Top 20 Architecture Schools in the World
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) rankings are carried out yearly to reveal the top universities in the world, based on global overall and subject standings. Here are the Top 20 Architecture Schools in the World from its recently published ranking in the field of Architecture and the Built Environment.
20. HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY (POLYU)
School overview
PolyU is a top institution in the field of architecture and offers a one-of-a-kind experience for enrolled students. The school, though located in Asia, fuses Western knowledge in its approach to ensuring scholarly education is proffered. The school has been in existence since 1964 and has been ranked among the top universities in the world for years.
Ethos
Often described as fun and challenging, PolyU’s approach to teaching and learning centres around welcoming diverse approaches and methodologies. The institution encourages constructive and artistic research in its doctorate programs as well as a vast series of elective learning choices for undergraduates.
Program features
PolyU has a series of learning opportunities ranging from Bachelors to Masters and Post Graduate programs. International exchange programs and study trips are also available to provide students with a chance to study abroad.
Further details about the institution can be found on their official site.
19. UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
School overview
In the year 1886, a survey of Western Arts Education was undertook by 3 individuals under the directive of the Japan Ministry of Education. This resulted in the inclusion of the Department of Architecture in their plans for a school of Fine Arts.
Since it was founded, it has remained the only educational institution in Japan that trains architects in an environment where course of study instructions are provided by a faculty of fine arts.
Ethos
The school’s educational system is one that encourages students to showcase the uniqueness and originality.
The University of Tokyo has always aimed to hone sensibilities and nurture an extensive range of knowledge and skills. Individuals who are passionate about the field are specially trained on practical techniques in architecture and construction.
Program features
Teaching occurs in small groups as admission is limited to 16 or less students in both undergraduate and master’s degree programs. This is to ensure that there is proper guidance in the department, and in-depth interactions between instructors and students.
Though a few of the courses are taught in English, a lot of teaching is done in Japanese. More information about the university can be sourced on their webpage.
18. TONGJI UNIVERSITY
School overview
Tongji University is one of the top schools in China and has a history of over 100 years. Established in 1927, the institution was formerly known as Tongji German Medical School. It has since become a topmost choice for those tailing a career in civil engineering and architecture.
Ethos
Tongji University strives for quality and as such values the well-rounded development of education, research, outreach and innovation. It is targeted that their students have a strong professional footing, extensive knowledge and high comprehensive quality.
Program features
The architecture program is taught in English and a dual degree is awarded. Students spend some semesters in the Tongji University campus and others at the University of New South Wales. After being taught the principles of Architecture, they then get an opportunity to specialize in the field they are most interested in.
Further details can be found here.
17. UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
School overview
The University of Melbourne was established in the year 1853 and has regularly been placed among the prominent universities in the world. The architecture program in the institution has been recognized by the Australian Government as being above world standard and having exception research strength.
Ethos
‘Unimelb’ is an institute that makes distinguishing contributions to society in research, learning, teaching and engagement.
Graduate architects from the university, learn to combine creative visualization, innovation, technological understanding and architectural theory to shape how we live, work and play in our built environment.
Program features
Undergraduates of the department of Architecture also study subjects from other disciplines while pursing architecture. This allows them to have vast knowledge in different fields. Areas of emphasis are engineering, arts and the built environment.
All of these and more increase employability of students after graduation. Further details are provided on the website.
16. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
School overview
The institution is commonly referred to as UCLA and has a number of Nobel laureates and MacArthur fellows to its name. Gaining admission into this institution requires not only a top-notch application but also a complementary one that highlights your interest in UCLA and the selected subject of study.
Ethos
UCLA believes that a thriving creative community is the alchemy of ideas, values, talent, and technique. The brilliant faculty teaches students to engage the world around them. They are encouraged to see ideas as dynamic forms of response, and to use design and writing as expressions of new perspectives.
Program features
The architectural curriculum focuses on three main areas: critical studies, design and technology. The university also offers the M.S.AUD; a one-year post-professional degree program that leads to a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design degree.
Programs are run by experts in their various fields and students learn to query and contest the current conventions of the architectural practice.
15. UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
School overview
Potential students have a lot to gain from the University of Sydney as it is ranked as the best in Australia. The institution has been in existence for over 150 years and boast of successful alumni form politicians to pioneers.
Ethos
University of Sydney aims to foster critical thinking across all fields and to develop students’ abilities to see the big picture while still paying attention to details. It is set to help students combine their creative flair and technical skills to shape the spaces we live in.
Program features
The institution provides pathways into further studies once a student obtains a bachelor’s degree. They learn to design by taking on real-world projects in and around their environment. The University also offers opportunities for international exchange so students gain a broader view of architecture and its role in our daily lives.
See here for more details.
14. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
School overview
Columbia University is a privately owned institution based in Upper Manhattan, New York City and is one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the country. It was established in 1754 and is regarded as the third most selective university in the United States due to its 6.1% acceptance rate.
Ethos
The University of Columbia’s approach to the architecture is considered to be more philosophical as students are encouraged to consider the subject in relation to society, politics and culture. The school encourages the understanding of experimentation in the field of architecture and reinvention.
Program features
The Master of Architecture Program is offered over a period of three years. It focuses on increasing capacities in design, building practices and individual potentials. The program’s diversity is where it finds its strength. Ph.D. programs are also available where emphasis is placed on expanding the knowledge of prospective scholars in the field of architectural theory and history.
Further details about the programs are on the official page.
13. UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
School overview
The University of Hong Kong is the oldest tertiary education institution in Hong Kong and was officially opened on March 11, 1912. Today, HKU has amassed international credit for its endeavours as a research-led comprehensive university.
Ethos
The school enlightens students in the values of service, scholarship and invention. Approach to design emphasizes technology, history and culture of students. The University of Hong Kong aims to provide comprehensive education comparable to the highest international standards which fully developing the intellectual capacity of its students.
Program features
Students in the Department of Architecture are taught in small groups by capable tutors on research and design over the length of a term. Undergraduate students are thoroughly trained in traditional drawings, model-making methods and architecture design software.
The institution also offers research programs at graduate and postgraduate levels.
12. SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY LAUSANNE
School overview
EPFL as it is commonly called, is one of the foremost STEM schools in Europe and is renowned for its excellence in teaching practices and innovative research. It was established in 1853 and at its inception it had only 11 students.
Ethos
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology has three main missions: education, research and technology transfer at the highest international level. Collaborations exist with a plethora of partners that include other schools and industries.
Program features
Classes involve teachings on subjects like history, building techniques and physical and digital modelling. State-of-the-art facilities and travel opportunities are made available for students to help with their studies and expand their knowledge. At the completion of the bachelor’s degree, students have the option of pursuing a master’s degree at the institution as well.
The official page has more information on the subject.
11. POLITECNICO DI MILANO
School overview
The institution is located in Milan and was founded in the year 1863. It is regarded as one of Europe’s most celebrated design and engineering universities, with numerous Pritzker and Nobel Prize winners among its former students.
Ethos
The personal attitudes of the students are central to the various school programs. Novel educational pathways are structured to advance individual skills and to learn new ones. The institute aims to build the foundations of future professional careers that are notable on the job market.
Program features
The architectural program is taught across three campuses, and takes in numerous conferences, exhibitions and study trips. It also promises an external internship in the final year of school.
There are then four master’s options (all taught in English) for those looking to specialise. The faculty takes in students from over 30 countries and takes on design challenges from all around the world.
Further details can be found on their official site.
10. TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
School overview
Regarded as one of the most respected higher learning institutions in China, Tsinghua University was founded in 1911. The institution is committed towards research and innovation, and is a member of the Chinese C9 League universities.
Ethos
Tsinghua University relies greatly on a convergence between its traditional cultures and Western practices. Its current disposition towards learning includes creating ground-breaking solutions that benefits the world.
Program features
Tsinghua University has both the Bachelor of Engineering in architecture, and the Bachelor in Architecture, which takes four and five years respectively. It also presents the Master in Architecture; the first to offer placement for foreign students. Detailed explanation of guidelines to get admitted can be found here.
9. MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
School overview
Manchester School of Architecture came about as a result of two schools merging together – the Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester. The institution has over 700 students from around 50 countries.
Ethos
It prides itself with three key elements – “renown”, “innovation” and” engagement.” It is recognised as one of the top UK schools and reflects architectural landscape history and emerging urban development. It relies on variety, innovation and quality of work from its staff and students.
Program features
The BA Architecture course is appraised by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA). Completing this course begins your architectural journey. You also get to be part of UK’s largest Architecture student society. The Master of Architecture (MArch), is well recognised and validated by professional bodies. Get more information when you visit their website.
8. NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
School overview
National University of Singapore was founded in 1905. It aims to be an important aspect of innovation and enterprise for all stakeholders – students, researchers, staff and alumni.
Ethos
The institution dignifies itself as a forefront in their educational structure and how it advances learning to the benefit of its students. With the world evolving, its resolve is being transformative and creating an array of research opportunities to produce global leaders.
Program features
The B.A. (Arch) is a four-year Honours programme, while the Master’s Program is a duration of two years. They are planned on the premise to draw the interest of budding architects to learn in a fast paced environment. Find out more here.
7. UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
School overview
With over 30 Colleges being governed by their own rules and regulations, University of Cambridge is a coalition of these faculties and departments. Early records show educational operations started in 1209, and over 18,000 students are enrolled with the help of 11,000 members of staff.
Ethos
The institutions core value is entrenched in freedom of thought, expression and from discrimination. Its major aim is to ensure that it contributes immensely towards society.
Program features
Being a very competitive institution, it limits the number of students that gain admission to the various department including the Department of Architecture. It is over 100 years old and every student’s development is guided by prominent scholars.
Visit their website for more information.
6. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
School overview
Unlike many prominent universities, University of California, Berkeley does not require you to submit a portfolio to be admitted. The school founded in 1868 is famous and respected; offering around 1,000 spots for graduate and undergraduate students.
Ethos
The general objective of the institution is to make sure it establishes a convincing groundwork for a range of careers so as to provide flexibility to suit diverse, but distinctive opportunities. It relies on its conviction to offering a sound and well-rounded education, uniting its community.
Program features
It offers the BA degree and allows entry into its Master of Architecture program. The course entails environmental design and architecture which guarantees diverse opportunities for graduates. Courses vary from tech, design, humanities and history. More information is on the school’s website.
5. HARVARD UNIVERSITY
School overview
Being the oldest higher educational institution in the US, Harvard University was established in 1636. The institution is widely known for its intense competition in offering admission placement for students across the world. The schools has over 100 individuals that have been heads of states, Nobel Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Ethos
Harvard pride itself in its acumen of global leadership in education, and world-class scholars. There is a diverse wealth of knowledge spanning across over 200 countries. Its library is the largest in the world. Harvard’s museums houses around 28 million works of art.
Program features
Harvard’s Department of Architecture is a diverse convergence of various individual who bring uniquely inspiring scholarly design that is technologically inclined. The Master in Architecture I & II offers inspired design approaches that aligns with creativity and dexterity. Visit the website for more.
4. ETH ZURICH
School overview
ETH Zurich is one of the best STEM institutes in the world and boasts of Albert Einstein as an alumni. Established in 1855, the university is located in Zurich, Switzerland. It offers several undergraduate courses which require you to speak German. The postgraduate courses however are taught in English or French.
Ethos
The school places emphasis on worldwide connections, which serves as reliable source for business partnerships, politics and society. Students discover an idyllic atmosphere for liberated thinking and a climate which motivates top performance.
Program features
The department of architecture has a structure of flexible design studios that work hand-in-hand with the institute. This is experienced throughout all stages of Bachelor and Master Studies at the D-ARCH as an all-inclusive and open programme.
Research focus is particularly on the topics of future cities, energy, climate change and sustainability.
The official website provides more information about the department.
3. TU DELFT
School overview
TU Delft is located in the Netherlands, with 8 faculties that offer 16 bachelor’s programs and more than 30 master’s programs. With over 25,000 students and 6,000 employees who share a fascination for science, design and technology, the school is one of the top-rated ones in the field.
Ethos
The common mission of the institute is – impact for a better society. This explains why top education and research are at the heart of the establishment. The university aims at transferring knowledge to society and promoting social responsibility.
Program features
The bachelor’s degree programme delves into urbanism and building science as well as orthodox architecture studies. The program covers disciplines like architectural design, urban planning, building technology, social sciences, geo-information science and process management.
Find out more on the official TU Delft page.
2. MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
School overview
MIT is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1861, it comprises a number of major off-campus facilities as well. As of October 2019, 96 Nobel laureates, 26 Turing Award winners, and 8 Fields Medalists have been associated with MIT as alumni, members of faculty, or researchers.
Ethos
The MIT community is motivated by a shared drive: to make a better world through education, research, and innovation. Through all of these MIT’s exceptional community trails its duty of service to the nation and the world.
Program features
The faculty showcases the importance of interdisciplinary partnership, especially where environmental solutions are discussed. A major factor in the institutes ranking is their focus on sustainable architecture and research on the topic.
More details here.
1. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
School overview
It is no mean feat that University College London has been voted as the best university for architecture since 2001. The public research institution is credited for its academic excellence and global impact for its teaching and research standard. Founded in 1826 as London University, it started being popularly called UCL since 2005.
Ethos
With over 13,000 members of staff and 42,000 students from 150 countries, UCL is considered as UK’s leading multicultural and disciplinary university. Focus is placed on world-class academics, students, and alumni. Its researchers explore new possibilities in various fields.
Program features
UCL has a wide-ranging programmes in architecture available at the Bartlett School of Architecture. With four undergraduate degrees and seventeen graduate programmes, the department offers unique, design-led interdisciplinary teaching. Find out more here.
