Architecture at Cambridge
The Architecture Department offers two degrees: Architecture, which offers the quickest route to qualification as an architect; and Design, which combines architecture, engineering and materials science.
Creativity, curiosity and strong intellectual grounding are central to the Architecture 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, new digital fabrication laboratory, workshops, and studio spaces for students in all years.
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 costs
Tuition fees
Information on tuition fee rates for Architecture is available on the tuition fees page.
Additional course costs
The University fees (see our Finance pages for more information) cover the costs of software, paper, model-making materials and printing for presentations.
Portfolios are submitted electronically. Students are expected to supply normal stationery such as pens, pencils, glue, rulers, writing paper and erasers.
The additional course costs are:
- Site boots (all other site safety equipment will be loaned if/when required) – estimated cost - £30
- Compulsory study trip in the first year (travel and accommodation costs are funded by the Department, but students are required to cover their own subsistence costs) – estimated cost of subsistence - £100-£150
- Optional study trips are offered in the second and third years; costs vary, from free to £300-£500 per trip. Additional funding may be available from Colleges. These trips do not form any part of the examined course. The costs of site visits and other trips that are part of the examined course are included within the tuition fees.
Careers and research
Many graduates continue into professional training or enter other creative fields. Some choose to take up research in areas such as history and philosophy of architecture, environmentally responsible design, architecture and the moving image, urban design and transport planning, and disaster relief.
