Architecture (Practice-based)
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements
- 3 years practice experience
- Fees for 2024-25 (per academic year)
-
UK: £4,786International: £27,500
- Fees for 2025-26 (per academic year)
-
UK: To be confirmedInternational: £28,600
- Part-time
- 6 years
- Start date
- 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October
- Location
- Loughborough
- Subject area(s)
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Overview
One of four Royal Academy of Engineering designated Centres of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design, the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering is home to a thriving community of over 60 academic staff, 40 technical and clerical support staff and over 240 active researchers that include fellows, associates, assistants, engineers and doctoral students.
Our practice-based Architecture PhD programme is tailored for practitioner architects wishing to explore an original research topic while remaining in practice. Unlike some practice-related PhD models, our programme does not involve the submission of an extended piece of self-reflective commentary by an architect on their previous built work and designs. Instead of this passive approach, we take an active one, which involves:
- an architect creating new, research-led work while in practice
- critical reflection and analysis of this in written and practical form
- presentation and defence of this work via the ‘design critiques’ typical of architectural pedagogy and practice.
This approach reflects the close alignment of theory and practice in LU-ARC, Loughborough's new architecture division and also reflects changes in RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) expectations, whereby practices are encouraged to build upon their design intuitions with original research that facilitates evidence-based design approaches.
The PhD will take the format of a written thesis of 40,000 words, as well as a substantial practical component. The practical component might take the format of contributions to the completion of a building project, hand-drawn or computerised visualisations (plans, elevations, sections, axonometrics, etc), virtual spaces, traditional hand-made models, 3D printed models, structural and material prototypes, mock-ups and installations. It is expected that a semi-public exhibition and discussion of the work should take place towards the end of the period of study. The formal examination, however, will consist of analysis and interrogation of the practical and written components in line with the standard viva-voce regulations and practise, and this will be conducted jointly by an internal academic referee, as well as an appropriately qualified external practitioner.
Our research
Research within LU-ARC is aligned under three main headings: Architectural Legacies, Architectural Tectonics and Digital Architecture.
Within these are a range of research specialties and strengths reflecting the interests of academic staff. We welcome practice-based research proposals across this range. Specific research areas might include:
- Building structures and materials
- Building performance and systems
- Digital fabrication
- Automated and AI design
- Human robot co-creation
- XR architecture
- Adaptable architecture
- Design pedagogy
- Architectural history and theory
- Socio-behavioural impacts of architecture
- Built environment heritage and legislation
- Urban morphology and mapping
- Architecture as social mediator
We are not limited to these topics and would invite practicing architects with new and exciting research agendas in any area to contact us for discussion.
Your development
Undertaking a practice-based PhD will give you the opportunity to develop new and highly sought-after skills which you will be able to bring directly back into your professional practice, but which will also allow you to branch out towards academia and other areas of industry.
You will make a novel contribution to knowledge and become an expert in your field while further developing your transferable skills, such as in research methods, time and project management, networking and relationship building.
Throughout your research, your primary and secondary supervisors will provide academic and pastoral support in line with the school’s PhD support structures and milestones. Our extensive training provision, supported by the Doctoral College, will also enhance your skills and experience as a researcher. These include PhD seminars and workshops with your peers and modules in advanced research methods.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
You will need to be a qualified practitioner architect with a minimum of three years of practice experience. Applications will proceed via submission of an outline of the topic and methodology, a digital portfolio of design work, as well an interview.
As the PhD will be situated in practice, several formal commitments will be required from the practice concerned. These include:
- a commitment to allow the candidate to work on their research for a minimum of 500 hours per annum
- a commitment to release the candidate for regular tutorials and crits
- safeguards on the IP (Intellectual Property) of the resulting research if that research is done in collaboration with others in the practice.
You will also need to formally agree with the School on any extra financial contributions that might be required to deliver on the PhD, for example, materials required for manufacture or access to specialist laboratories or computation, and these will be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the topic.
Afghanistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters | 95% | 85% | 70% |
Albania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
Algeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Argentina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Armenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum | 90% or 3.9 | 80% or 3.5 | 70% or 3.0 |
Australia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, H2B |
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%) |
Austria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% / B / (or 2) | 60% / B / (or 2) |
Azerbaijan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 80% | 3.5 or 70% |
Bahamas
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bahrain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Bangladesh
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only) | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75 |
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5 |
Belarus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Belgium
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie | 80% or 17 | 70% or 14 | 60% or 12 |
Belize
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Benin
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien |
Bermuda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bolivia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Botswana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60% |
Brazil
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
Brunei
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5) |
Bulgaria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Burundi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) | 18 | 15/20 (Bien) | 12.5/20 (Assez Bien) |
Cambodia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters | 80% or B+ or 3.5 | 70% or B or 3.0 | 60% or C+ or 2.5 |
Cameroon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) | 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien | 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien | 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien |
Canada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0/Percentage | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68% |
Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Chile
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5 |
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:
First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai Rank Top 250 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70% |
Shanghai Rank 251-500 | 88% | 84% | 80% | 78% | 75% |
Shanghai Rank 501+ | 92% | 87% | 84% | 82% | 80% |
Affiliated colleges
The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:
- School of Business and Economics: not considered
- All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Universities given special consideration
Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:
*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.
Colombia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2 |
Costa Rica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75 |
Croatia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
Cuba
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Cyprus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Czech Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
Denmark
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7 |
Dominican Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% | Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82% |
Ecuador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 8.5 / 85% | 8 / 80% | 7 / 70% |
Egypt
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65% |
El Salvador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto | 8.5, 85% | 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno | 6.5, 65% or Bueno |
Estonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or 91% or A | 4 or 81% or B | 3 or 71% or C |
Ethiopia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A/GPA 4.0 | A/GPA 3.5 | B/GPA 2.8 |
Finland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister | 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) | 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) | 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5) |
France
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Georgia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.0 (85%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Germany
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
Ghana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Ghana | First | Upper second/60% | Lower second/50% |
Greece
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6 |
TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
Grenada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) | 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5) |
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55% |
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Guatemala
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university) |
Guyana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0 |
Honduras
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70% |
Hong Kong
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
1st or 3.5/4 | 2:1or 3/4 | 2:2 or 2.5/4 | 2.5 |
Hungary
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 |
Iceland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
India
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework | 65% (First) | 60% (First) | 55% (Upper second) |
All other Indian institutions | 70% (First with distinction) | 65% (First) | 60% (First) |
Indonesia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Iran
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iran | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Iraq
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Ireland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%) |
Israel
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Italy
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110 |
Ivory Coast
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien) |
Jamaica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5) |
Japan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale | 85% or A or 3.5 | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0 |
Jordan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63% |
Kazakhstan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80% |
GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.7 | 3.2 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3 |
Kenya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C |
Kosovo
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Kuwait
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
Latvia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Lebanon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
American | 90% (3.5) | 80% (3.2) | 70% (2.8) |
French | 18 | 15 | 12 |
Liberia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80% |
Libya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5) |
Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0) |
Lithuania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Luxembourg
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien) |
Macau
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Macedonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Malawi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65% |
Malaysia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classification | First Class | 2.1 | GPA 2.5 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Malta
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%) |
Mauritius
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50% |
Mexico
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] | 8.5 | 8 | 7 |
Moldova
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Mongolia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0 |
Montenegro
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies | 10 (or 5.0) | 9 (or 4.5) | 8 (or 4.0) |
Morocco
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Mozambique
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Myanmar (Burma)
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65% |
Namibia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C |
Nepal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) | 80% or 3.7 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA | 60% or 3.0 GPA |
Netherlands
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6 |
New Zealand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0) |
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0) |
Nicaragua
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Nigeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 3.0 (on 5 point scale) |
5 point scale | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Norway
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0 |
Oman
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Pakistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6 |
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters | 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 | 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 | 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6 |
Palestine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (4-years) | (85%) 3.5 | (80%) 3.0 | (70%) 2.5 |
Panama
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C) |
Papua New Guinea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Paraguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Peru
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Philippines
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0 |
Poland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Portugal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado | 18 | 16 | 14 |
Qatar
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Romania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Russia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Rwanda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%) |
Saudi Arabia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.5 |
Senegal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien |
Serbia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Sierra Leone
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C) |
Singapore
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Hons) | First | Upper second | Lower second |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Slovakia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D |
Slovenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7 |
South Africa
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 70% | 2:2 or 60% |
South Korea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA out of 4.5 | 4.0 / A | 3.5 / B | 3.0 / C+ |
GPA out of 4.3 | 4.0 / A | 3.0 / B | 2.7 / C+ |
Spain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Sri Lanka
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0 |
Sudan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year degree | 1st, 70%, B+ | 2:1, 66% | mid 2:2, 60%, B |
Sweden
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG | B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G |
Switzerland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 6 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3 |
Syria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60% |
Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Taiwan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Category 1 (4 year degree) | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Category 2 (4 year degree) | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Tajikistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Tanzania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Thailand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Trinidad and Tobago
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or GPA 3.6 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Tunisia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien) |
Turkey
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Turkmenistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Uganda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0 |
Ukraine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
United Arab Emirates
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
United States of America
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Uruguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Uzbekistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.5 |
Venezuela
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9 |
Vietnam
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
4-point scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Zambia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60% |
Zimbabwe
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60% |
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024-25 entry
UK fee
£4,786 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£27,500 Full-time degree per annum
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
To be confirmed Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£28,600 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2024-25 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and July 2025. Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
To find out more about Architecture and to explore the research expertise of staff, please visit our website or speak to Dr Simon Richards.