Architecture

The BSc Architecture at University College London (UCL) is a prestigious undergraduate programme that offers students a comprehensive foundation in architectural design, theory, history, and technology. Designed to develop creative, critical, and technical skills, the programme prepares students for professional practice and further postgraduate study in architecture. The curriculum combines studio-based projects, lectures, seminars, and workshops, fostering an innovative learning environment where students can explore their design ideas while gaining a deep understanding of architectural principles. Throughout the course, students engage with both traditional and digital tools, learning to produce designs that are innovative, sustainable, and responsive to social, cultural, and environmental contexts. The programme emphasizes sustainability, urbanism, and the social role of architecture, encouraging students to think critically about their contributions to the built environment. UCL’s strong links with industry and the profession provide students with opportunities for placements, internships, and collaborative projects, enriching their learning experience. The department benefits from a diverse academic staff who are active researchers and practitioners, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments and debates in architecture. The programme also incorporates visits to significant architectural sites, exhibitions, and events, broadening students' understanding of global architectural practice. Graduates of the BSc Architecture often proceed to top postgraduate programmes or enter into architectural practice, equipped with a rigorous education and a portfolio that demonstrates their creative and technical abilities. The programme encourages innovation, critical thinking, and sustainability, aiming to produce architects who can positively influence the future of our cities and societies.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 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 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Year one is centred on design studio projects which develop the central skills of observation, design, critical thinking and representation, emphasising the expression of ideas in three dimensions. Complementing this are lecture courses on history and theory, production of the built environment, and technology, as well as a field trip to a major European city in the second term.

In years two and three, you join one of up to ten design units. Each unit offers a specific architectural agenda, allowing you to develop personal architectural interests and to work with architecture in relation to subjects as diverse as craft, making, film, history, technology, philosophy and science.

Your work in the second and third year studio is complemented by core lecture, workshop and seminar series in computing, technology, history, theory and professional studies.

Year 1

Core or compulsory module(s)

• Design Projects (4 x 0.5 course units)
• Environmental Design (0.5 course units)
• History of Cities and their Architecture (0.5 course units)
• Making Cities (0.5 course units)
• Structure, Materials and Forming Techniques (0.5 course units)

Optional modules

• All first year modules are compulsory.

Year 2

Core or compulsory module(s)

• Design Projects (1 x 0.5, 2 x 1.0 course unit)
• Design Technology II (0.5 course units)
• History and Theory of Architecture (0.5 course units)
• Architectural Practice and Enterprise (0.5 course units)

Optional modules

• All second year modules are compulsory.

Year 3

Core or compulsory module(s)

• Design Projects (1 x 0.5, 2 x 1.0 course units)
• Design Technology III (1.0 course units)
• History and Theory of Architecture (0.5 course units)

Optional modules

• All final year modules are compulsory.

• Successful completion of one year of a Bachelor Degree or Specialist Diploma at a Russian university recognised by UCL, with an average of 4.5/5.
• Study must contain subjects relevant to the programme of study at UCL.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Standard level: Score of 92 overall with 24/30 in reading and writing and 20/30 in speaking and listening
• Good level: Score of 100 overall with 24/30 in reading and writing and 20/30 in speaking and listening
• Advanced level: Score of 109 overall 24/30 in reading and writing and 20/30 in speaking and listening

British Council International Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Version)

• Standard level: Overall grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the subtests.
• Good level: Overall grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests.
• Advanced level: Overall grade of 7.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each of the subtests.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Bader Bursary
• UCL - United World Colleges and International Student House Scholarship (UCL - UWC/ISH Scholarship)
• UPCH Progression Scholarships

The Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London offers a comprehensive undergraduate program in Architecture, designed to prepare students for a professional career in architectural design and practice. The BSc Architecture program provides students with a strong foundation in architectural principles, technical skills, and critical thinking. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical studio work, encouraging creativity, innovation, and sustainability in design. Students are engaged in a variety of design projects that challenge them to address real-world issues, including urbanism, environmental sustainability, and technological integration. The program emphasizes research-led learning and the development of a personal design voice, supported by expert faculty members who are active practitioners and researchers in the field.

The course structure typically includes modules in architectural design, construction technology, structural mechanics, history and theory of architecture, digital fabrication, and environmental systems. Throughout the program, students have access to state-of-the-art studio facilities, computational laboratories, and digital fabrication workshops, enabling hands-on experience with the latest architectural tools and technologies. The program also offers opportunities for collaboration with industry partners and participation in national and international competitions, providing valuable professional exposure.

The faculty at The Bartlett are recognized for their cutting-edge research and innovative teaching methods, fostering an environment where students can experiment and push the boundaries of traditional architecture. The program prepares graduates for employment in architectural firms, urban planning agencies, or for pursuing further education at the postgraduate level, such as the MSc Architecture or PhD research programs offered by the school. Graduates are equipped with a critical, creative, and technical skill set, enabling them to contribute to shaping the built environment sustainably and ethically.

Additionally, students benefit from UCL's multidisciplinary research environment and its location in central London, which offers unparalleled access to architectural landmarks, government bodies, cultural institutions, and vibrant urban life. This proximity enhances learning through site visits, internships, and collaborations with various stakeholders in the architectural and construction industries. Overall, the BSc Architecture at UCL's Bartlett School balances rigorous academic standards with practical skills, fostering innovative architects ready to address complex challenges in the 21st century.