What are the best universities for Architecture and Building?

Architecture and Building graduates are always in high demand by employers worldwide, because no matter where you are based, there will always be a need to design and construct buildings. This makes a degree in this field especially attractive for international students.

Kaplan works with fantastic universities in the UK and USA offering degrees related to Architecture. Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best universities for Architecture and Building.

The USA and the UK have many examples of innovative building and architecture, and both are well known for pioneering infrastructure development. Thanks to this, British and American universities can offer students valuable insights into this highly practical discipline.

Based in the vibrant and student-friendly city of Liverpool, the University of Liverpool is a great choice for students wishing to study a degree in Architecture. You’ll be surrounded by inspiration, as the city is home to iconic examples of architecture, such as the famous Liver Building, and the pretty Royal Albert Dock.

Perhaps this is why the University of Liverpool has such a great reputation for Architecture, ranking 11th in the UK for the subject (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). With Kaplan, you can study subjects such as Architectural Engineering and Architecture at this great institution.

UWE Bristol is also highly regarded in Architecture, ranking 12^th in the UK in the field (Complete University Guide 2024). A wide range of related degrees are available at UWE, including Architectural Engineering and Architecture & Planning.

Meanwhile, the University also ranks 12th in the UK for Building (Complete University Guide 2024). Apply through Kaplan and you could go on to a great career by studying Building Surveying at UWE.

Bristol isn’t only famous for its universities though: it’s also home to the iconic Clifton Suspension bridge, designed by the legendary  Engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Perhaps if you study Architectural Engineering or another Architecture-related subject, you could follow in his footsteps!

Nottingham Trent University also enjoys great rankings for Architecture and Building-related subjects. It ranks 6th in the UK for Building and Town and Country Planning (Guardian University Guide 2023).

Study Architecture at Nottingham Trent, and you’ll be taught by experts in the field and can enjoy great career opportunities after graduation.

At Nottingham Trent University, you can study subjects such as Architectural Technology, Architecture, and Building Surveying. You’ll have options at undergraduate and postgraduate level, so you’ll have plenty of choice at Nottingham Trent.

Of course, if you’re looking for stunning examples of architecture and building, London may be your ideal study destination.

It is home to many fantastic buildings by world-renowned architects, such as St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Christopher Wren in the 17th century, and number 30 St Mary Axe, better known as the Gherkin, designed by one of the most famous modern-day architects, Norman Foster.

In the heart of the City, you’ll find the University of Westminster, which ranks 18th in the UK for Building (Complete University Guide 2024) and 9th in student satisfaction for Architecture (Complete University Guide 2024). Kaplan students can study Architectural Technology, Architecture or Building Surveying degrees at Westminster.

The University of Nottingham also runs a number of degrees related to Architecture, including Architectural Environment Engineering and Architecture & Environmental Design. These are available at both bachelor’s and master’s level.

The University of Nottingham is one of the top universities in the UK for Architecture and Building. Currently, it ranks an excellent 7th in the subject (Complete University Guide 2024). It’s also home to some wonderful examples of the practice, from the 16th-century Wollaton Hall to the ancient Nottingham Castle!

The seaside city of Brighton is home to some fantastic examples of architecture, such as the Grade I-listed Royal Pavilion, designed by 19th-century architect John Nash. In fact, many of the city’s streets are lined with historic, grand houses built in a unique and beautiful style known as Regency period architecture.

The University of Brighton has a wide range of Architecture and Building-related degrees, such as Architecture, Building Surveying and Interior Architecture. It also has great rankings! The University ranks 18th in the UK for research quality in Architecture (Complete University Guide 2024).

This means you can be sure you’ll get a great education in Architecture and Building at the University of Brighton, and start your path to a fantastic career in a related field.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a top US university. This great public university in sunny, metropolitan Phoenix is ranked #3 master’s degree in architecture in the USA (SR Education Group).

Influential architect Frank Lloyd Wright made his winter home in Arizona and ASU is surrounded by eclectic buildings that bear his design influence, including Gammage Memorial Auditorium on the Tempe campus.

The university has also been named number 1 in the USA for innovation an impressive 7 years in a row (U.S. News and World Report 2016–2022).

With Kaplan, you can apply to a number of exciting architecture degrees at ASU. These include Architectural Studies, Landscape Architecture, Master of Architecture, Energy Performance/Climate Responsive Architecture, and Interior Architecture.

If you would like to study a degree in Architecture or Building in the UK or USA, Kaplan can help. We offer university preparation courses and admissions services that can help you can access to a degree at any of these top universities.

Click on our handy degree finder button below to find Architecture and Building degrees in the UK and USA.