8 courses offered in the Department of Architecture
Architecture - PhD
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 in a joint submission with Land Economy. It is one of four Cambridge University disciplines to have achieved first place in their respective Units of Assessment.
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 History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism, Urban Studies, Urban Environmental Design and Technology, Computational Social Sciences, Digital Media Design and Communication, Design, Technology and Natural Materials, Urban Planning 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.
Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment - PGCert
Master of Architecture - MARCH
This is a two-year full time professional design and research course leading to the Master of Architecture (MArch) Degree. It provides exemption from ARB/RIBA Part II as well as research training so that students who get sufficient grades in the dissertation can continue directly on to a PhD degree. UK students carrying on from BA(Hons) RIBA/ARB Part I courses, pay undergraduate fees and are eligible for student loans.
It is recommended to take a year out and gain experience in architectural practice or a related design and/or professional field following the Part I course. Uniquely amongst MArch courses, students select their research topic and design projects, limited only by the availability of suitable supervisors.
Master of Studies (MSt) in Architecture (Degree Apprenticeship) - MSt
The MSt in Architecture provides an alternative to the traditional full time route to qualifying as an architect where the fees are paid by the employer and the Apprenticeship Levy and apprentices work throughout. Apprentices must have completed ARB/RIBA Part I through a recognised degree course or apprenticeship. Apprentices usually apply in their year-out through the architectural practice they are working for or before graduation where their application is already supported by a future employer.
The Cambridge course is mainly taught in short two-week residential courses held throughout the year which mix Master Classes, Lectures, Supervisions, Seminars and Studio work. The lectures are taught by experts from inside the University and from elsewhere. The Master Classes are taught by leading practitioners in their particular fields. The result is a unique course that seeks to prepare the student for the rapidly changing world of professional practice in the 21st century.
The MSt is taken in conjunction with the Government’s Level 7 Architect Apprenticeship scheme. The Master of Studies (MSt) in Architecture (Degree Apprenticeship) is accompanied by its associated Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture (End Point Assessment) which includes the End Point Assessment itself, approximately six months later.
Professional Practice in Architecture - PGCert
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.