Masters in Architecture in UK is a 1-2 year post-graduate degree program available in 3-degree options: M.Arch., MSc, and MA. This program provides a strong foundation to students in the field of Architecture and Architectural Design. To be eligible for the program, interested candidates must have a Bachelor's honours degree in Architecture or a relevant field with a 2:1 or 2:2 grade, and a minimum aggregate of 60% or 8 out of 10 GPA. Additionally, candidates who are not from English-speaking countries need to have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in each band) or a TOEFL iBT score ranging from 88 to 110.
The annual tuition fees in the top universities for Masters in Architecture in UK ranges from GBP 14,000 to GBP 32,200 (13.9 Lakhs to INR 32 Lakhs) which can be considered a moderate to high range. On the other hand, the return on investment is fairly high, corresponding to an average annual payout of GBP 31,700 to GBP 43,600, equivalent to INR 31.5 Lakhs to INR 43.4 Lakhs.
Masters in Architecture in UK: Highlights
| Courses Available | M.Arch | MA: Architecture | MSc: Architecture and Environmental Design |
| Course Type | Full-time | Part-time |
| Program Duration | 1-2 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | 2:1 or 2:2 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture with a minimum aggregate of 60% or 8 out of 10 GPA |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL iBT: 88 to 110 overall score |
| Annual Tuition Fees | GBP 14,000 to GBP 32,200 (13.9 Lakhs to INR 32 Lakhs) |
| Annual Salary Range | GBP 31,700 to GBP 43,600 (INR 31.5 Lakhs to INR 43.4 Lakhs) |
Top universities for Masters in Architecture in UK
Masters in Architecture in UK is offered by several globally ranked and accredited institutions. Some of such universities are tabulated along with the application deadlines as follows:-
| University | Course | Application Deadlines | Tuition Fees per Year (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | Master of Architecture (M.Arch) | 5 Jan 2023 (Closed) | 34,800 |
| University College London | M.Arch | 24 February 2023 | 29,000 |
| University of Manchester | M.Arch | 30 June 2023 | 26,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | M.Arch | N/A | 32,200 |
| University of Nottingham | M.Arch | 4 Aug 2023 | 27,200 |
| Cardiff University | MA in Architectural Design | 30 June 2023 | 25,650 |
| M.A in Architectural Studies | |||
| University of Bath | MSc in Architectural Engineering: Environmental Design | October 2023 | 24,700 |
| University of Liverpool | MA in Architecture | 31 July 2023 | 21,350 |
| M.Arch | 27,000 | ||
| University of Strathclyde | M.Arch. Advanced Architectural Design | March 2023 | 21,200 |
| University of Westminster | MA in Architecture | 18 August 2023 | 14,000 |
| University of Kent | MSc in Architecture and Sustainable Environment | 31 July 2023 | 18,000 |
| Queen’s University Belfast | MSc in Advanced Architectural Design | 30 June 2023 | 23,150 |
Why study Masters in Architecture in UK?
Masters in Architecture in UK is a program perfect fit for students who wish to make a name for themselves in the Architectural industry by gaining more practical and theoretical knowledge. Here are some major reasons to choose a Masters in Architecture in UK:-
- Masters in Architecture in UK offer around 60% more annual salary as compared to Bachelor’s in Architecture, reaching 43,000 GBP (43 lakhs INR)
- Some of the top universities for Masters in Architecture in UK such as University of Cambridge, UCL, and University of Edinburgh are among the top 20 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023
- Being one of the most popular study abroad destinations, a Masters in Architecture in UK guarantees the quality of education, the world-class standard of living, and excellent placement opportunities.
- After the completion of Master's in Architecture in UK, each candidate automatically becomes part of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) or Architects Registration Board (ARB).
- The unemployment rate of UK as of November 2022 is only 3.7%, indicating abundant job opportunities for graduates.
Masters in Architecture in UK: Subjects and Specializations
Masters in Architecture in UK are offered by universities in several degree options, such as:-
- M.Arch.
- MA: Architectural Studies
- MA: Architectural Design
- MA: Architecture
- MA: Interior Architecture
- MSc: Architecture and Environmental Design
- MSc Architectural Engineering: Environmental Design
- MSc: Advanced Architectural Design
Admission to Masters in Architecture in UK
Applications for Masters in Architecture in UK are invited for the September term for all the universities. A majority of universities have specified their application deadlines, as per the previous table. Candidates are advised to apply accordingly with the latest application being 3 months prior to the start of the session. Further information related to applications and admissions to Masters in Architecture in UK are given in the following sections:
Masters in Architecture in UK: Eligibility Criteria
Although each university has its own set of entry requirements, an overall eligibility criteria can be summed as:-
- 2:1 or 2:2 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture
- A minimum aggregate of 60% or 8 out of 10 GPA
- Relevant prior experience
- Design Portfolio including all the drawings, sketches, and explanation of all the architectural work done
- Official or certified copies of transcripts
- At least 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Reference (LOR)
- A 500-word Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- An updated Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of English Proficiency:-
- IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band)
- TOEFL iBT: 88 to 110 overall score
- Valid Passport
- Student Visa
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Masters in Architecture in UK: Admission Requirements
The university-specific degree requirements and language score necessities are provided in the table as follows:-
| University | Bachelor’s Degree Requirements | English Proficiency Score |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 2:1 honours degree in Architecture | ELTS: 7.5 (with at least 7 in each band) | TOEFL: 110 (at least 25 in each section) |
| University College London | Upper second class degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) |
| The University of Manchester | Upper second class Bachelor’s degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) |
| University of Edinburgh | 2:1 honours degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 92 (at least 22 in each section) |
| University of Nottingham | 2:1 or 2:2 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) |
| Cardiff University | 2:1 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | |
| University of Bath | First or strong second-class Bachelor’s degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 90 (at least 21 in each section) |
| University of Liverpool | 2:1 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture with at least 70% aggregate | IELTS: C | TOEFL: 88 (at least 19 in each section) |
| University of Strathclyde | First or second-class Bachelor’s degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) |
| University of Westminster | 2:1 or 2:2 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) |
| University of Kent | First or second-class Bachelor’s degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 90 (at least 21 in each section) |
| Queen’s University Belfast | 2:1 or 2:2 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) |
Masters in Architecture in UK: Costs
UK is one of the costliest study abroad destinations in the world. The average yearly cost of studying Masters in Architecture in UK ranges from GBP 14,000 to GBP 32,200, equivalent to INR 13.9 Lakhs to INR 32 Lakhs. The university-wise tuition cost distribution is given in the following table:
| University | Tuition Fees per Year (GBP) | Tuition Fees Per Year (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 34,800 | 34.7 lakhs |
| University College London | 29,000 | 28.8 Lakhs |
| Manchester School of Arts | 26,000 | 25.9 Lakhs |
| University of Edinburgh | 32,200 | 32 Lakhs |
| University of Nottingham | 27,200 | 27 Lakhs |
| Cardiff University | 25,650 | 25.5 Lakhs |
| University of Bath | 24,700 | 24.5 Lakhs |
| University of Liverpool | 21,350 | 21.3 Lakhs |
| University of Strathclyde | 21,200 | 21.1 Lakhs |
| University of Westminster | 14,000 | 13.9 Lakhs |
| University of Kent | 18,000 | 17.9 Lakhs |
| Queen’s University Belfast | 23,150 | 23 Lakhs |
Cost of Living in UK
Students have to deal with high annual tuition fees along with a high cost of living. London is considered the costliest part of the United Kingdom. Moreover, the cost of living in UK is roughly 1.75 times that of India. The estimated monthly expenditure and cost of living in UK for an international student is around 1,120 GBP (1.11 lakhs INR). The following table suggests the regular expenses a student makes while residing in UK:
| Expense Type | Cost Per Month (GBP) | Monthly Cost Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Apartment | 680 to 1,600 | 68,300 to 1.61 lakhs |
| Meal | 14 to 55 | 1,400 to 5,500 |
| Gas and Electricity | 185 | 18,600 |
| Phone and Internet | 30 | 3,000 |
| Public Transport | 65 | 6,500 |
Masters in Architecture in UK: Scholarships
With a high annual tuition cost, Masters in Architecture in UK is also accompanied with numerous scholarship and grant options that can be used by students with financial need in order to fund their education. Following are some of the popular scholarships for international students in UK to help you bear the cost structure of studying in UK:
| Scholarship | University | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Masters Scholarship | UK Government | Resident of commonwealth countries, Official transcripts, at least 2 references | Full tuition fee coverage, Stipend of 1,236 GBP per month |
| Master’s Excellence Scholarship | Cardiff University | Students studying a Master's program in UK | 3,000 |
| Brown Family Bursary | University College London | Candidates studying Masters in Architecture at University College London with academic excellence | 15,000 |
| Global Leaders Scholarship | University of Bath | Candidates studying in the Faculty of Architecture, Arts, Engineering, etc. | 5,000 |
| British Council Scholarship for Women in STEM | Nottingham University | Women enrolled in a STEM course at Nottingham University | Varies |
| Mature Student Hardship Fund | University of Strathclyde | Candidates studying at the University of Strathclyde facing financial hardship | 500-1,000 |
Masters in Architecture in UK: Placements
Masters in Architecture in UK offers excellent placement opportunities to students into several highly established companies. Furthermore, a Masters in Architecture in UK graduate can easily earn an annual salary ranging from GBP 31,700 to GBP 43,600 which is equivalent to INR 31.5 Lakhs to INR 43.4 Lakhs. Some of the popular job profiles available after Masters in Architecture in UK are:
| Job Profile | Annual Salary (GBP) | Indian Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Project Architect | 35,000 | 34.8 Lakhs |
| Architect | 35,700 | 35.5 Lakhs |
| Architectural Designer | 31,700 | 31.5 Lakhs |
| Design Architect | 36,800 | 36.6 Lakhs |
| Design Manager | 43,600 | 43.4 Lakhs |
| Project Manager | 39,100 | 38.9 Lakhs |
| Senior Project Architect | 41,500 | 41.3 Lakhs |
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Masters in Architecture in UK: Return on Investment
With a high tuition cost as well as a high annual income, Masters in Architecture in UK provides a fairly high return on investment. The following table compares the average graduate salary offered by different universities in UK:-
| University | Tuition Fees per Year (GBP) | Graduate Salary (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 34,800 | 45,000 |
| University College London | 29,000 | 36,000 |
| Manchester School of Arts | 26,000 | 34,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | 32,200 | 35,000 |
| University of Nottingham | 27,200 | 33,000 |
| Cardiff University | 25,650 | 31,000 |
| University of Bath | 24,700 | 35,000 |
| University of Liverpool | 21,350 | 38,000 |
| University of Strathclyde | 21,200 | 35,000 |
| University of Westminster | 14,000 | 31,000 |
| University of Kent | 18,000 | 30,000 |
| Queen’s University Belfast | 23,150 | 29,000 |
Masters in Architecture in UK vs Masters in Architecture in USA:
The following table compares Masters in Architecture program as offered in UK and the USA on the basis of some major factors such as tuition costs, salary, etc.:
| Particulars | Masters in Architecture in UK | Masters in Architecture in the USA |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirement | 2:1 or 2:2 Bachelor’s honours degree in Architecture | Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a recognized university |
| GPA | 60% aggregate or 8 out of 10 GPA | 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) |
| Duration | 1-2 years | 1-3 years |
| Tuition Fee | GBP 14,000 to GBP 32,200 (INR 13.9 Lakhs to INR 32 Lakhs) | USD 18,500 to USD 98,000 (INR 15.3 Lakhs to 80.9) |
| ELP Score | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 88 | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100+ |
| Graduate Salary | GBP 31,700 to GBP 43,600 (INR 31.5 Lakhs to INR 43.4 Lakhs) | USD 67,000 (INR 55.3 Lakhs) |
Students with a passion to curate and design by combining artistic skills and technical knowledge definitely have a viable and growing career in a program like Masters in Architecture. Moreover, a structurally well-developed country like the UK holds numerous opportunities for such graduates in terms of career and scope.
FAQs
Ques: Is UK good for Masters in Architecture?
Ans: Some of the top universities for Masters in Architecture in UK such as University of Cambridge, UCL, and University of Edinburgh are among the top 20 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023. Being one of the most popular study abroad destinations, a Masters in Architecture in UK guarantees the quality of education, the world-class standard of living, and excellent placement opportunities.
Ques. Who are the top recruiters of Masters in Architecture in UK graduates?
Ans. A majority of the universities offer campus placements. Some of the major employers of Masters in Architecture in UK graduates are:-
- HTA Architects
- Jacobs
- Nords
- WS Atkins
- Cubitt Ltd
- Foster and Partners
Ques. What are the job profiles available for Masters in Architecture in UK graduates?
Ans. The completion of Masters in Architecture in UK allows an individual to work as:-
- Architect
- Architectural Assistant
- Project Manager
- Theatre Set Designer
- Urban Designer, etc.
Ques. Does Masters in Architecture in UK guarantee job safety?
Ans. After Master's in Architecture in UK candidates can straight away start working in the Architectural field. These graduates are highly in demand all around the globe, with an unemployment rate of merely 0.16%.
Ques. Do universities offer a Masters in Architecture in UK at a cheaper rate?
Ans. Apart from the mentioned ones, there are many universities that offer a Masters in Architecture in UK at cheaper costs, such as:-
- Birmingham City University
- Leeds Beckett University
- Writtle University College
- London Metropolitan university, etc.
Ques. Is a Masters in Architecture in UK worth it?
Ans. A Masters in Architecture in UK is a highly beneficial and in-demand degree program. It offers an average annual salary of GBP 31,700 to GBP 43,600, equivalent to INR 31.5 Lakhs to INR 43.4 Lakhs. Moreover, there are plenty of job opportunities for worthy candidates. Hence, it is worth the effort.
Ques. What can I do after completing my Masters in Architecture in UK?
Ans. After pursuing a Master's in Architecture in UK, individuals generally go on to work in the industry and earn a living. Some candidates, however, opt for further studies and complete their doctorate in Architecture.
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