What is the difference between UCL architecture and architectural design at University College London? The graduate majors Architecture and Architectural Design from UCL of University College London, also from the top of the QS architecture ranking list, at first glance, it seems that the difference between the two majors is only one design? But in fact, these are two majors with totally different tendencies. Let's take you to understand now.
What is the difference between UCL architecture and architectural design at University College London?

University College London Major classification of graduate students in UCL School of Architecture
UCL Architecture, University College London
Let's talk about Architecture first. Architecture is a two-year ARB/RIBA Part 2 postgraduate course, which is different from the ordinary one-year postgraduate in the UK. That is to say, after completing this course, you can even enter the door of the British registered architect! It can be said that this is a postgraduate course with high gold content, so the professional requirements are relatively higher.

Introduction to Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
UCL Architecture at University College London
It can be seen from the curriculum of University College London that the two year senior architectural design 1 and 2 account for the highest number of credits. For Advanced Architectural Design 1 in the first academic year, students will put forward concept ideas under the guidance of teachers to prepare for the courses in the second academic year.

Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
Advanced Architectural Design 2, which requires a full academic year of courses as preparation, is known as the "pinnacle" of experimental architectural education in University College London in the course introduction on the official website. It emphasizes that students should not rigidly present complex space design works in any form, and encourage students to take risks for them.
Thesis courses account for about 1/5 of the credits in the first and second academic years respectively, and such allocation is not high in the architectural disciplines that focus on literature research. It is also worth noting that in the first year of the University College London curriculum, the school arranged a studio course called "Design Practice".

Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2)
Just look at the keywords marked red in the figure above to know the importance of this course. It can be said that this course is a bridge between students' understanding of architecture and practical operation. UCL has even arranged a full-time tutor for each group for a whole year to assist and support students in completing their projects.

Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) Postgraduate Architecture Course Features
On the basis of first-class teacher team, this kind of curriculum is Art study abroad The students added wings like a tiger. In addition to providing great support for the creation, it also eliminates the worries about the theoretical and practical faults that are often found in the architectural profession. As the facade course of the No. 1 architectural college, Architecture is indeed a commendable and highly valuable postgraduate course. What about Architectural Design?
UCL Architectural Design

Introduction to Architectural Design Postgraduate Course
UCL Architectural Design Course, University College London
It seems that Architectural Design does not focus on design as it seems. According to the official website of University College London, about two-thirds of the time spent in this one-year postgraduate course is spent in studio based design research. In this architectural design course, projects and papers account for the same proportion.

Introduction to B-Pro programs
Before setting up the course of architectural design analysis, we also need to know about the B-Pro programs of UCL. As one of the five subjects of B-Pro programs, Architectural Design interacts with other four graduate courses (architectural computing, architectural and digital theory, biological integrated design, and urban design) to share school lecture courses. Under the encouragement of the school, they carry out interdisciplinary cooperation with each other, and are committed to exploring the infinite possibilities between design and urban environment and architecture.
After introducing the project background of B-Pro programs, we will return to the curriculum of Architectural Design.

Architectural Design Postgraduate Course
We can see from the curriculum of UCL's official website that this one-year Studying abroad in architectural design The graduate program is really not "water" at all. It has 180 credits and five disciplines. The ultimate goal of the course is to serve an ultimate architectural design project.
Around this project, UCL has set up an initial project and a thesis course. The former is to provide preliminary design and concept implantation for the ultimate project, while the latter is to provide theoretical support for it.

Architectural Design Postgraduate Course Features
It is also worth noting the course features marked on the official website of UCL. We can see that UCL's Architectural Design major actually prefers to carry out some high-tech experiments based on architectural design. For example, artificial intelligence, computer digital control manufacturing, 3D printing, etc. It can be seen that in fact, compared with the "design" on the course name, it pays more attention to practice and innovative interdisciplinary attempts. The previously mentioned Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2), which seems to be well behaved, is more inclined to the concept of traditional architectural design and more conservative.

Example of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) student work
At the same time, the employment prospects of the two majors of UCL are completely different. Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) Because of its higher professional level, the career choice after graduation is basically fixed on the profession of architect. It should be noted that in the UK, if you want to become an architect, you must obtain the certification of ARB/RIBA. Architectural Design is relatively less professional and has more choices. It can be engaged in architecture and design related professions, such as architectural designers, interior designers, etc.
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