Edinburgh College of Art
college
Edinburgh College of Art

Edinburgh College of Art

Our ambition is to reimagine education in the context of the climate crisis by celebrating a diversity of voices and forms of knowledge.

74 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh EH3 9DF, UK

About Edinburgh College of Art

The Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, is dedicated to critical inquiry and advanced creative practice within a world-leading research environment. ESALA recognizes the cultural, environmental, and societal importance of architecture and aims to reimagine education in the context of the climate crisis by celebrating diverse voices and forms of knowledge. Its programs build expertise across design, technology, environment, history, theory, and fine arts, equipping graduates to be ethical practitioners, thinkers, and creators. ESALA empowers students to develop critical architectural responses to social and environmental challenges, fostering positive social impact and redefining the future of their disciplines.
Program NameDetails
BA Architecture
Bachelor

The BA Architecture program builds knowledge and expertise across design, technology, the environment, history, theory, and fine arts. Graduates develop observation, analytical, creative, and design skills applicable to contemporary and future challenges.

3 Years
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details.
Deadline: Check the University of Edinburgh website for specific deadlines.
MA (Hons) Architecture
Bachelor (Honours)

The MA (Hons) Architecture program integrates practice with study through distance learning, offering studio-based options within design courses. It explores architecture's capacity to improve communities and contribute positively to the built environment.

4 Years
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details.
Deadline: Check the University of Edinburgh website for specific deadlines.
Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch
Master

The Master of Architecture (MArch) program offers studio-based and research-led learning experiences. It allows students to develop designs that engage with complex urban settings and innovative material systems.

21 Months
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details.
Deadline: Check the University of Edinburgh website for specific deadlines.
Landscape Architecture MA
Master

This integrated master's level program enables students to enter at the undergraduate level and advance directly to graduation at the postgraduate level. Students have the flexibility to study a range of subjects outside their chosen degree program in Years 1 and 2.

5 years
English
Undergraduate rate fees are charged for the whole program. Reduced fees apply for the year in professional practice.
Deadline: Contact the University of Edinburgh for specific deadlines.
Landscape Architecture MLA
Master

The professionally accredited Master's in Landscape Architecture (MLA) program is for students from various backgrounds who want to develop a socially and environmentally aware design practice. The program provides the skills to contribute to a more sustainable future.

2 years
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details.
Deadline: Contact the University of Edinburgh for specific deadlines.
Interior, Architectural and Spatial Design MA
Master

This program supports students in establishing their own approaches to defining interiors and interiority, fostering a foundation for navigating the field. Students creatively and critically explore experimental and technically resolved design outcomes across various scales.

3 Semesters
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details.
Deadline: Contact the University of Edinburgh for specific deadlines.
Architectural and Urban Design MSc
Master of Science

This program offers specialist postgraduate training in urban design for candidates holding a first degree in architecture. Design work operates between body, building, city, and metropolitan scales, emphasizing environmentally and socially sensitive designs.

1 Year
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details. A minimum of £1,200 is recommended to budget for travel, accommodation, equipment, and software.
Deadline: Contact the University of Edinburgh for specific deadlines.
Architecture PhD
Doctorate

This program offers expertise across architectural conservation, history, theory and criticism, digital media and design, and technology, environment, and sustainability. It culminates in a supervised thesis.

3 years (full-time), 6 years (part-time)
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details.
Deadline: Contact the University of Edinburgh for specific deadlines.
Architecture by Design PhD
Doctorate

The PhD Architecture by Design program is for graduates pursuing in-depth study of a specific topic using design methods familiar to architectural practice. The program combines inquiries conducted by design with knowledge gathered through writing.

3 years (full-time), 6 years (part-time)
English
Contact the University of Edinburgh for tuition details.
Deadline: Contact the University of Edinburgh for specific deadlines.

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
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Students
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Faculty
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Alumni
9
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Professional programmes are accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Both the BA and MA Architecture programmes hold full validation from RIBA and ARB.
Admissions
Recent Rankings
Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) is ranked #51-100 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
Ranked in the UK's top 10 universities for Architecture and Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Ranked 1st in Scotland for Architecture and Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

Edinburgh College of Art Academic FAQ

Edinburgh College of Art is Our ambition is to reimagine education in the context of the climate crisis by celebrating a diversity of voices and forms of knowledge.

Edinburgh College of Art provides a comprehensive curriculum including: BA Architecture, MA (Hons) Architecture, Master of Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) MArch, Landscape Architecture MA, Landscape Architecture MLA.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 6.71:1, ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Edinburgh College of Art is situated in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Edinburgh College of Art holds accreditations from: Professional programmes are accredited by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board (ARB). Both the BA and MA Architecture programmes hold full validation from RIBA and ARB..