The Glasgow School of Art
university
The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is internationally recognised as one of Europe's top university-level institutions in the visual creative disciplines, offering

167 Renfrew St, Glasgow G3 6RQ, UK

About The Glasgow School of Art

University-level art school offering design & architecture courses within a Mackintosh building. The Glasgow School of Art (GSA), established in 1845 and located in Glasgow, Scotland, is a globally recognized, public university-level institution renowned for its excellence in visual creative disciplines including art, design, and architecture. All its undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs are validated by the University of Glasgow. The architecture school emphasizes a studio-based, project-driven learning approach, focusing on creating positive impact for society and the planet, particularly addressing the climate emergency through design. It fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment, encouraging interdisciplinary work. Despite the loss of its iconic Mackintosh Building to fires, the school continues to uphold its legacy of creativity, resilience, and influential architectural education. The GSA is committed to nurturing professionally prepared artists and designers who contribute significantly to contemporary society through innovation and research.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) (Hons)
Bachelor

The Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) Programme is Part 1 ARB/RIBA accredited, providing exemption from the Part 1 ARB/RIBA Examination in Architecture. The program focuses on the social purpose of architecture, informed by professional values including user-focused design, climate literacy, and responsible use of materials.

4 Years (Full-time), 5 Years (Part-time/Sandwich)
English
Scottish (Home) Students: £1,820/year, Rest of UK Students: £9,535/year (2025-26 fee, 2026-27 to be confirmed), International Students: £24,800/year
Deadline: UCAS Application: January 14, 2026, Digital Portfolio: January 22, 2026
Diploma in Architecture
Diploma

The Diploma in Architecture is studio based and design-project focused, supported with taught courses in Studio, Architectural Technology, Professional Studio and Research. This ARB/RIBA Part 2 accredited program integrates Architectural Technology, Professional Studies, and History and Urban Studies into studio projects, promoting a holistic response to architecture.

2 Years (Full-time), 3 Years (Part-time)
English
Scottish (Home) Students: £1,820/year, Rest of UK Students: Check with Registry, International Students: Check with Registry
Deadline: Direct application to school. Check GSA website
Master of Architecture (MArch) by Conversion
Master

This program is available to Diploma in Architecture candidates assessed by the GSA Final Examination Board as having achieved a high standard in their final design thesis. It allows students to develop an aspect of their fifth-year work in greater depth, fostering fluency in discussing contemporary issues.

15 Weeks (Full-time), 2x15 Weeks (Part-time)
English
Check with Registry
Deadline: Check with Registry
Master of Architectural Studies (MArch Studies)
Master

This program is aimed at graduates of architecture and allied disciplines wishing to extend their knowledge and skills in specialized study. It combines individual specialist study through an independent research project, with opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

1 Year (Full-time, Three Semesters)
English
Check with Registry
Deadline: Direct application to school. Check GSA website
Master of Architectural Studies in Urban Design
Master

This program focuses on the creative exploration of the interrelationships between urban form and daily life, emphasizing joyful urban environments. The curriculum balances theoretical and practical knowledge in Urban Design, regarding the masterplan as an artistic creation.

1 Year (Full-time, Three Semesters)
English
Check with Registry
Deadline: Direct application to school. Check GSA website
Master of Architectural Studies in Urban Buildings
Master

This program explores the relationships between architecture, landscape, and urban morphology within the context of Glasgow. Students investigate type, technique, and topography, analyzing how history, construction, and site inform contemporary urban design.

Unknown
English
Check with Registry
Deadline: Direct application to school. Check GSA website
PhD
PhD

This program supports the generation of new knowledge through creative practice, scholarship, and criticism in architecture and related fields. It offers full or part-time study, supervised by a primary supervisor and up to two co-supervisors, and can be undertaken in residence or by distance.

3 Years (Full-time), 6 Years (Part-time)
English
Check with Registry
Deadline: Check with Registry
BSc (Hons) Environmental Architecture
Bachelor

This program combines design creativity with expertise in sustainable practice and environmental analysis. Students use environmental data and simulation to inform design, testing architectural ideas for energy performance, climate adaptation, and regenerative potential.

Unknown
English
Check with Registry
Deadline: January 14 (for completed applications)

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
8
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program is ARB/RIBA Part 1 accredited. The Diploma in Architecture (DipArch) program is ARB/RIBA Part 2 accredited. The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has extended prescription for Part 1 qualifications until December 31, 2027, and for Part 2 qualifications until December 31, 2028.
Admissions
Approximately 20%
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
Undergraduate (UCAS)
January 25 (for previous year, check official site for current)
Postgraduate Taught (September 2026/27 Entry)
Round 1: November 5, 2025
Round 3: March 4, 2026
Round 4: June 3, 2026
Round 5: Rolling basis after June 3, 2026
Round 2 (Guaranteed Review): January 14, 2026
Final for Visa-required students: June 26, 2026
Requirements
Other: Digital portfolio submission is required for architecture programs.
Academic: Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) or equivalent (e.g., UK Highers/A Levels: Standard ABBB/ABB, Minimum BBCC/BBC including Maths or Physics).
English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component), or Pearson PTE Academic UKVI 59 overall (minimum 59 in each subtest), or TOEFL (IBT) 80+ overall (minimums: Listening-17, Reading-18, Speaking-20, Writing-18).

The Glasgow School of Art Academic FAQ

The Glasgow School of Art is The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is internationally recognised as one of Europe's top university-level institutions in the visual creative disciplines, offering

The acceptance rate for The Glasgow School of Art is Approximately 20%, reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

The Glasgow School of Art provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) (Hons), Diploma in Architecture, Master of Architecture (MArch) by Conversion, Master of Architectural Studies (MArch Studies), Master of Architectural Studies in Urban Design.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Approximately 16.5:1 (overall, with studio ratios typically 1:12 to 1:15), ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

The Glasgow School of Art is situated in Glasgow, United Kingdom, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, The Glasgow School of Art holds accreditations from: The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program is ARB/RIBA Part 1 accredited. The Diploma in Architecture (DipArch) program is ARB/RIBA Part 2 accredited. The Architects Registration Board (ARB) has extended prescription for Part 1 qualifications until December 31, 2027, and for Part 2 qualifications until December 31, 2028..