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Architectural History MA

London, Bloomsbury

This programme explores what history can do for architecture. It examines architecture, not just as autonomous buildings, cities or designs, but through the society in which they are located and the ideas and debates they give rise to.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£16,000
£8,000
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
£18,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

The normal minimum qualifications are a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Consideration will also be given if the qualification is a degree of lower than second-class Honours standard, or an equivalent overseas qualification, in a subject appropriate to the programme, plus extensive background and experience in the field. The latter implies considerable experience as a professional at a senior level. For applicants without a first degree or full professional membership, but with relevant and substantial work experience in the field, a special qualifying examination may be set. Details of this route can be obtained from the Bartlett's Faculty Office.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


The Architectural History MA at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, is the UK's longest-established degree in the historical, theoretical, and critical interpretation of architecture, cities, urban spaces, and creative practices. Since its inception in 1981, this pioneering programme has consistently evolved, emphasising the exploration of both new and existing methodologies and critical theories applied to the study of architecture and urban environments. 

This programme moves beyond traditional architectural studies, which often focus on the works of renowned individuals, landmark buildings, or stylistic classifications. Instead, it places architecture within a broader spectrum of social, ideological, creative, political, material, technological, theoretical, and urban processes. This comprehensive approach equips students with the tools to critically interpret buildings, texts, architects, urban spaces, cities, and various representations and creative practices from Early Modern to contemporary contexts.

Who this course is for

The programme is suitable for architects who are already qualified or in the process of qualification, and for graduates of other disciplines such as art history, the visual arts, history, journalism, geography or anthropology who wish to develop a specialist knowledge of architectural history or acquire a foundation for research in this field.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Comprehensive Study: Delve into the architectural and urban histories from early modern periods to contemporary times, enriching your understanding of how architecture intersects with broader societal and cultural trends. 

Critical Interpretation: Develop a profound architectural knowledge and hone your ability to critically assess and interpret various forms of architectural and urban expressions. 

Expert Faculty: Learn from some of the world's most respected historians and theorists of architecture. Our faculty members are not only prolific scholars but also innovative researchers contributing to the cutting-edge of architectural history and theory. 

Research Skills: Refine your historical and critical research skills, laying a strong foundation for a successful academic or professional career in architecture, history, or related fields. The Bartlett School of Architecture is part of UCL’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, where 91% of research has been deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The Bartlett is also ranked #1 for Research Power in the built environment.  

Top ranked: For the second year in a row, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment was ranked #1 in the world for ‘Architecture and Built Environment’ in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024, and #1 in the UK for Architecture in The Guardian University Guide 2025.   

Based in the heart of London: This programme is taught in the school's impressive Bloomsbury home - 22 Gordon Street. Students not only enjoy the school's studio spaces and culture, but also exceptional workshop and fabrication facilities. 

Find out more about the benefits of studying at The Bartlett School of Architecture.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Postgraduate study at The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment is situated within a vibrant graduate and research environment, including a large cohort of PhD students and an extensive range of faculty members with interests in architectural history and theory.

Students on the Architectural History MA are immersed in one of the world's largest and most innovative centres for architectural history and theory, and are able to engage in many other seminars, research networks and other events. Our graduates are highly sought after. Some choose to continue with academic research or teaching, others go on to roles in the visual arts, education, publishing, curatorship, heritage, research, design and architecture.

93.3% of Bartlett School of Architecture graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation. (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-21)

Top industry sectors for Bartlett School of Architecture graduates in work are construction, built environment and property (68% of graduates); performance and creative arts (7%); academic research and higher education (6%) and technology (6%).

Bartlett School of Architecture graduates are working in 52 countries around the world. 

Employability

Graduate students from The Bartlett School of Architecture have access to a broad range of university-wide career events to help them and recent graduates develop their employability skills, explore different sectors, increase commercial awareness, build professional networks and more.

Networking

The Bartlett School of Architecture hosts numerous events throughout the year that feature industry guests and networking opportunities. These include lecture series, seminars, conferences, symposiums, book launches, and show launch events. The school also hosts a Future Practice event each year that links students with employers.  

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, building and gallery visits, film screenings, group working and one-to-one tutorials, and a field trip (optional).

Assessment is through coursework, consisting of short exercises, classroom presentations, and longer essays for individual modules, a 10,000-word report and oral examination, and verbal presentations.

In term 1, full-time students can typically expect between 10 and 14 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials. In term 2, students can typically study between 12 and 14 contact hours per teaching week, as with term 1, they will be a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials. In term 3, students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisor.

Outside of lectures, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. 

The programme consists of two core modules (60 credits) taken in Term 1, six optional modules (60 credits), a selection of which are taken in Term 2, and a report (60 credits).

Compulsory Modules 
Critical Methodologies of Architectural History 
Research and Dissemination of Architectural History 
Architectural History Report with Oral Examination 

Optional Modules 
Architecture in Britain since the 17th Century 
Representations of Cities 
History and Theory of Digital Design 
Materialist Ecological Architecture 
Multiple Modernities Architecture 
Practices of Criticism 

Part-time students must complete 180 credits over two years. Students should select half taught modules in year 1 and half in year 2 plus the major research module.

Modular/flexible students can choose any modules per year, as long as they complete 180 credits within five years. Students will select all taught modules first and take the final research module in their last year of study. 

If studying as a modular/flexible student, it is recommended that students: 

1) start year 1 with Critical Methodologies and an optional module. 
2) take Research and Dissemination and an optional module in year 2. 
3) take Final Report plus Oral Examination in year three. 

If you need to, you can extend your module selections between years 2 and 5. 

Your Final Report must be taken in the final year of study. 

Module selection for modular flexible students should be discussed with the programme leader before completing the module selection process.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules








Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Architectural History.

Fieldwork

An annual programme field trip (optional) takes place, normally in May.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £16,000 £8,000
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500 £18,250

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Average study-related costs are £200 for printing and paper usage. The annual optional field trip costs students a maximum of £500. 

Architecture students can expect to incur additional costs as part of their programme; however, the school aims to minimise these where possible. All students work differently so costs incurred depend on the approach they take to the brief given. The school encourages students to use recycled materials in their models and presentations – not only is it sustainable, but also cost effective and potentially innovative.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies.

Any additional funding available from The Bartlett School of Architecture and the Built Environment Faculty Office are advertised on the respective websites.

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 28 March 2025
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,864 maintenance/yr (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 26 June 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £16,000 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Architectural History at graduate level
  • why you want to study Architectural History at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • what you see as the main issues facing historical and critical study of architecture
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Tier 4 Student Visa holders are advised to meet the English language proficiency of their offer no later than the end of June, in order to allow sufficient time to obtain a CAS number and visa.

To accept your offer, you must pay the non-refundable fee deposit within 4 weeks and decline any other offers for programmes at the Bartlett School of Architecture. If you do not respond within 3 weeks, your offer will be withdrawn.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Architecture
Bartlett School of Architecture

b.penner@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.