UK · Master's
UCL Bartlett School of Architecture
Master of Architecture (MArch)
UCL Bartlett School of Architecture
Course Overview
UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture has been ranked #1 globally for Architecture in QS World University Rankings by Subject for ten consecutive years. The 2-year Master of Architecture (MArch) is fully ARB/RIBA Part 2 accredited — the second of the three professional qualifications required to register as an architect in the UK. The programme is organised around 20 vertical Design Units (think of them as competing studios), each led by a practising architect or academic of international standing — past Unit Masters include Peter Cook, Bob Sheil, and CJ Lim.
Sri Lankan applicants choose The Bartlett because the Unit system is unique: students apply to a Unit on arrival, working alongside the same 12-16 peers and tutor for two years on a single experimental brief. The school is also famed for its annual Bartlett Show — one of London's largest architecture exhibitions, attended by every major UK practice. For Sri Lankan architectural-graduates, the MArch + 1-year Part 3 at UCL is the gold-standard path to Chartered RIBA / ARB registration, which is recognised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) for direct chartered membership.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Sri Lankan BSc / BArch (Hons) Architecture from CHEC or a recognised university — minimum Upper Second-Class (2:1 / GPA 3.3+).
- check_circle ARB/RIBA Part 1 accreditation OR demonstrably equivalent Part 1 portfolio from your undergraduate studies.
- check_circle Strong design portfolio (10-12 projects) demonstrating conceptual, technical and representational skill — the most weighted element of the application.
- check_circle Two academic / professional references; personal statement (max 500 words).
- check_circle Year out (1 year of professional practice) preferred but not mandatory.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.5 in each section).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall (min 24 R&W, 23 S&L).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 75 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan applicants from CHEC, UoM, or international universities qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (£) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | £37,000 | Rs. 14,800,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, London) | £16,000 | Rs. 6,400,000 |
| Student Visa & IHS Fee (2 years) | £2,000 | Rs. 800,000 |
| Studio Materials, Models, Site Trips | £2,500 | Rs. 1,000,000 |
| Total Programme Investment (2 years) | £110,500 | Rs. 44,200,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 2-year UK Graduate Route on completion. Most Bartlett MArch grads use the Graduate Route to complete Part 3 (1 year of practice + exam) at a UK firm — placing into Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, Heatherwick Studio, BIG London, Adjaye Associates, Rogers Stirk Harbour. Sri Lankan returnees gain direct SLIA Chartered Architect status. Architectural Assistant Part 2 starting salaries in London: £30,000-38,000.
Related Programs
AA Diploma (5-year integrated Master of Architecture)
Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA School)
Master of Architecture
MIT School of Architecture and Planning
Master of Architecture
Singapore University of Technology and Design
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