Best Architecture Masters

Is essential for those looking to specialize and excel in the field. Below, we present the results from the 2023 International Ranking of the Best Master's in Architecture.

Based on the renowned QS ranking by subject – Architecture/Built Environment, along with other relevant international indexes like the "Design Intelligence Rankings" and "The Guardian University Guide", 19 Master's programs from the most prestigious universities worldwide have been selected and compared. The goal is to offer a transparent and comparative view of the best programs currently available.

1. Master of Architecture II, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

With a perfect score of 100.00, this program stands as the undisputed leader in advanced architectural education.

2. Master of Science degree in Advanced Architectural Design, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA

Closely following with a score of 98.04, Columbia offers a rigorous program focused on advanced architectural design.

3. Master of Advanced Studies in Collective Housing (MCH), Polytechnic University of Madrid / ETH Zurich, Madrid, Spain

Crossing the Atlantic with a score of 93.14, this joint program focuses on the in-depth study of collective housing.

4. Master of Science in Architecture Studies in Urbanism (SMArch Urbanism), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

With 90.20 points, this MIT program centers on urbanism and how architecture intertwines with city planning.

5. Master of Science in Architecture Studies in Design (SMArchS Design), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Another stellar MIT program, with a score of 88.24, focuses on the in-depth study of architectural design.

6. The Berlage Post-master in Architecture and Urban Design, Delft University of Technology (TUDelft), Delft, The Netherlands

Located in the Netherlands, scoring 85.29, this post-master program emphasizes architectural and urban design.

7. English Program for Master in Architecture, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

With a score of 83.33, this Tsinghua program offers a unique opportunity to study architecture in English in the heart of China.

8. Postprofessional Graduate Program in Architecture, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA

With 81.37 points, Princeton is renowned for its post-professional focus on architecture.

9. Architectural Design MArch (B-pro), University College of London (UCL), London, England, United Kingdom

Located in the heart of London, with a score of 77.45, UCL provides an intensive program centered on architectural design.

10. March in Architecture & Urbanism (DRL), The Architectural Association, London, England, United Kingdom

Concluding our first part with a score of 76.47, this program focuses on the intersection between architecture and urbanism.

These programs represent the cutting edge in architectural education, providing students with tools, techniques, and knowledge to tackle contemporary challenges in the world of design and construction.

Architectural education is not just a matter of aesthetics and design but also understanding the complexities of the built environment and how it impacts our society. Continuing our exploration of the best master's programs in architecture, we present the following programs in our ranking:

1. Post-Professional Master of Science, Advanced Architectural Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

Scoring 75.49, this Cornell program is known for its advanced and post-professional focus on architectural design.

2. Master of Arts MA in Architecture, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany

Representing Germany with a score of 73.53, this TUM program combines theory and practice in a multidisciplinary approach towards architecture.

3. Master of Architecture in Typology M-ARCH-T, Technical University of Berlin (TUBerlin), Berlin, Germany

Another German heavyweight with 71.57 points, focuses on architectural typology and its relevance in contemporary design.

4. M.Arch 2, Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), Los Angeles, California, USA

SCI-Arc, scoring 70.59, is renowned for its innovative and experimental approach to teaching architecture.

5. M.S. Architecture and Urban Design, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA

With 66.67 points, UCLA fuses urban studies with architectural design, emphasizing the interaction between structures and their environment.

6. MBArch Master’s Degree in Advanced Studies in Architecture-Barcelona, Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), Barcelona, Spain

From Spain, scoring 65.69, this program dives deep into advanced studies about architecture in one of the most architecturally iconic cities.

7. Architecture and Urbanism (MA), The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

With 64.71 points, this program combines the fundamentals of architecture with urbanism dynamics.

8. Master in Architecture, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Providencia, Santiago, Chile

Representing South America with 62.75 points, this Chilean program addresses architecture from an integrated and contextualized perspective.

9. Master in Architectural Design, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Concluding our list with a score of 60.78, USP offers a deep focus on architectural design, emphasizing Brazil's rich architectural tradition.

These programs, along with those mentioned in the first part, represent excellence in global architectural education. For those looking to specialize and make their mark in the world of design and construction, any of these master's can be the perfect stepping stone towards a successful career. The future of architecture looks bright with such institutions leading the way!