If you’re thinking of studying architecture at university, our guide to the highest-ranked UK unis across different areas of the UK can help you find your ideal course.
Updated: 24 Sept 2025Architects are professional designers who develop and implement plans for new buildings and redevelopments of existing structures. They use advanced drawing, modelling, and digital design skills informed by specialist construction knowledge to interpret client briefs and create designs which are functional, safe and visually interesting. To thrive on an architecture course, you’ll need a strong imagination, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to represent ideas using a number of different visual mediums.
Much of a professional architect’s work involves planning and presenting proposals to clients. You’ll oversee many revisions of the initial plans until a design is agreed upon between yourself and the client, often acting as project manager during construction, communicating between client and contractors, organising the project timeline, contract administration and fees. However, the field of architecture is extremely broad, and many graduates go on to work in architectural research, technology, writing, or even design philosophy. It’s a long and intensive course, with hugely rewarding career opportunities once you’re fully qualified.
So how to get started? Well, there are courses available all over the country, and this guide will list the highest ranked options in each UK area. We’ve used ratings from Complete University Guide’s subject league tables so you can compare unis and check them out on their website. Read on to see where studying architecture could take you.
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