Becoming an architect is challenging, and selecting the right course can also be difficult. In Europe, there are many options, each with its unique style of education, school, and teaching program. As a discipline that falls between engineering and art, choosing the right course requires thorough research. Additionally, for international students, studying in another country presents its own challenges.
The study of architecture in Europe offers the opportunity to explore influential architectural periods such as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic. This exploration can greatly influence your future career. It’s important to remember that learning is not limited to the classroom but also involves gaining insights from everyday experiences.
So, here is a list of the best universities in Europe to study Architecture in 2025.
University College London (UCL)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Acceptance Rate: 7%
As one of the top architecture schools globally, ranked as 1 in QS World University Rankings 2024 by Subject (Architecture & Built Environment), UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture is renowned for its research and innovative teaching methods. The architecture and urbanism programs focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, experimental design, and sustainable practices, preparing students for leadership roles in the field. Also, when studying in London, you can have a chance to see many great museums that are close to UCL’s main campus, such as the British Museum and the National Gallery.
The Bartlett offers master’s programs, including the MArch Architecture, MSc Architecture and Digital Theory, MSc Sustainable Heritage, MSc Building and Urban Design in Development, and MSc Urban Design. The programs are known for their interdisciplinary approach, innovative design, and focus on sustainability.
AA School of Architecture
Location: London, United Kingdom
Acceptance Rate: 10%
The AA School is famous for its innovative and experimental approach to architectural education and is well-known for its famous graduates: ” Most famous architects have been here (sooner or later).” Offering various specialized master’s programs, the school emphasizes design research, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, attracting students and faculty to the forefront of architectural practice and theory. Also, AA School is located at Bedford Square, which is close to the British Museum.
The AA School offers master’s programs, including the Master of Architecture (MArch), MSc/MArch in Sustainable Environmental Design, MSc/MArch in Housing and Urbanism, MSc/MArch in Landscape Urbanism, MSc/MArch in Emergent Technologies and Design. The programs are known for their critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Delft University of Technology
Location: Delft, Netherlands
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Delft University of Technology consistently ranks high in architecture education and is known for its rigorous technical training and innovative design approach. The architecture program at TU Delft focuses on the integration of technology, creativity, and sustainability, fostering a strong research culture and practical application. The city is more likely dominated by students and is also well-known with Johannes Vermeer.
TU Delft offers a comprehensive MSc Architecture, Urbanism, and Building Sciences program with several specializations, including Architecture, Urbanism, Building Technology, Landscape Architecture, and Management in the Built Environment.
ETH Zurich
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Acceptance Rate: 27%
ETH Zurich is highly regarded for its excellence in architectural education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical design skills. The program offers a strong emphasis on sustainable design, computational methods, and interdisciplinary research, making it a leader in architectural innovation and technology.
ETH Zurich offers an MSc in Architecture, focusing on sustainable design, computational methods, and interdisciplinary research. The program includes specializations in areas such as Integrated Building Systems, Urban Design, and History and Theory of Architecture.
Manchester School of Architecture
Location: Manchester, United Kingdom
Acceptance Rate: 20%
A collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester, the Manchester School of Architecture is praised for its dynamic and practice-oriented approach. The department emphasizes studio-based learning, urban design, and critical thinking, preparing students for diverse architectural careers.
The school offers the Master of Architecture (MArch), MA in Architecture and Urbanism, and MSc in Urban Design and International Planning. The programs emphasize studio-based learning, urban design, and critical thinking.
Politecnico di Milano
Location: Milan, Italy
Acceptance Rate: 32%
As a dream of many architecture-interested students, Politecnico di Milano is a top-ranked institution for architecture, known for its comprehensive curriculum and strong emphasis on design and technology. The program offers theoretical and practical training, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and historical preservation in architectural practice.
Polimi offers several master’s programs, including an MSc in Architecture – Built Environment – Interiors, an MSc in Architecture – Urban Design and Landscape, and an MSc in Architecture – Architectural Design and History. The programs focus on innovation, sustainability, and historic preservation.
University of Cambridge
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Acceptance Rate: 15%
As the world’s third-oldest university, the University of Cambridge is well known for its many programs in subjects from literature to medicine. The university also had important alumni such as Francis Bacon, Lord Byron, Isaac Newton, and Charles Darwin. The architecture program at the University of Cambridge is celebrated for its intellectual rigor and interdisciplinary approach. The curriculum integrates architectural history, theory, and design with a strong focus on research and critical thinking, fostering a deep understanding of architectural principles and their application.
Cambridge offers a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Architecture and Urban Studies, an MPhil in Architecture and Urban Design (RIBA Part II), and a PhD in Architecture. The programs integrate architectural history, theory, and design with a strong research focus.
EPFL
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Acceptance Rate: 25%
EPFL’s architecture program is distinguished by its innovative research and emphasis on digital design and sustainable architecture. The university’s mission is to “train talented engineers in Switzerland.” The faculty combines technical proficiency with creative exploration, preparing students to address complex architectural and urban challenges. EPFL has an urban campus that extends alongside Lake Geneva; it will be a good place for those who enjoy science and nature.
EPFL offers a Master of Science in Architecture and a Master of Science in Integrated Design and Construction. The programs emphasize digital design, sustainable architecture, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
Location: Madrid, Spain
Acceptance Rate: 30%
UPM’s architecture program is renowned for its strong technical foundation and emphasis on design excellence. The program integrates architectural theory, engineering, and urban planning, providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for various professional roles in architecture and construction.
UPM offers several master’s programs, including the Master in Architecture, Master in Advanced Architectural Projects, and Master in Urban Planning. The programs integrate architectural theory, engineering, and urban planning.
Politecnico di Torino
Location: Turin, Italy
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Politecnico di Torino offers a highly regarded architecture program combining technical training and creative design. The curriculum emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students for leadership roles in the global architectural field.
Politecnico di Torino offers a Master of Science in Architecture for the Sustainability Design and a Master of Science in Architecture Construction City. The programs emphasize innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
TU Berlin
Location: Berlin, Germany
Acceptance Rate: 40%
TU Berlin is known for its strong architecture program that blends theoretical knowledge with practical design skills. The program focuses on sustainable design, urban planning, and digital technologies, fostering a holistic understanding of contemporary architectural practice.
TU Berlin offers several master’s programs, including an MSc in Architecture, an MSc in Urban Design, and an MSc in Building Sustainability – Management Methods for Energy Efficiency. The programs focus on sustainable design, urban planning, and digital technologies.
Technical University of Munich
Location: Munich, Germany
Acceptance Rate: 8%
The architecture program at the Technical University of Munich is celebrated for its innovative approach to design and technology. The school emphasizes sustainability, digital design, and interdisciplinary research, preparing students to address the challenges of modern architectural practice.
TU Munich offers an MSc in Architecture, which includes specializations in Architectural Design, Urban and Regional Development, and Digital Methods in Architecture. The program emphasizes sustainability, digital design, and interdisciplinary research.
BarcelonaTech (UPC)
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Acceptance Rate: 35%
UPC’s architecture program is recognized for its strong emphasis on design innovation and sustainability. The program integrates architectural theory, urban planning, and technical training, providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for diverse architectural careers.
UPC offers several master’s programs, including the Master’s Degree in Advanced Studies in Architecture-Barcelona, Master’s Degree in Advanced Building Construction, and Master’s Degree in Urbanism, Habitat and International Cooperation. The programs focus on design innovation and sustainability.
University of Oxford
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Acceptance Rate: 17%
The University of Oxford offers a distinctive architecture program that focuses on the intersection of architectural theory, history, and design. The curriculum emphasizes research and critical thinking, providing students with a deep understanding of architectural principles and their application in contemporary practice.
Oxford offers an MSc in Sustainable Urban Development and a DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development. The programs focus on the intersection of architectural theory, history, and design, emphasizing research and critical thinking.
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Acceptance Rate: 30%
KTH’s architecture program is known for its strong focus on sustainable design and innovative technologies. The school combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and research to address global architectural challenges.
KTH offers an MSc in Architecture, which includes specializations in Architecture, Urban Planning and Design, and Sustainable Urban Planning and Design. The programs focus on sustainable design and innovative technologies.
KU Leuven
Location: Leuven, Belgium
Acceptance Rate: 20%
KU Leuven’s architecture program is distinguished by its rigorous academic approach and emphasis on design innovation. The faculty’s program integrates architectural theory, urban planning, and technical training, preparing students for leadership roles in the architectural field.
KU Leuven offers a Master of Science in Architecture and a Master of Science in Urbanism and Strategic Planning. The programs emphasize design innovation, architectural theory, and urban planning.
