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Cinematic and Videogame Architecture MArch

London, Stratford (UCL East)

The Cinematic and Videogame Architecture MArch postgraduate degree offers students the opportunity to design innovative projects at the convergence of architecture, film and videogames.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£19,300
£9,650
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£42,700
£21,350
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Up To 5 Years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Typically a minimum of a second-class UK degree in an appropriate subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard or significant relevant industry experience (7+ years of employment). Applicants will be asked to provide a link to a portfolio of their design work once their completed application has been received, and should not send or upload work until it has been requested. Offers will be subject to an interview.

The English language level for this course 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



Rapid advancements in digital technologies have brought the previously discrete fields of architecture, film and videogames closer than ever before. By employing innovative architectural design methods, students in Cinematic and Videogame Architecture MArch will critically situate their work in relation to new developments in time-based digital technologies and the way these are shaping our culture, identity and politics.

Architecture has a long history of acting as an underlying structuring device for both film and videogames. From the construction of film sets to developments in film compositing techniques and advances in computer graphics, innovation in the depiction of space has shaped the contemporary media landscape. In turn, the narrative and storytelling power of time-based and interactive digital tools are reshaping not only how architecture is constructed and represented, but also how it is conceived and experienced.

The Cinematic and Videogame Architecture MArch prepares students for the emerging futures of architectural design, developing skills also applicable to the film, videogame, and immersive environments industries. Supported by a world-leading team of tutors and visiting industry figures, students will learn innovative design techniques using film, animation and game engine software, becoming architectural storytellers and worldbuilders who address contemporary global challenges while forging new blueprints for the future. Students will develop their own creative practice through design projects and historical and theoretical essay writing, culminating in the production of a final project that demonstrates unique research methods through a film, game or interactive environment.

Hosted by the Bartlett School of Architecture, the course draws upon the school’s established and internationally recognised expertise in teaching and its unique pedagogic and design research methods.

The course, the first of this kind in the UK, is located at UCL East, UCL’s new campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London, the biggest expansion in the university’s history creating a new hub for teaching, learning and research to help find solutions to the biggest challenges facing people and the planet.   

Who this course is for

This master’s degree is suitable for graduates and professionals from architecture, and other backgrounds including design, filmmaking, film studies, anthropology, geography, fine art, videogame design, graphic design, animation and computer-generated imagery design. Applicants should have an interest in studying the relationship between architecture, cinema and videogames, and show evidence of a strong record academically and/or in practice.

What is it like being a student with us? Explore the stories from our students and alumni as they share their experiences, insights, and advice. Plus, connect with a current Bartlett student via our Unibuddy platform to have your questions answered.

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

What this course will give you

The Cinematic and Videogame Architecture MArch brings together internationally renowned experts in time-based and interactive technologies and equips students with specialist technical, analytical and critical skills. Students are introduced to theoretical concepts through lectures and introductory design exercises, supported by digital skills modules. Using cutting-edge software and technologies students will build on these foundations to create unique future-facing research projects. The course also hosts visits from industry experts, who provide both creative and career insights to students, helping students to shape their practice towards a future career path.  

The course has a dedicated Cinematic and Videogame Architecture Studio offering students access to advanced software and equipment, based at Marshgate, part of the new UCL East campus. Students will also benefit from the support of a Spatial Computing Technician to assist them with the technological development of their work.  

The Bartlett is ranked #1 in the world for Architecture and Built Environment studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. We remain global #1 for the third year in a row, and #1 in the UK for the 11th year in a row. 
Our research is recognised as ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ (UK REF 2021).  

London is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).  

In a typical year, the school hosts a number of exhibitions, both physically across our London locations, and digitally via our online exhibition platform bartlettarchucl.com. This includes The Bartlett Autumn Show, The Bartlett Summer Show and The Bartlett B-Pro Show. These exhibitions act as a showcase for the extraordinary work produced by our students and are visited by thousands of people from across the globe each year.  
 

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

The foundation of your career

Cinematic and Videogame Architecture MArch graduates have secured prestigious positions in architecture and media companies such as Foster + Partners Visualisation and Film team, award-winning British animation studio Aardman and Shanghai Legoland. One graduate received a fellowship from global advertising firm WPP, while other graduates have founded independent design studios. Cinematic and Videogame MArch graduate work has been recognised in international film festivals and awards, such as the Brighton Festival, the Toronto Film Festival and the BAFTA Student Awards.

The course also provides an excellent foundation for preparing a proposal for doctoral research in related subjects, with Cinematic and Videogame Architecture graduates already pursuing doctoral courses at the Bartlett.

93.9% of Bartlett School of Architecture graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2017-22).

Top industry sectors for Bartlett School of Architecture graduates in work are construction, built environment and property (74.9% of graduates); academic research and higher education (6.5%); and performance and creative arts (5.6%).

Bartlett School of Architecture graduates are working in 46 countries around the world.

Example employers:

  • Foster and Partners
  • Zaha Hadid Architects
  • Adjaye Associates Ltd
  • Wilkinson Eyre Architects
  • ARUP 

Employability

The course radically rethinks architectural design from an immersive, time-based and interactive perspective. By linking architecture to cinema and videogames it offers students skills that can be applied in the architectural profession, as well as the film industry, videogames industry and other emerging disciplines, such as immersive environment design. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in a multitude of industries across entertainment and the built environment and to form new hybrid practices at the boundaries between architectural and videogame design, filmmaking and theory.  

The Bartlett School of Architecture is recognised as one of the world's leading schools of architecture and graduates from our master's courses are highly sought after.   

Networking

Through invited talks and visits from industry experts, students on the Cinematic and Videogame Architecture course will meet and network with practitioners working at the cutting-edge of architecture, entertainment and technology. In previous years, visiting experts from industry have included curator Tamar Clarke-Brown (Serpentine Galleries), artists Larry Achiampong, Theo Triantafyllidis, Alice Bucknell and Paula Strunden; game developers Miriam Bellard (Rockstar Games), Dhruv Jani (Studio Oleomingus), Greg Kythreotis (Shedworks); and future-focused designers Keiichi Matsuda (Liquid City), Tobias Revell (Arup, Design Futures Lead), Jose Sanchez (Plethora Project) and Ollie Palmer (Squint Opera). Through field trips and other visits, students have the opportunity to visit industry studios, including a recent visit to Mojang Studios in Stockholm.

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

Additionally, there are a broad range of university-wide career events to help current students and recent graduates develop their employability skills, build professional networks and more.

Teaching and learning

Over 400 staff from around the world teach at The Bartlett School of Architecture. Many of our academic staff are part-time, working at the school while also carrying out highly successful work in practice across a diverse spectrum of activities related to architecture. Explore expert teaching. 

The course is delivered through a combination of skills group seminars, master classes and workshops by experts, one-to-one and group tutorials with a design tutor, one-to-one and group tutorials with a dissertation tutor, and the organisation of an exhibition as part of The Bartlett School of Architecture Autumn Show. 

For project work the course uses a design studio pedagogical model where students develop work of increasing levels of complexity and ambition, supported by individual and group tutorials, group seminars, and more formal presentations and screenings to tutors, peers, and invited internal and external guests from academia and industry.  

Assessment is through project portfolio presentation, screenings of films, playtesting of videogame applications, group and individual presentations, illustrated reflective documents, a short essay and a longer written dissertation.  

Throughout the year, full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops and tutorials. Students are expected to continue to work on their final thesis project throughout the summer, supported by regular tutorials with tutors. Outside of lectures and tutorials, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using the remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments, approximately 22-29 hours per week.

Modules

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

This course has seven modules, all of which are compulsory, taught over one calendar year (12-months).

Part-time students will be expected to complete modules in the same linear order as full-time study to ensure they obtain all the relevant skills to complete the final three modules. 

For part-time students studying over two years, the following course structure will apply:

Year 1: Introduction to Cinematic and Videogame Architecture (15 credits); Critical Media Architecture (15 credits); Cinematic and Videogame Skills I & II (15 & 15 credits); Advanced Cinematic and Videogame Architecture I (30 credits)

Year 2: History, Theory & Practice of Cinematic and Videogame Architecture (30 credits); Advanced Cinematic and Videogame Architecture II (60 credits).

Students on a flexible study mode will be expected to complete modules in the same linear order as full-time study to ensure they obtain all the relevant skills to complete the final three modules.

Compulsory 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 MArch in Cinematic and Videogame Architecture.

Fieldwork

Students have the opportunity to join an optional field trip, subsidised by the school. This field trip typically involves visits to sites of cultural and architectural interest, and specially arranged visits to industry studios and local academic institutions.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2026/27) £42,700 £21,350

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

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

All students are required to pay a fee deposit.

Additional costs include £1000 over the academic year: £500 on a fieldtrip (which is optional) and typically in the region of £500 on books, materials and presentation media (at your discretion; exact expenditure is based on each student’s choices). 
Due to the digital nature of the work, the £500 material cost is considered a maximum. There is no academic disadvantage to students who do not take part in the fieldtrip.

Students will be required to provide their own laptop capable of running film editing and game engine software. This should ideally be Windows-based ‘gaming’ or ‘productivity’ model with a discrete graphics card (NVIDIA/AMD) and at least 32GB of RAM. The estimated cost for this will be in the region of £1000-£2000.

For in-person teaching, 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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. 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

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: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Sparck AI Scholarship

Value: Full tuition fees plus £22,780 stipend (1 year)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 25 June 2026
Value: Tuition fees plus £17,096 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 course 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 Cinematic and Videogame Architecture at graduate level
  • why you want to study Cinematic and Videogame Architecture at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this course
  • how your personal, academic and professional background meets the requirements for entry to the course
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is an opportunity to illustrate whether a student’s reasons for applying to this course match what the course will deliver.

A link to a design/creative portfolio is required to assess applicants’ aptitude for visual and creative thinking and design, and to gauge previous, relevant experience and skills.  

Offers will be subject to an interview.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (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: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Architecture
Bartlett School of Architecture

bartlett.pg-bsa@ucl.ac.uk

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