Architecture, BA (Hons)

Architecture at Cambridge

The Department of Architecture at Cambridge is an exciting place to study. It is considered to be one of the leading architecture schools in the world. The Department also offers a Design degree, which combines architecture, engineering and materials science.

On the Architecture course, you’ll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of the field and to extend your own abilities in exciting new directions.

This course involves:

• design teaching through studio work taught by practising architects
• lecture courses in history and theory of architecture and urbanism
• lecture courses in the technical aspects of construction, environment and structures

Teaching and facilities

Teaching

Our small, friendly Department has a good staff to student ratio and a supportive community atmosphere.

The core of your teaching will take place in our studio and you’ll have your own desk space.

You’ll be supervised on your design projects individually by tutors who draw from their extensive experience as practising professional architects.

You’ll also be taught through lecture courses and seminars.

Facilities

The Department of Architecture facilities include:

• one of the best architectural libraries in the country, with a collection of rare architectural books
• reprographics facilities with tracing paper plotters, scanners, and more
• a workshop, fully equipped with woodworking tools and CNC routers
• digital fabrication studio, with state of the art 3D printing machinery
• spaces for larger installations
• materials and printing which is paid for by the Department

You'll also have access to the impressive Cambridge University Library, one of the world’s oldest university libraries.

Course costs

When you go to university, you’ll need to consider two main costs – your tuition fees and your living costs (sometimes referred to as maintenance costs).

Your living costs will include costs related to your studies that are not covered by your tuition fees. There are some general study costs that will apply for all students – you can find details of these costs here.

Other additional course costs for Architecture are detailed below. If you have any queries about resources/materials, please contact the Department.

Equipment

• Safety boots. Estimated cost £30.
• The Department covers all the costs of materials for model making and drawing. It does not cover basic stationery and consumables such as pens, pencils and glue.

Field trips

• Compulsory trip in Year 1. The Department covers the costs of travel, entrance fees and accommodation. Students are only required to bring money for subsistence (food and drink).

Becoming an architect

If you successfully complete our Architecture BA (Hons) you'll be awarded ARB/RIBA Part 1.

This enables you to progress to the ARB/RIBA Part 2 and 3. You can do this by studying at Cambridge:

• A full-time, 2-year Master of Architecture (MArch) course, plus a one-year, part-time Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice.
• A part-time, 4-year MSt Apprenticeship, during which you will work.

You can register as an architect with the ARB once you complete all 3 parts of the ARB/RIBA requirements.

Your future career

Many graduates continue into professional training, but some go into creative fields or research.

Some areas of research include:

• history and philosophy of architecture
• environmentally responsible design
• architecture and the moving image
• urban design and transport planning
• disaster relief