BA (Hons) Design at University of Cambridge

Programme overview

The Design course combines architecture, engineering, and material science in one degree. It will challenge you to think about global issues in the built environment, like climate change, and how to address them. At Cambridge, you'll have the opportunity to design solutions to a range of environmental and social challenges.

Faculty: School of Arts and Humanities | Department: Architecture department | Duration: MDes, 4 years, full time or BA (Hons) 3 years, full time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 (Part IA): The first year is an introductory course establishing the groundwork and is mostly taught jointly with Architecture. You begin studio work with design projects which introduce you to the core skills of design. Year 2 (Part IB): Second year studio projects cover geotechnics, water and timber engineering. Each is accompanied by lectures and lab work. Year 3 (Part IIA): Third year studio projects cover concrete, steel, and sustainable materials and design. Each is accompanied by lectures and lab work.

Career pathways

The Design degree crosses different disciplines. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed for careers in the built environment and a range of technical and creative sectors. You will also get a strong grounding in programming and mathematics, opening up fields such as AI and finance. The route you take through the course will help to shape your future career.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum offer: A level A*AA; IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level. Required subjects (A level/IB Higher Level or equivalent): Mathematics (A* at A level/7 at Higher Level). Submitted work: You will need to submit your own artwork prior to interview. The images you choose should, at least in some way, reflect material you might bring to interview as part of your portfolio.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Home fee status; subject to inflationary increases in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 40,296 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee status University tuition fee, fixed for the course; a separate College fee (varies by College) is payable in addition. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: MDes, 4 years, full time or BA (Hons) 3 years, full time

Apply through the official page: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

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