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Architecture BSc

London, Bloomsbury

Architecture BSc offers students a wide and diverse range of experiences. Our students will develop an independent, experimental and rigorous approach to architecture and design. Students are guided towards discovering their own architectural vision as well as working collaboratively within a vibrant and exciting studio culture. 

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£33,000
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
K100
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAB
Subjects
No specific subjects. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BBC more about contextual offers
Subjects
No specific subjects. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage. At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
36
Subjects
A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. No specific subjects are required but a comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.

Contextual offer

Points
30 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects, with no higher level score below 5. No specific subjects are required but a comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) or BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage

D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. No specific subjects are required but Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.

A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher). No specific subjects are required but comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design with the final overall mark of Distinction. Comprehensive portfolio of creative work required upon invitation, at application stage.

International applications

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

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview



Year 1 focuses on design studio projects, which develop the central skills of observation, design process, critical thinking and representation. The curriculum emphasises individual and collective expression of ideas through drawing, portfolio-making, modelling, and 1:1 making. Year 1 introduces students to ideas of citizenship and the role of the architect within society.

Lectures and seminars complement the design studio activities. Through these, students explore the history and theory of architecture, the making of cities, climate, and technology. Students will also embark on an international field trip in the second term to visit case study buildings and studios first-hand.

In Years 2 and 3, design projects are developed in a collaborative studio environment with each student joining a vertical Bartlett Design Unit where both year groups benefit from learning together. Bartlett Design Units are communities of ~15 students led by experienced design tutors and practicing architects. Each Bartlett Design Unit has a specific design agenda, enabling students to develop their personal architectural interests. Students will learn to work with architecture in relation to subjects as diverse as craft, film, history, urbanism, philosophy, and science. Each Bartlett Design Unit organises an optional field trip to a relevant destination at the start of the second term.

Alongside the design work in Years 2 and 3, students will participate in core modules in technology, history and theory of architecture, and professional practice. These modules help students develop awareness of climate, environment and spatial justice issues

What this course will give you

The Bartlett's three-year BSc degree in architecture is world-renowned for both creativity and innovation. Students from across the globe are taught the skills to practise architecture and an understanding of how to use those skills imaginatively in different contexts.  

As an architecture student at The Bartlett School of Architecture, you will benefit from an integrated learning experience that combines hands-on studio-led teaching with in-depth studies in history, theory, and technology. Students will have creative autonomy to explore personal areas of interest through design projects and other complimentary modules, utilising cutting-edge resources and state-of-the-art facilities such as the on-site workshop B-Made, and the opportunity to engage with The Bartlett's industry connections with leading architecture firms and cultural institutions worldwide.

Student time will be primarily spent in both the studio and the workshop, equipped with the latest tools for digital fabrication, model-making, and prototyping, with approximately 70% of the course taught and assessed through the student’s design portfolio. Design teaching is delivered by leading practitioners, specialists and academics who are actively shaping the future of architecture and urban design and well connected to the industry.

Students will work in small groups or on a one-to-one weekly design tutorial basis with frequent review sessions and opportunity for feedback.

We are consistently placed at the top of the QS World University Subject Rankings. In 2024, The Bartlett faculty ranked #1 in the world for Architecture and the Built Environment, and we remained #1 in the UK for the tenth year running. Students will also benefit from studying in London, ranked #1 in the QS Best Student Cities in the World for Studying Abroad. With its countless libraries, archives, cultural spaces and professional bodies, London is the perfect place to find context and support for your studies.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Architecture.

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 is 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.

Year 1 (120 credits) 
Design Projects (60 credits)​​ 
​Environmental Design (15 credits)​

Structures, Materials and Forming Techniques (15 credits)​ 
​Structures, Materials and Forming Techniques History (15 credits)​

Year 2 (120 credits) 
Design Projects (75 credits)​​ 
Design Technology I (15 credits)​ 
Ethics and Agency (15 credits)​​ 
History & Theory of Architecture 
(15 credits)

Year 3 (120 credits) 
Design Projects (75 credits)​​ 
Design Technology II (30 credits)​ 
History & Theory of Architecture  
(15 credits)

Year 1 comprises 5 compulsory modules, centred on studio Design Projects which develop the central skills of observation, design process, critical thinking and representation, emphasising individual and collective expression of ideas through drawing, portfolio, modelling and 1:1 making. This is supported by lecture and workshop-led modules on environmental, structural and material design technology, the making of cities and the built environment, the History of Cities and their Architecture. ​

In Years 2 and 3, the Design Projects are developed in a studio environment where you will join one of our 14 Design Units led by highly experienced tutors. Each design unit has a specific architectural agenda allowing you to develop personal architectural interests and to work with architecture to develop individual portfolios in relation to subjects as diverse as craft, film, history, philosophy and science.​ In addition, students will take core modules in Design Technology, History & Theory, and Professional Practice engaging your awareness of issues of climate, environment and spatial justice and the role of the architect. ​

Students have the unique opportunity to undertake an international field trip in each of their three years studying on the course.  

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules








Looking, Making and Communicating



Compulsory modules








Compulsory modules







Your learning

The course is based in the studio and the majority is taught through individual design projects. Most of the design teaching is on a one-to-one or small group weekly tutorial basis with frequent review sessions with tutors, many of whom are also practicing architects. History and theory, professional studies, and technology core modules support the design work and are taught in lectures, seminars and workshops. 

Students have the opportunity to undertake an optional field trip in each year of the degree, to inform and inspire your design projects through cultural visits and site-related work. The estimated cost of the trip is £600, up to a maximum of £750 total depending on the destination. A £250 subsidy is provided by the school. Students who choose to attend may need to pay an additional amount of up to £500 maximum. 

Students on the Architecture BSc course will spend a varying amount of time in classes across the length of the degree. This equates to an average of 13 contact hours per week in Year 1. This decreases to approximately 6 contact hours per week in the second year. In the final year of the course, contact hours are around 5 hours per week, with students spending their remaining time outside of tutorials, lectures and seminars working independently on their dissertations and final design work (approx. 30-35 hours a week).

Assessment

70% of the course is taught through a series of design projects and assessed through the design portfolio. The history and theory, professional studies and technology modules are assessed through a combination of coursework, essays and examination.

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.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Introduction to undergraduate study at The Bartlett School of Architecture

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If you are interested in pursuing a career in the field of architecture, then join us for this online session where you can find out more about the undergraduate architecture degrees, and studying at The Bartlett, the #1 faculty in the world for Architecture and Built Environment Studies. (QS World University Rankings, 2024). You will meet the programme leads and have the opportunity to ask questions about applying to one of our architecture degrees.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: The Bartlett Promise Undergraduate Scholarship

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Join us for an online information session about The Bartlett Promise Undergraduate Scholarship. Discover more about the scholarship scheme, eligibility, tips to apply, and ask any questions you have about the scholarship. You will also have the chance to meet our past scholars to hear about their experience.

Online - Open day

Construction Project Management information video

Watch this video to find out more about Construction Project Management at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

92.4% 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 (68% of graduates); academic research and higher education (8%); performance and creative arts (7%); and engineering (5%).

Architecture BSc graduates pursue careers in architecture, film, construction, built environment, and property industry sectors, as well as related sectors, such as performance and creative arts, engineering and manufacturing.

Bartlett School of Architecture graduates are working in 56 countries around the world. 

Employability

Upon completion of the programme, students typically continue to proceed with their training to become Registered Architects by taking a year out in an architect's office in the UK or overseas and then applying for a two-year MArch or similar Postgraduate Degree in Architecture.

Accreditation

Currently, successful completion of the Architecture BSc leads to exemption from Part 1 of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) examinations. 

Please note that The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has proposed changes to the path to registration as an architect in the UK. Students should stay updated on the ARB’s announcements for specific details and dates. If you have any questions about this, then please contact architectureoffice@ucl.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £33,000

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

The average cost for materials and study-related items, including end of year portfolios and model fabrication, is up to £750 in the first year and up to £1250 in the subsequent years of study depending on the individual students’ design methodology and processes.  

Architecture students can expect to incur additional costs as part of their course; 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 will contribute £250 towards the cost of an optional field trip in each year of study. Students who choose to attend will need to pay an additional amount of up to £500 maximum. 

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 £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. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue undergraduate studies. Please see the UK Undergraduate Scholarship page for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs. 

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We are looking for evidence of creative ability and critical thinking in regard to spatial design, alongside a strong awareness of the relationship of the built environment to the natural world. Additionally, we welcome students with a keen interest in the sciences and arts and a motivation towards further knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We expect our students to have a real curiosity and desire to contribute to society. We also expect them to be keen for the challenge of this innovative and research-connected course.  

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Once we have established that you meet (or are likely to meet) our entry requirements, we will contact you to request a digital portfolio of your design or creative work, giving you instructions on how to prepare this. Please do not send this unless requested to do so. This need not be included in your initial application. You may then be invited to interview. If so, this will be conducted online using Zoom.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Architecture
Bartlett School of Architecture

architectureoffice@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.