Architecture

Exceptional learning environment

The Department of Architecture at Cambridge is an exciting place to study, regularly lauded as one of the leading architecture schools in the world.

Creativity, curiosity and strong intellectual grounding are central to the course. Our innovative design programme is balanced with outstanding teaching in the history and philosophy of architecture, contemporary culture and urbanism, as well as construction, structural design and environmental design.

Our small, friendly Department has a good staff to student ratio, and the supportive community atmosphere gives students the opportunity to push the boundaries of the field and to extend their own abilities in exciting new directions. Facilities include a superb library, reprographics areas, workshops, studios and spaces for larger installations.

Professional qualification

Successful completion of our full three-year undergraduate course carries exemption from the Architects Registration Board (ARB)/Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) Part 1 – the first stage in qualifying as an architect.

The Department offers two routes to professional accreditation (ARB/RIBA Parts 2 and 3):

• A full-time, two-year Master of Architecture (MArch) course, which carries exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 2, followed by a one year, part-time Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice which carries ARB/RIBA Part 3 exemption.
• A part-time, four year MSt Apprenticeship, during which you work throughout.

When you have completed all three parts of the ARB/RIBA requirements, you will be able to register as an architect with the ARB.

What we're looking for

You must have an enthusiasm for both the arts and the sciences. The ability to draw and an interest in the history of art and architecture are essential, as is a knowledge of mathematics to at least a good GCSE standard.

It's not possible to study Architecture as an affiliated course (ie in one year less than usual). However, if you've already completed an undergraduate degree at another university and now wish to study Architecture at Cambridge as a second undergraduate degree, you can apply to study the full three-year course. (In this case, you normally wouldn't pay the separate College fee.) Please seek advice about your application as early as possible from one of the mature Colleges.

Changing course

Students can opt to move to other courses within the University after Year 1 (Part IA). However, this is very rare and most architecture students stay for all three years (see above regarding professional qualification).

To be able to change course, you need the agreement of your College that any change is in your educational interests, and you must have the necessary background in the subject to which you wish to change – in some cases you may be required to undertake some catch-up work or take up the new course from the start/an earlier year. If you think you may wish to change course, we encourage you to contact a College admissions office for advice. You should also consider if/how changing course may affect any financial support arrangements.

Course Outline

Usually, you are taught in our studio – where you have your own dedicated design space – two days a week, during which you're set projects that require you to produce models and drawings to communicate your ideas. You're supervised on studio work in individual tutorials and group critical reviews, which encourage you to explore different approaches and develop essential design skills. The resulting portfolio accounts for 60 per cent of your overall marks each year.

Lectures, classes and visits to completed buildings or buildings under construction/restoration cover the rest of the curriculum. In addition to the two studio days, in the first year you typically attend six or seven lectures each week; and three classes and three small-group supervisions each fortnight, for which you're required to complete essays and undertake preparation.

Year 1 (Part IA)

The studio work introduces the possibilities of architecture, with an emphasis on understanding and developing proficiency in traditional modes of architectural representation – models, collage, perspectives, elevations, plans and sections. You also master basic CAD skills, used in studio presentations. A compulsory study trip abroad usually takes place during the Easter vacation. 

You take five lecture-based papers:

• Introduction to Architectural History/Theory (pre-1800)
• Introduction to Architectural History/Theory (post-1800)
• Fundamental Principles of Construction
• Fundamental Principles of Structural Design
• Fundamental Principles of Environmental Design

Assessment is through coursework. 

Year 2 (Part IB)

You choose from various options for studio work, with projects ranging in scale from mapping studies and interior interventions, to reasonable-sized buildings. Emphasis is on integrating the technical skills learnt in Part IA and in the ongoing Part IB lectures with your studio output. A voluntary study trip is usually offered.

In addition, you take five papers that build on your Part IA knowledge:

• Studies in History and Theories of Architecture, Urbanism and Design (two papers, one studied in Michaelmas Term and one in Lent Term)
• Principles of Construction
• Principles of Structural Design
• Principles of Environmental Design

Assessment is through coursework. 

Year 3 (Part II)

You choose from three studio options which vary in approach but all require you to produce a building design at the end of the year, the technical realisation of which is allied to a coherently framed conceptual approach. Again, a voluntary study trip is usually offered.

Four lecture-based papers, all examined entirely through coursework, carry 20 per cent of your overall marks:

• Advanced Studies in Historical and Theoretical Aspects of Architecture and Urbanism
• Management, Practice and Law
• Advanced Studies in Construction Technology, Structural Analysis and Environmental Design Related to Case Studies
• Architectural Engineering

A written dissertation of 7,000-9,000 words on a topic of your choice accounts for the remaining 20 per cent of your marks.

For further information about studying Architecture at the University of Cambridge see the Department of Architecture website.

The application process

The Cambridge application process is slightly different to other universities. You still need to apply through UCAS, however, at Cambridge the process starts earlier to give us time to collect and consider all of the application information. The steps below and the following pages will guide you through the process.

You’re going to be studying to a very high level for several years so make sure you choose a course you’re personally interested in and will really enjoy studying! Check, also, that you meet the entrance requirements of the course you want to study.

Most applicants need to take a written admission assessment as part of the application process. Some applicants will also be asked to submit examples of their written work.

Please check the type of assessment required for your course as early as possible as some assessments require you to be registered before the UCAS application deadline (15 or 30 September).

Where would you like to live when you’re here? In your UCAS application, you can apply directly to one of our 29 Colleges or make an open application. 

You need to submit your UCAS application by 15 October – our institution code is CAM C05. Please note:

• Earlier or later deadlines may apply for Mature Students, Foundation Year and Organ Scholarship applicants.
• There's an additional application form if you're applying for the Graduate Course in Medicine.
• You can’t apply to both the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford in the same year.
• Some applicants will be required to submit an academic transcript.

After you’ve submitted your UCAS application, you will need to fill in an additional Cambridge-specific application form, which we’ll send you a link to by email.

Everyone with a good chance of being offered a place is invited to attend an interview. If you decide to apply, you can find videos and full information on what to expect and how to prepare, in our interviews section.

We’ll advise you of our decision before the end of January.