Top UK Universities For Architecture - Ranking & League Table
Here’s our full guide on the top universities for Architecture in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognised qualifications for Architecture.
Table of Contents
UK University League Table for Architecture (Updated 2025)
The University League Table for Architecture below displays the top-ranking universities for studying Architecture in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, based on UK rankings from the Complete University Guide 2025.
What do you Study in Architecture?
Architects combine science and arts in the design of buildings and structures. If you decide to study architecture, you will learn how to incorporate aesthetics and visual creativity into building design, all while ensuring its form, function, and safety.
A degree in Architecture may be a general term that includes or refers to subjects such as:
- Architectural Appreciation
- Architectural Design
- Architectural Drawing
- Architectural Practice Management
- Environmental Design
Careers for Architecture Graduates
What can you do with a degree in Architecture? Many graduates find employment taking on various roles such as:
- Architect
- You might find work in diverse areas such as building, landscape and naval architecture.
- Architectural technician
- Building surveyor
- Building inspector
- Building inspectors are required in many industries and sectors, such as the local council, environmental agencies, private construction companies, and even large international organisations such as UNESCO.
- Interior designer
- Production designer
- Set designer
- Architects are needed to build sets for theatre and film productions.
- Structural engineer
- Town planner
Top Architecture Schools In The UK
Holding its position right at the top of the UK’s university rankings in 2025 is the University of Sheffield, ranked first in the UK for Architecture. The university is popular among international students and it offers three architectural programmes which are accredited by professional bodies. Its programmes strongly encourage students to spend time in the studio working on projects to develop their style. Sheffield is among the UK’s top 20 universities and it is also among some of the largest universities in the UK with over 25 thousand students.
The University of Bath’s Bachelor of Science in Architecture programme is ranked third in the UK for the subject. The four-year programme includes a year of professional placement in the industry which bolsters graduate employability and enriches the students’ learning experience in the architectural industry.
The University of Cambridge is the top destination among international students and it is ranked an impressive 4th place in the 2025 UK rankings for Architecture. Cambridge offers a 3-year Bachelor of Arts in Architecture programme. In the first two years of the programme, students will learn the history and principles of structural design, environmental design and construction while third-year students will take on advanced studies in a few architectural modules. You could read more about the University of Cambridge’s Architecture course on its website or read more about the application process via UCAS here.
Recommended Architecture Schools In The UK
Newcastle University is a great choice for budding architects, ranking 10th in the 2025 UK rankings for the subject. Newcastle has two programmes in architecture and its programmes help students find their unique design style while teaching useful professional skills such as model making and creating computer-aided drawings.
The University of Strathclyde offers one programme in Architectural Studies. Strathclyde’s four-year programme is accredited by professional bodies and boasts one of the best graduate employability scores among other architectural programmes in the UK. The university ranks 32nd in the UK and has a great reputation for its research output and graduate prospects.
University of Plymouth ranks among the top 20 universities in the UK for Architecture. Plymouth has a TEF Gold rating which is proof that the university consistently meets the highest standards of teaching and learning in the country. Plymouth offers an undergraduate programme in architecture, BA (Hons) Architecture which is among the most affordable UK architectural courses at just £17,100 per annum.
How To Apply To Study Architecture In The UK?
Step 1: Choose A University
The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK which offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Things to consider when applying:
- Location
- Employability
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- University Ranking
Step 2: Preparations
Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.
Step 3: Submit UCAS Application
The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.
To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here.
More about UCAS
The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your preferred UK universities.
UK Architecture School Entry Requirements
Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK medical school:
- English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)
- Health checks
- Entrance interviews
- Personal statement This is a supporting document an part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will learn how to design visually appealing buildings and structures that maintain good form, function, and safety.
The number 1 university for Architecture in the UK is the University of Sheffield according to 2025 rankings.
The common entry requirements for studying Architecture in the UK include English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.
The tuition fees for Architecture degrees in the UK range between £17,100 to £33,672 per annum for international students, depending on the university. The ranking and location of a university might also affect tuition fee costs.
The UCAS deadline for Architecture programmes is 15 January on the year of admission. Do take note that the deadline for Oxford and Cambridge is 15 October.
Get Free UK Architecture Course Application Assistance
If you would like a free consultation on any step of the application process, contact us today or come visit us at our office in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Book an appointment with us now!