Five reasons to study an architecture degree in September 2026

Based at UCA’s campus in Canterbury, our Architecture degree is the first step on the journey to becoming an architect.  

You’ll learn strong foundational skills and have the freedom to explore your creative self.

Ahead of the UCAS application deadline on the 14 January, here are five reasons why this course could be for you.

Five reasons to study architecture in the UK

Work in a collaborative environment

UCA’s studio culture is collaborative rather than competitive. You’ll learn in small, supportive groups with other students, benefitting from personal guidance from tutors.

Spaces to build your vision

Architecture at UCA is centred on studio practice – learning by design, making and testing ideas. You’ll have access to dedicated studio space, workshops for modelling and digital tools such as CAD and visualisation software.

Build an architecture portfolio that gets you noticed

From the very start, you’ll be creating work for your professional portfolio. By your final year, you’ll complete a major project that showcases your personal style, creativity and career ambitions: perfect for job applications or freelance work.

Develop strong problem-solving skills

Architects solve real-world problems: how people use space, how buildings function, and how to design sustainably. You’ll learn as you go, ready to experiment and rethink processes.

Be part of a creative community 

Studying at a specialist creative university will encourage original thinking and help you develop a distinctive design voice. You’ll be inspired by others around you, and benefit from studying in a beautiful city.

What do our architecture students say?

One of our Architecture students, Ellie, shared their experience studying at UCA:

It was only the year before her degree that Ellie discovered you don’t need maths or physics to study architecture, at least not the way UCA teaches it.

“The way I work has been hugely influenced by UCA. I’m way more creatively attuned. I think differently to my colleagues, who mostly went to traditional architecture schools.”

Choosing to pursue her passion at a creative institution , rather than in the engineering or science department of another university, gave Ellie an edge that she could never have seen coming.

“My college tutors told me I didn’t have the subjects or the grades for architecture. Three years later, I was headhunted by a firm directly from my final exam hall. Now I’ve been accepted by the University of Cambridge to do my Masters.”

At the end of her degree, her exams were being overseen by an industry expert – one who also happened to be in charge of a nearby architecture practice. When he asked the tutor if he could have a word with Ellie, what he actually meant was – can I invite her for an interview?

The reason Ellie thinks she made such a good impression?

“UCA gives you a great foundation, but also so much fun and freedom. I think people at other unis can get bogged down in the serious side of architecture. We obviously still learn all of that, but we’re encouraged to experiment and find our own way of doing things.”

If you want to become the kind of architect that the industry literally can’t wait to hire, 
join UCA.

Apply to study architecture in 2026 

If you’re interested in discovering more about studying architecture at the University for the Creative Arts, join us for our next Open Day on Saturday 10 January.

You can also book onto our upcoming architecture webinar on Wednesday 7 January.

The UCAS deadline for this concept art degree is 14 January. Ready to begin your creative journey? Start application now to study a fine art course at UCA in September.