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The Department of Architecture at Cambridge is one of the world’s leading architecture schools, offering both an Architecture degree and a Design degree that combines architecture, engineering, and materials science. The 4-year integrated master’s (MArch) course allows students to explore design through studio work led by practising architects, alongside lectures in history, theory, urbanism, construction, and environmental studies. With a small, supportive community, students benefit from individual supervision, their own studio desk space, and access to outstanding facilities including one of the best architectural libraries in the country, digital fabrication studios, workshops, and 3D printing labs.
Teaching & Learning
Students spend two days a week in the studio, working on design projects with dedicated space, model-making, and drawings. Studio work is supervised through tutorials and group reviews, supported by lectures, classes, and site visits. Alongside studio time, first-year students typically attend 6–7 lectures weekly, plus classes and small-group supervisions.
Assessment
Assessment is mainly through coursework, contributing to a portfolio worth 50% of yearly marks. A dissertation is added in the final year. Work cannot usually be resubmitted.
Year 1 (Part IA)
The first year builds foundational skills in design, drawing (hand and digital), and CAD, alongside six lecture courses in skills, structures, environment, materials, and history/theory. Study trips, including one abroad, are compulsory.
Year 2 (Part IB)
Students explore broader studio projects while integrating first-year technical skills. They take four compulsory papers, plus four optional short courses in history/theory, covering topics like urban planning, architecture and gender, and sound in architecture.
Year 3 (Part IIA)
Studio work, worth 50% of the mark, focuses on producing a full building design. Students take one compulsory paper and choose four additional courses (two technical, two history/theory), with topics like sustainable housing, robotics, and urbanism. A dissertation of 7,000–9,000 words accounts for 20% of marks.
Year 4 (Part IIB)
Progression depends on third-year results. Students complete a full-year design project and a major dissertation, alongside a compulsory Professional Skills paper.
Changing Course
Most students complete all four years, aligning with ARB outcomes. Transfers to Design (after Year 1) or other courses may be possible with department and College approval, subject to conditions like interviews, tests, or additional coursework.
The BA in Architecture at the University of Cambridge offers a distinctive learning experience that blends theory with practice. The program emphasizes research, design projects, and real-world engagement, equipping students with both creative and practical skills in architecture. While it does not explicitly include traditional internships, the course is structured to provide extensive hands-on experience through its curriculum.
Key Experiential Learning Components
Research
Students undertake in-depth research into the historical, philosophical, and cultural contexts of architecture and urbanism.
Design Projects
A central element of the course, design projects encourage students to apply knowledge creatively and develop innovative architectural solutions.
Participatory Practice
The program emphasizes collaboration and real-world involvement, enabling students to design spaces that address community needs and promote inclusivity.
Practical Application
The curriculum integrates both artistic and scientific challenges, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience within their studies—even without formal internships.
Cambridge Architecture graduates progress into a wide range of exciting careers. Many pursue professional practice as architects, while others branch into urban design, conservation, or emerging digital design fields. Typical graduate roles include: Architect, Urban Designer, Heritage Conservation Specialist, and Design Technologist.
At Cambridge, your career development is supported every step of the way:
Careers Service: Access one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, and over 15,000 opportunities advertised annually through the University of Cambridge Careers Service.
Graduate Outcomes: 91% of Cambridge graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their course, with architecture graduates highly sought after worldwide.
Industry Connections: The Department of Architecture has strong ties with leading practices and cultural institutions, and many tutors are practising architects who connect students directly with industry.
Accreditation Value: The BA (Hons) Architecture at Cambridge is RIBA Part I accredited, an essential step towards becoming a registered architect in the UK.
Global Recognition: A Cambridge degree holds exceptional long-term value, opening doors internationally across design, construction, heritage, and academia.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA, most students progress to the MPhil in Architecture and Urban Design (Part II), either at Cambridge or another leading institution, which fulfils the next stage of professional training. This is followed by a period of professional practice and the Part III qualification, leading to full RIBA/ARB registration as a practising architect. For those interested in academia, further pathways include research-focused degrees such as the PhD in Architecture.
CBSE - Students must achieve A-level equivalent grades in Mathematics and a science subject, usually aiming for top marks at least 95% or higher in 5 subjects. A strong portfolio, admissions assessment, and interview performance are also crucial for competitive courses like Architecture.AP (Advanced Placement) : A minimum of 5 Advanced Placement (AP) Scores at grade 5 in subjects related to the course applied for + you will need a minimum combined score of at least 1,460 with a score in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing of at least 730. OR you will need an ACT composite score of 32 IB (International Baccalaureate) - A typical offer is 41–42 points out of 45, including 776 in Higher Level subjects, with some colleges asking for higher. Mathematics at Higher Level “Analysis and Approaches” is strongly preferred for courses that require Maths.A-Level - Offers are usually based on three A-level subjects taken together in Year 13, with grades typically AAA or A*AA. STEM applicants are encouraged to take Further Mathematics, and science candidates must pass the practical assessment.IELTS - The standard requirement is an overall score of 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each component. This ensures that applicants have the advanced English proficiency needed for academic success.TOEFL - A minimum overall score of 110 is expected, with at least 25 in each section. Please note that changes after January 2026 mean TOEFL iBT and Home Edition will no longer be accepted for entry.Three-dimensional work can be shown through photographs, and it’s helpful to bring a variety of drawings in different media such as pencil, charcoal, or crayon.Both exam work and personal creative projects are welcome in your portfolio, and requirements may vary depending on the College.There is an admission assessment at all Colleges for this course. You do not need to register in advance.University can ask for an portfolio interview. Architectural AssistantUrban Design Assistant Interior Designer 3D Visualiser / Architectural Illustrator Construction Project Manager (assistant level) Planning & Development Officer Property Developer / Real Estate Consultant Landscape Designer Furniture Designer Set Designer (filmtheatreTV) Lighting Designer Exhibition & Museum Designer
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University of Cambridge
