided Design) may get swift opportunities for moving up the career ladder. Interns may start with initial salaries of £22,000 or INR 22 lakh at their firms, graduating to full-fledged architects in the future.
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