Architecture

Why Architecture at Kingston

Kingston University ranks among London’s top three architecture schools according to The Complete University Guide 2026, while Domus magazine consistently places it in Europe’s leading 50. The institution holds Gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework, and its students have won RIBA President’s Medals—the field’s most prestigious awards. Programmes accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects and Architects Registration Board help graduates progress toward professional certification. Teaching unfolds at Knights Park campus, where open-access studios encourage interdisciplinary exchange across Kingston School of Art’s creative community.

Undergraduate Architecture

The Architecture BA (Hons) programme follows themes established by the Royal Institute of British Architects—climate literacy, health and safety, ethical practice. Practicing architects whose work receives wide professional recognition lead the teaching, while studio projects constitute at least 50% of coursework. Students master techniques ranging from charcoal drawing to CAD design alongside cultural, historical, and technical aspects of the built environment. This “thinking through making” philosophy emphasizes material practice and how tectonic components shape architectural character.

Historic Building Conservation

Historic Building Conservation FdSc carries accreditation from the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which significantly aids professional qualification. The campus location provides proximity to London’s landmark sites, including Historic Royal Palaces, regularly used for projects. Students access industry-standard 3D workshops and the university’s archives, combining strategic analysis with hands-on conservation techniques. Field trips to heritage sites and industry collaboration prepare specialists for consultancy, public sector work, and restoration projects worldwide.

Urban Design at Kingston University

The Urban Design MA involves real European and local consultancy projects through its Landscape Interface Studio. Kingston University arranges international workshops and guest lectures, with teaching led by researchers engaged in current professional debates. Design projects span strategic planning to specific sites, addressing public spaces, green and blue infrastructure, adaptive urban strategies, and biodiversity. Students collaborate with ARUP, AECOM, Canal and River Trust, National Trust, and other leading organizations while accessing workshops from ceramics to digital media.

Interior Design Master’s

Interior Design MA students explore London’s design practices through interdisciplinary work emphasizing sustainable spatial design. Graduates find roles in interior and spatial design, visual merchandising, exhibition design, and product design. The programme offers diverse briefs—both industry-based and research-oriented, including speculative art projects that develop complex problem-solving skills. Practicing designers, researchers, and academics teach here, while Kingston University industry partnerships connect students with live projects and current market trends throughout their studies.

Architecture Master’s Part 2

Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch stands at European architectural discourse’s forefront, accredited for the second professional qualification stage. Its innovative narrative structure earned recognition during 2022 revalidation, with teaching organized through units led by distinguished practicing architects. Students tackle real design projects exploring climate literacy, ethical practice, and safety while deepening undergraduate knowledge. Unit 5 specializes in public projects with full-scale construction, whereas Unit 6 represents Europe’s only contemporary classical architecture programme, covering anthropology, adaptive reuse, housing provision, and emerging materials research.