Best Universities for Architecture in the UK 2025

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If you’re interested in doing a degree in architecture, you’re probably also interested in the best universities for architecture, but did you know there’s more to the top architecture universities than just the overall winners? We've put together a list of the unis that came top in different criteria according to the Complete University Guide's 2025 league tables, so you can look at what's important to you.

Best university for architecture in student satisfaction

Solent University (Southampton)

Down on the south coast on England, Solent University in Southampton has been providing students with a place to study a whole raft of exciting courses, including architecture. The uni has invested over £100 million in its campus recently, with facilities like its sports complex and the Spark, its teaching and learning centre, giving students lots of opportunities to develop their skills.

See what students think about studying at Solent University

Best university for architecture in research quality

University of Cambridge

Just an hour’s train ride from London in the beautiful city of Cambridge, you’ll find the University of Cambridge. The uni’s buildings are spread across the city centre. The city itself is packed with green space, perfect for picnics and outdoor study sessions. One popular way to pass afternoons when you’re not studying is to make use of the boat trips available along the River Cam. If this doesn’t take your fancy, there’s plenty of other cultural things to do as well. The city has a range of galleries, museums, cinemas and theatres to occupy you, and you also won’t be short of places to eat, drink or party.

Best university for architecture in graduate outcomes

Cardiff University

As the capital of Wales, Cardiff is a bustling city that has plenty to offer students. Cardiff University itself also has plenty for students to enjoy, even after they graduate – it came top of the list for graduate opportunities for architecture students.

Read what students think of architecture at Cardiff University

Best university for architecture in England

University of Sheffield

Students in the north of England have great options for studying architecture, but the University of Sheffield is one of the best. In fact, it came top in the whole of England!

See what students think of studying architecture at the University of Sheffield.

Best university for architecture in Scotland

The University of Edinburgh

The UK’s sixth oldest uni, the University of Edinburgh has a rich history and offers its students loads of benefits. Not only is it located in one of the UK’s most desirable cities to live in, but the city also has many parks to offer, and the university is well-known for its high-quality research. Edinburgh is also famous for its local landmarks, architecture and shopping. The uni also has several famous alumni including Alexander Graham Bell, JM Barrie and Charles Darwin.

Best university for architecture in Wales

Cardiff University

Cardiff University dates back to 1833 and today has a student body representing over 100 different countries. The uni’s campus is situated in the heart of Cardiff, Wales’s capital city, meaning students are well-located, with everything you need just a short distance away. Around Cardiff, you’ll find a lively, student-friendly nightlife scene thanks to the many bars, pubs and clubs. There’s also enough comedy clubs, theatres and music venues to keep any student busy!

Read what students think of architecture at Cardiff University.

Best university for architecture in Northern Ireland

Queen's University, Belfast

Queen’s University Belfast is a well-respected and renowned institution. Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city, the uni is in close proximity to the compact town centre, which students can easily explore by foot or on bike, though the city also has a strong local transport network for those who would prefer to take a bus. Across the city, you’ll find plenty of nightlife, entertainment and culture to keep you busy when you’re not studying, and you’re also close to spots of natural beauty such as Giant’s Causeway.

Read what students think about architecture at Queen's University, Belfast.