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Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities MSc

London, Bloomsbury

This programme explores architecture and urban design through the lens of people and space. This multidisciplinary programme offers specialised knowledge to those interested in the research and design of the built environment, from architectural to urban scales. It is designed for individuals aiming to pursue an academic pathway or to deepen their expertise within their current professional practice. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£18,400
£9,200
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 – 04 Apr 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

Normally a minimum of a lower second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification in an architectural or urban design related subject is usually required. Consideration will also be given to applicants from other fields, particularly human geography, anthropology and archaeology, and to applicants with degrees of a lower classification if they have considerable senior-level professional experience in the field. 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 are available from the Bartlett's Graduate Faculty Office.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

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


How can buildings and cities be designed in direct relation to people? Developed and taught by UCL’s internationally renowned Space Syntax Laboratory, this master’s course brings together the study of architecture and urbanism within a theoretical and analytical framework known as Space Syntax. 

The Space Syntax MSc centres around the idea that by studying buildings and cities as patterns of space, we can derive new insights into the relations between them and the individuals, communities and organisations that inhabit them. 

Students explore the fields of architecture and urbanism to create a greater knowledge of how complex architectural and urban systems work, and how spaces can be planned, designed and manufactured to create a better society.

Students learn the latest architectural theories alongside cutting-edge methods in architectural and urban analysis. Taught by leading practitioners, students acquire the knowledge and skills to research the social consequences of architecture and urban design decisions in practice, in research and in urban and architectural consultancy. 

Students are equipped with the theoretical and practical knowledge about spatial, physical and human systems within the built environment, enabling them to conduct their own in-depth research, analysing patterns of space inhabited by individuals, communities and organisations. 

This MSc programme aims to train graduates with deep knowledge of the built environment and advanced skills in applying complex analytical methods to evaluate spatial systems at all scales. The combination of theoretical understanding and practical expertise equips graduates to enhance their chances of securing positions at top offices and institutions that prioritise socially orientated, evidence-based and research-driven approaches to designing the built environment. 

This programme is also available to study as an  MRes.

Who this course is for

We’re looking for students with a background in architecture and urban design, as well as graduates of other disciplines such as art history, history, planning, geography, anthropology, engineering or mathematics who wish to develop specialist knowledge of architecture and cities.  

The MSc version of this course is for a diverse range of students from across the world looking to enhance their skills in modelling, analysing and researching buildings and urban environments, and develop their career opportunities through their unique knowledge base.

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

What this course will give you

Taught by leading experts: Students on this programme will benefit from teaching from The Bartlett's Space Syntax Laboratory, one of the world's leading architectural/urban research groups and from Space Syntax Limited, an architectural and urban design consultancy that applies space syntax theories and methods in practice on internationally renowned projects.    

Enhance your knowledge: Learn about the pioneering theories, methods and techniques of space syntax, at the institute where the methodology was invented. 

Specialise: Students learn to specialise in one of several streams related to contemporary world challenges: architecture and computing, sustainable urbanism, social inclusion and exclusion, informal settlements, spatial cognition, the physical and immaterial dimensions of social networks and design innovation.   

Exciting and innovative studies: The Bartlett School of Architecture helps students to prepare for successful careers in a range of fields. We aim to be an exciting and innovative place to study architecture, located in the heart of London with global perspectives. Our students have the opportunity to develop their creativity, curiosity and dynamism, and learn the skills they need to build a better future for people and the planet.    

‘World leading’ research: 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’ (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024). It was also ranked #1 in the UK for Architecture, in The Guardian Good University Guide 2025.

Career Support: Studying at UCL provides students with access to a range of career services including networking events, career workshops, and internship opportunities.     

Based in the heart of London: Space Syntax MSc 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

This programme enhances students' abilities in the fields of evidence-based architectural and urban design, strategic planning and design, urban regeneration, architectural and urban morphology, spatial and network analysis, future and smart cities, and transport planning. Graduates can be involved in both professional and academic activities. For those who go into practice, the programme is cutting-edge in evidence-informed and research-based design; graduates who choose an academic path will have the advanced knowledge and skills required for high-level academic positions. In reality, many graduates will be selected for jobs that bridge the two areas. 

93.3% of Bartlett School of Architecture graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Surveys 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

Graduates of the programme go on too many different careers. Many have ploughed their knowledge back into furthering their architectural/design careers. Recently, an increasing number of graduates have obtained jobs at prestigious architectural, urban design and urban planning firms working within top multi-disciplinary design and planning teams. Some others have gone into policymaking and worked for local or regional authorities; and some have progressed to PhD degrees and have obtained academic positions in top universities worldwide. 

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. 

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

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, tutorials, field work, independent project work and workshops.

Assessment is through essays, written and take-home examinations, oral presentations, project reviews, debates, group and individual projects, classroom exercises and the dissertation.

In terms 1 and 2 full-time students can typically expect between 12 and 16 contact hours per teaching week through 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

The programme consists of five compulsory modules (105 credits), one optional module (15 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits). 

Part-time students must complete 180 credits over two years. Students should select 90 credits of taught modules in year one and 30 credits in year two plus the dissertation module (60 credits). 

Modular/flexible students can choose any modules per year as long as they complete 180 credits within 5 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 please ensure that you speak with programme director before confirming module selections.

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 MSc in Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities.

Fieldwork

Students undertake field trips for their group or individual projects, if required. 

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) £18,400 £9,200
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.

Students are expected to bring their own laptop.

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. 

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.

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

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

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 Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities at graduate level, and at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how you see the proper role of research in design 
  • whether you have experience of using space syntax or other built environment research methodologies
  • 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

k.karimi@ucl.ac.uk

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