University College London (UCL)
Architectural Computation MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 36,500 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international students: full time £36,500 - part-time £18,250/year | UK students: full time £18,400 - part-time £9,200/year. Additional fees may apply
The MSc in Architectural Computation is designed to help students develop skills in using digital tools and computational methods to improve architectural design and practice. The program covers topics like parametric modelling, scripting, digital fabrication, and data analysis. It emphasizes translating computational approaches into practical, innovative solutions for architecture, giving students the chance to work with a variety of software and programming languages tailored for architectural work. The curriculum aims to blend technical skills with a deeper understanding of design thinking and how digital processes impact architecture today.
Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore how emerging digital technologies can shape architectural design and construction. The program often involves project-based learning, allowing students to apply their skills to real-world challenges. It emphasizes experimentation and integration of new tools, focusing on fostering creativity alongside technical competency. This combination is intended to prepare graduates for careers in innovative architectural practices, research, or further academic study, by equipping them with a strong foundation in both the computational and conceptual aspects of modern architecture.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars as well as individual and collaborative projects.
Outside of directed teaching, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.
Note that an interim qualification (120 credits Postgraduate Diploma, full-time nine months) is offered.
Assessment is through unseen examination, coursework (including a 3000-word essay, learning log, and digitally fabricated piece with written and video documentation), practical exercises, and a 10000-word final dissertation.
In terms 1 and 2 full-time students can typically expect between 10 and 12 contact hours per teaching week through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, crits and tutorials. In term 3 and the summer period students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.
The contact hours might include a one-week field trip organised by AC studios.
Modules
Full-time
The programme consists of five compulsory modules (75 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), plus students take optional modules to the value of 45 credits.
- Compulsory modules:
- BARC0015 Design as a Knowledge-Based Process: 15 credits, Term 1
- BARC0030 Computational Analysis: 15 credits, Term 1
- BARC0031 Computational Synthesis: 15 credits, Term 2
- BARC0034 Morphogenetic Programming: 15 credits, Term 2
- BARC0035 Introduction to Programming for Architecture and Design: 15 credits, Term 1
- BARC0141 Built Environment Dissertation: 60 credits, Term 3 and Summer Term
- Optional modules:
- BARC0032 Creative Complexity Digital Studio: 15 credits, Term 1
- BARC0038 Creative Complexity Digital Ecologies: 30 credits, Term 2
Part-time
Part-time students must complete 180 credits over two years. Students should select half taught modules in year one and half in year two plus the major research module.
Flexible
Modular/flexible students can choose any modules per year as long as they complete 180 credits within 5 years. Students will select all taught modules first and take the final research module in their last year of study.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Architectural Computation. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Architectural Computation.
Fieldwork
The programme includes an optional field trip.
What this course will give you
- Computational design skills: Learn computational design skills and artificial intelligence for application at the highest levels of architecture, design, research and industry.
- Exciting and innovative studies: The Bartlett School of Architecture helps students to prepare for successful careers in a range of fields. We aim to be an exciting and innovative place to study architecture, located in the heart of London with global perspectives. Our students have the opportunity to develop their creativity, curiosity and dynamism, and learn the skills they need to build a better future for people and the planet.
- Exhibit your work: You will have the opportunity to display your work at the annual B-Pro Show.
- ‘World-leading’ research: You will have the opportunity to conduct scientific research that can impact how the built environment is designed, constructed and used. The Bartlett School of Architecture is part of UCL’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, where 91% of research has been deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The Bartlett is also ranked #1 for Research Power in the built environment.
- Top Ranked: For the second year in a row, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment was ranked #1 in the world for ‘Architecture and Built Environment’ (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024). It was also ranked #1 in the UK for Architecture in The Guardian Good University Guide 2025.
- Career Support: Studying at UCL provides students with access to a range of career services, including networking events, career workshops, and internship opportunities.
- Study in London: Across all of our programmes, we encourage students to engage with London as an environment and a cultural melting pot, as well as a hub of some of the most important architectural practices in the world.
The foundation of your career
93.3% of Bartlett School of Architecture graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2017-21).
Top industry sectors for Bartlett School of Architecture graduates in work are construction, built environment and property (68% of graduates); performance and creative arts (7%); academic research and higher education (6%) and technology (6%).
Bartlett School of Architecture graduates are working in 52 countries around the world.
Example jobs:
- Architect
- CAD, drawing and architectural technician
- Chartered architectural technologists, planning officers and consultants
- Programmers and software development professionals
- Higher education teaching professional
- Civil engineer
- Design occupations
- Graphic and multimedia designer
- Interior designer
Example employers:
- Foster and Partners
- Zaha Hadid Architects
- Adjaye Associates Ltd
- Aecom
- Wright & Wright
- AHMM
- ARUP
- Wilkinson Eyre Architects
Employability
After completing the programme, most graduates go on to join leading architectural and engineering practices, either directly with design teams or with specialist modelling groups. Alumni have also joined (or founded) cutting-edge emerging digital design practices such as United Visual Artists and Moving Brands, or moved into academic research in highly respected universities.
Networking
The Bartlett School of Architecture hosts numerous events throughout the year that feature industry guests and networking opportunities. These include lecture series, seminars, conferences, symposiums, book launches, and show launch events. The school also hosts a Future Practice event each year that links students with employers.
Additionally, there are a broad range of university-wide career events to help current students and recent graduates develop their employability skills, explore different sectors, increase commercial awareness, build professional networks and more.