Architecture has played a crucial part in human development, from creating groundbreaking creative and urban concepts to constructing key environmental buildings. Those interested in pursuing an architecture degree at the best universities in the world should not feel apprehensive about their ability to accomplish so only after reading this ultimate guide.
What are the Best Universities in the World to Study Architecture?
There are a vast number of colleges for you to choose from. And no matter where you want to study in the world, there are a vast number of universities that will leave you spoilt for choice. After searching many online sources and surveys, Arch2O lists the 10 best universities in the world to study architecture. If you want to be among the best of the best, these are the ten universities you should attend:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
MIT has consistently bagged the first position amongst the best universities in the world for architecture.
Its architecture school was the first of its kind in the US. It was founded in 1865, 4 years after the institute was founded.
It is known for introducing modernism to the US and commissioning progressive buildings. With only 25 students in its M. Arch program classes, MIT is known for providing its students with an excellent atmosphere. The small class sizes ensure enriching debate amongst the students and teachers.
Also Read: Your 5 Steps Guide to Join Architecture Schools in USA
MIT School of Architecture and Planning.
2. The Bartlett School of Architecture, United Kingdom
UK’s Bartlett School of Architecture ranked second behind MIT. Established in 1947, this is one of the 11 constituent faculties of UCL.
It claims to be the first architecture school founded in the UK. With faculties known for experimental and original research and for developing space syntax, it is no surprise that the Bartlett School of Architecture is one of the best universities in the world.
The Bartlett School of Architecture -Photograph by Jack Hobhouse
3. Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
At TU Delft, the Faculty of Architecture has more than 3,000 students, making it the busiest. Incorporating the Dutch custom of interdisciplinary practice, this institution is proud of its international reputation and competitive master’s programs, in which students collaborate to develop innovative, comprehensive answers to real-world problems.
4. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Switzerland
Switzerland’s ETH Zurich is recognized as one of the most highly regarded universities for architecture. The Department of Architecture was founded in 1854 and had 2000 students. The success and good name of ETH Zurich are majorly due to its brilliant teaching and research results. This university focuses on broadly defined built environment issues.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, DARCH
5. The University of California, Berkeley (UCB), United States
The University of California, Berkeley is known for their research and for encouraging independent design. The architecture degrees focus on the design’s aesthetic, cultural, and technical components. With award-winning faculties and professors who are innovative thinkers and designers, it is understandable why UCB is one of the best universities in the world.
Also Read: 20 Free Online College Courses from World’s Best Architecture Schools
U.C. Berkeley Campus
6. Harvard University, United States
Many famous and influential architects, landscape architects, and urban planners have graduated from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. Architecture courses started at Harvard in 1864, and today the department has a rich diversity and boasts a unique community. It promotes collaboration by exploring new ways of thinking.
USA Record Organization – USKings ( source of photo: internet )
7. Manchester School of Architecture, United Kingdom
Manchester School of Architecture is an innovative collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester. This has united two architecture schools with over 100 years of educational experience to create one of the largest architecture schools in the UK.
Also Read: Top 10 Architecture Schools in Germany
Manchester School of Architecture, United Kingdom
8. University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
With the academic popularity of the University of Cambridge and the setting of the medieval city, studying architecture here will leave you with a unique experience.
Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, England. Shostal Associates
9. Politecnico di Milano, Italy
With about 42000 students, The Politecnico di Milano is the largest technical university in Italy. Many renowned architects studied and now teach at Politecnico di Milano.
Politecnico di Milano, Italy Via Talloires Network of Engaged Universities
10. National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
NUS’s Department of Architecture of the School of Design and Environment was founded in 1969 and offers a wide range of programs, including landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and integrated sustainable design. It provides its students with opportunities to choose from creative paths fitting their design talent and research interests.
National University of Singapore via Mattermost
What to keep in mind when searching for the best architecture schools?
It all starts with you when deciding where to pursue your education. Many considerations, including location, and your academic and behavioral priorities, play a role in deciding which school to attend.
Finding a school that lets you focus on your academic and social goals is noteworthy. Choosing a university is a big deal, and doing so successfully might feel overwhelming. Here are a few critical considerations that usually arise along the route to assist you.
1) Preferment
Start with your identity and motivation. Consider your ideal learning atmosphere. A small institution may focus on sustainability or community design, whereas a large college may offer several majors and facilities.
You may also care if such schools are in cities or towns. Urban universities may have more internships, while small-town universities may have a higher standard of living. As we’ll describe later, college rankings can also be used in decision-making.
2) Gain as much knowledge as possible for accurate evaluations
Check out the colleges’ websites, go to their open days, chat with undergrads and architects, and even visit different campuses for more efficient exposure for your potential college.
3) Location
The location has always influenced architecture school selection. Despite the coronavirus, the place is still essential. Location matters, whether a school is near home, in a city with excellent architects, or where you want to reside after graduation.
Be careful when picking an architectural college since location affects how you attend school, what’s nearby, and the local industry and businesses you may work for after graduating.
4) Expenses
Here is where capital investments play a significant role. Few colleges and universities intentionally aim to be inexpensive, even after considering available financial aid. While the cost of living is higher at some other schools, the perks they offer are permanent.
Find out whether it provides financial aid such as loans, grants, or paid internships. There may be other costs on top of fees that you should be aware of. With this data in hand, finding the most significant private education loans that fit your requirements on the internet is simple.
5) Know your situation, ambitions, and objectives
This may involve accepting that you are unsure whether or not a career in architecture is what you desire. To avoid “missing” a year of school, you can choose a program that allows late entrants, offers courses with less or no credits or allows you to switch majors easily.
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022: Architecture & Built Environment
The pillars upon which the QS World University Subject Rankings rest are academic prestige, employer endorsement, and research influence.
1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Location: Cambridge, United States
- Rank: 1
- Overall Score: 97.2
2) Delft University of Technology
- Location: Delft, Netherlands
- Rank: 2
- Overall Score: 95.1
3) UCL
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Rank: 3
- Overall Score: 94.5
4) ETH Zurich
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- Rank: 4
- Overall Score: 94.4
5) Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, United States
- Rank: 5
- Overall Score: 89.2
6) National University of Singapore (NUS)
- Location: Singapore, Singapore
- Rank: 6
- Overall Score: 89
7) Manchester School of Architecture
- Location: United Kingdom
- Rank: 7
- Overall Score: 88.6
8) the University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
- Location: Berkeley, United States
- Rank: 8
- Overall Score: 88.2
9) Tsinghua University
- Location: Beijing, China (Mainland)
- Rank: 9
- Overall Score: 87.4
10) Politecnico di Milano
- Location: Milan, Italy
- Rank: 10
- Overall Score: 86.8
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