History of Western Architecture

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class, upper division degree or significant experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Explore the buildings, ideas and cultural forces that shaped Western civilisation with the MA and PhD in the History of Western Architecture at the University of Buckingham. These research-led programmes invite students to investigate architecture not simply as design, but as a reflection of the social, political and intellectual contexts in which it was created.

The MA in the History of Western Architecture by Research enables students to pursue a focused research project on a topic of their choice, covering European or American architecture from the Renaissance through to the end of the twentieth century. With close one-to-one supervision, students produce a 25,000-word dissertation while exploring how architecture connects with broader themes such as patronage, iconography, landscape design and interior decoration.

Alongside independent research, students join an engaging programme of evening seminars delivered by leading scholars in architectural history. Held in central London, these events encourage lively discussion and provide valuable opportunities to engage with experts and fellow researchers in an intellectually stimulating environment.

For those wishing to contribute original scholarship to the discipline, the PhD in the History of Western Architecture offers the opportunity to undertake advanced research culminating in a substantial doctoral thesis. Typically completed in three years full-time, the programme centres on producing independent research that offers new insights into architectural history and its wider cultural significance.

Based at Buckingham’s London premises in Bloomsbury, students benefit from close proximity to world-class archives, libraries and museums, providing an ideal environment for researching architecture and the built environment.

If you are fascinated by the history of architecture - from Renaissance palaces to twentieth-century urban design - the MA or PhD in the History of Western Architecture at the University of Buckingham offers the expertise, supervision and scholarly community to turn your interests into original research. Discover more and start your application today.

Information for international students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

Fees and funding

A new system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK was introduced in August 2016 with support from the UK Government. The loan will provide up to £10,609 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.