In honour of the World Architecture Day on 2 October, we’ve got the lowdown on the top 10 universities for architecture around the globe. So buckle up and let’s dive right into the exciting world of architectural education. The list below is based on the rankings by the world-famous QS World University Rankings.
1. University College London (UCL)
Time to head to the United Kingdom! The Bartlett School of Architecture, part of UCL, is the number one school in the world for studying architecture. These folks are all about innovation and creativity, offering a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, a Master of Science in Architectural Design, and a Ph.D. in Architectural Design. Their research centres, like the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis and the Urban Laboratory, are like treasure chests of architectural insights.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is like the superstar of architectural education. For three years in a row, it grabbed the crown as the best university in the world to study architecture, before being overtaken only by UCL in 2023. If you want to be part of this architectural wonderland, MIT offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, a Master of Science in Architecture Studies, and a Ph.D. in Architecture. They’ve got serious dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation with cool places like the Center for Advanced Urbanism and the Senseable City Lab. They also top the general QS World University Rankings for 2024, securing the top spot as the best university in the world overall.
=3. Delft University of Technology
Time to head to the Netherlands! The Delft University of Technology is all about architectural excellence. Ranking third globally, they’ve got a Bachelor of Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences, a Master of Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Architecture and the Built Environment waiting just for you. Oh, and did we mention that their Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment is one of the big players on the global architectural scene, hardly surprising considering how important good urban planning and architecture is in a country as densely populated as the Netherlands.
=3. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
Pack your bags for Switzerland! ETH Zurich is a rock star in the science and technology university world, and they’re killing it in architecture too. Tied with Delft for the third place globally, they’ve got a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Science in Architecture, and a Ph.D. in Architecture and Civil Engineering. Their research institutes are like hotspots for architectural brilliance, from the Future Cities Laboratory to the Chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication.
5. Manchester School of Architecture
Welcome to the Manchester School of Architecture, a partnership between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Ranked fifth in the world in the field of architecture, this school offers a range of degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, a Master of Landscape Architecture, and a Ph.D. in Architecture. The school boasts creative research groups such as the Continuity in Architecture Group.
6. Harvard University
Time to shine in the USA! Harvard University, one of the oldest and most respected names in education, is ranked sixth in the world in architecture. The Graduate School of Design offers a Master of Architecture, a Master of Landscape Architecture, a Master of Urban Planning, and a Doctor of Design. These folks are serious about research too, with centres like the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities and the Harvard Project on Climate Agreements. They’re also one of the best universities overall in the world, coming in 4th place at the QS World University Rankings for 2024.
7. National University of Singapore (NUS)
If you want to study architecture in Asia, your best bet is the National University of Singapore. The 7th-best architecture school in the world and the 8th-best university in the world according to QS, the NUS was founded back in 1905, making it the oldest autonomous university in Singapore. It’s an extremely prestigious university, ranking in the global top 10 not just in architecture, but in 13 other subjects as well. NUS offers a great chance to study architecture for anyone who loves warm weather, as it has the highest-ranked architecture programme in the tropics.
8. Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University in Beijing, the capital city of China, is the second Asian university on this list. The university offers the best architecture programme in East Asia and is the 25th-best university in the world according to the QS rankings. Tsinghua puts a lot of emphasis on going further with your studies, with over two thirds of the student population being post-graduate or doctoral students. At Tsinghua you can study Architecture, Urban Planning, Building Science and Landscape Architecture. The Tsinghua campus has also been named as one of the most beautiful campuses in the world by a panel of architects in Forbes magazine.
9. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
Welcome to California, where dreams come true! UCB is part of the University of California system and grabbed the ninth position for architecture. They’ve got a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, a Master of Science in Architecture, and a Ph.D. in Architecture to satisfy your architectural hunger. The College of Environmental Design is where the magic happens, and research centres like the Center for Environmental Design Research are hubs of architectural exploration. UCB also finished 10th in the world in the QS World University Rankings for 2024.
10. Politecnico di Milano
Time to embrace the Italian charm! Politecnico di Milano is the largest technical university in Italy, ranking tenth in the architectural world. With options like a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design and a Master of Science in Building Engineering/Architecture, they’re definitely on our radar. Their School of Architecture Urban Planning Construction Engineering is a powerhouse of architectural wisdom, and research hubs like the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies are where dreams are built.
Last thoughts
So there you have it, the top 10 universities where architectural dreams come to life. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative vibes of MIT or the historical charm of Harvard University, these institutions are your ticket to a world of architectural wonders. Get ready to design, create, and shape the future of our built environment!
Once you’ve chosen where to study, you’ll need to find some accommodation. You’ve come to the right place for that! Here at Student.com we offer student accommodation in hundreds of cities around the world, so wherever you’re going to study, there’s a good chance we list some properties there.