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, students study under the guidance of world-renowned researchers and ground-breaking practitioners.
Creativity, curiosity and strong intellectual grounding are central to the course. Our innovative design programme – delivered by tutors working at the cutting edge of contemporary architecture – 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 very 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, studios and spaces for larger installations, and reprographics areas and workshops.
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 also offers a Masters in Architecture and Urban Design, which carries exemption from ARB/RIBA Part 2, and an ARB/RIBA Part 3 course (the final qualifying stage).
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.
Additional course costs
Year 1
- A University approved scientific calculator, specialist drawing and modelling equipment, and materials/specialist printing of drawings and models for the studio course - Estimated cost £550
- Compulsory study trip (travel and accommodation costs funded by the Department, students required to cover their own subsistence costs) - Estimated cost £100-£150 (subsistence)
Year 2
- Materials/specialist printing of drawings and models for the studio course - Estimated cost £450
- Voluntary study trip - Estimated cost £200
Year 3
- Materials/specialist printing of drawings and models for the studio course and dissertation - Estimated cost £500
- Voluntary study trip - Estimated cost £200
Details about additional costs can be downloaded from the Department website.
Careers and research
Many graduates continue into professional training, but some enter other creative fields or research. We have a long-standing tradition of research excellence, 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.