Best unis for architecture across the UK

Architects 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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Best unis for architecture in the East Midlands

• Loughborough University

• University of Nottingham

• Nottingham Trent University

Best unis for architecture in the East of England

• University of Cambridge

• Norwich University of the Arts

• Anglia Ruskin University

Best unis for architecture in London

• UCL (University College London)

• University of the Arts London

• Kingston University

Best unis for architecture in North East England

• Newcastle University

• Northumbria University, Newcastle

Best unis for architecture in North West England

• Lancaster University

• University of Liverpool

• Manchester School of Architecture

Best unis for architecture in Northern Ireland

• Queen’s University Belfast

• Ulster University

Best unis for architecture in Scotland

• The University of Edinburgh

• University of Strathclyde

• University of Dundee

Best unis for architecture in South East England

• Oxford Brookes University

• University of Kent

• University of Reading

Best unis for architecture in South West England

• University of Bath

• Bristol, University of the West of England

• University of Plymouth

Best unis for architecture in Wales

• Cardiff University

• Cardiff Metropolitan University

• University of Wales, Trinity Saint David

Best unis for architecture in the West Midlands

• Coventry University

• Birmingham City University

• University of Wolverhampton

Best unis for architecture in Yorkshire and the Humber

• University of Sheffield

• Sheffield Hallam University

• Leeds Beckett University

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• Find architecture courses

• Architecture subject guide