The Architecture and Historic Urban Environments MA at The Bartlett School of Architecture supports students in transforming existing built environments while considering environmental, racial, spatial and social factors.

Learn to address urban inequalities and engage with the past to build a better future, with the Architecture and Historic Urban Environments MA at UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture.

The Bartlett is ranked number one in the world for Architecture and Built Environment (QS World University Ranking by Subject 2025) and number one in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian University Guide 2026).

School: The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL
Course: Architecture and Historic Urban Environments MA
Type: Postgraduate
Location: London, UK
Course dates: September 2026 to September 2027
Application deadline: 27 March 2026 for applicants who require a visa and 28 August 2026 for applicants who do not require a visa

Find out more about the course and apply ›

What will I learn during this course?

– Gain the skills to understand historic urban inequalities – environmental, racial, spatial and social
– Design new ways to transform and rejuvenate urban built environments
– Learn innovative strategies of research and practice to engage with key issues in urban and cultural heritage
– Develop skills in the theory and practice of surveying, recording, mapping, analysing and designing cities
– Develop interdisciplinary skills to become a leader in the built environment across local and global contexts

What are the requirements?

– A minimum of a second-class UK degree in an appropriate subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard
– A design/creative portfolio is also expected
– Applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of their design work once their completed application has been received, and should not send or upload work until it has been requested

What facilities and resources are available?

– The Architecture and Historic Urban Environments MA's research unit partner, the Survey of London, is internationally acknowledged for its authority and accessibility, and has no parallel in any other world city
– Your work will be exhibited in the annual Autumn Show – a showcase of student work attracting thousands of visitors to the school's central London home

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

This master's degree equips graduates with the advanced knowledge and skills required to operate across the areas of urban research, design, management, implementation, policy and advocacy, combining subject expertise with design creativity and linking theory, history and practice.

Graduates typically pursue careers in professional practices associated with the built environment in a variety of award-winning practices such as Fosters and Partners, John McAslan + Partners, Haworth Tompkins and DSDHA in the UK as well as policymaking or heritage management in organisations such as Public Practice and UNESCO. Our alumni have also founded campaigns for at-risk heritage sites and the peer-reviewed international journal 'Urbanogram'.

Who teaches this course?

– Jane Wong, programme director

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