7 courses offered in the Department of Architecture
Architecture - PhD
The Cambridge Department of Architecture has been Ranked 2nd in the Times Higher Education Supplement World Rankings for Architecture 2025. It is one of four Cambridge University disciplines to have achieved first place in their respective Units of Assessment, in the Research Excellence Framework. A doctoral degree at the Department of Architecture offers the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental staff member. Unless the candidate is part of a research group, the research is undertaken entirely by the candidate on their own, with regular supervision on progress with their supervisor. The department welcomes applications from qualified postgraduates with a suitable background in architecture, science, history and theory, and/or engineering to undertake research towards a PhD in areas such as Urban Environmental Design and Technology, Computational Social Sciences, Digital Media Design and Communication, Design, Technology and Natural Materials, Urban Planning, History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism, Urban Studies, and other related fields. However, the department cannot accept candidates for whom no supervisor is available. The department does not offer a taught PhD programme. Instead, it admits applicants who meet the academic admissions criteria and whose research interests match those of an available academic staff member willing to act as the student's supervisor.
Architecture and Urban Studies - MPhil
In the 2022 Research Excellent Framework, Cambridge Architecture’s research work was ranked 1st in the UK, achieving the highest proportion of combined World Leading research. The Cambridge Department of Architecture has been ranked top by the Times Higher Educational Supplement in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework for research quality. A remarkable 56.9% of all of our research outputs are ranked 4*, ‘world leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour’ and 39.7% are ranked 3*, ‘internationally excellent’, whilst 87.5% of our research impact studies are ranked 4*. This consolidates our top ranking established in the previous Research Assessment Exercises of 2008 and 2014. Building on this research excellence, the MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies (MAUS) is a full-time programme of advanced study on contemporary architecture and the continued development of cities around the world.
Architecture by Thesis - MPhil
This MPhil is a nine-month full-time or part-time research degree offering the opportunity for independent research under the supervision of a departmental staff member. The qualification may count towards the entrance requirements for PhD study. However, applicants are advised that, almost without exception, students commence their MPhil studies intending to pursue a higher degree later. Please note that the degree does not 'convert' to a PhD; students wishing to pursue a PhD later must make a new application for PhD study.
Building History - MSt
The Master of Studies (MSt) in Building History is an academically rigorous yet practical course aiming to equip students for careers in historic building investigation, research, recording, assessment, management and interpretation. The MSt in Building History draws on expertise in both the academic and the professional spheres.
Master of Studies (MSt) in Architecture (Degree Apprenticeship) - MSt
Professional Practice in Architecture - PGCert
The Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture is awarded by the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), to be known as Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) from July 2025, and administered by the Department of Architecture.
The Postgraduate Certificate is a one-year, part-time master’s-level programme resulting in 60 FHEQ Level-7 credits and an award from the University of Cambridge. There are three workshop sessions run in Cambridge over the academic year which means that students are not required to be away from their offices for long periods. The sessions cover the topics outlined in the ARB/RIBA Criteria for Part 3 courses. The course and the examination has validation from the ARB and the RIBA.
Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment - PGCert
The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment is a transformative ten month, part-time programme at the University of Cambridge for global practitioners working in the built environment. It is designed for professionals working in the built environment who want to deliver the kind of sustainable and resilient places and spaces which are crucial to our common future. Interdisciplinary awareness and related management skills are seldom part of standard architecture, engineering and other built environment qualifications. The course helps ambitious built environment professionals meet the increasing demands of their market, their sector and invigorate their personal development.
The learning approach is highly interactive and designed to encourage reflection and debate. Students are supported by a team of expert tutors and supervisors. The speakers, lecturers and facilitators are leading experts and practitioners from both academia and industry. A key feature of the programme is the collaborative learning experience. The programme facilitates shared learning between peers, and networking with the extensive range of contributors, together providing a rich learning environment.
1 course also advertised in the Department of Architecture
Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment - MSt
From the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art
The Master of Studies (MSt) in Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment is a transformative part-time master’s programme at the University of Cambridge for global practitioners working in the built environment. The master's was created by a powerful partnership between the University of Cambridge’s world-leading Architecture and Engineering Departments. It is designed for professionals working in the built environment who want to deliver the kind of sustainable and resilient places and spaces which are crucial to our common future. Interdisciplinary awareness and related management skills are seldom part of standard architecture, engineering and other built environment qualifications. The master's helps ambitious built environment professionals meet the increasing demands of their market, their sector and invigorate their personal development.
The learning approach is highly interactive and designed to encourage reflection and debate. Students are supported by a team of expert tutors and supervisors. The speakers, lecturers and facilitators are leading experts and practitioners from both academia and industry. A key feature of the programme is the collaborative learning experience. The programme facilitates shared learning between peers, and networking with the extensive range of contributors, together providing a rich learning environment.