Bachelor of Architectural Science

UCD Architecture is at the forefront of architectural and urban design, both in Ireland and internationally. The Architecture course at UCD offers a means to engage creatively and constructively with society. The design process is central to Architecture, developing spatial, analytical, and creative skills to produce innovative solutions to everyday and future challenges.

Our degree attracts a diverse crosssection of talents and approaches – from the technically minded to the artistically gifted; from the socially conscious to the natural communicators and leaders. All have the capacity to become successful and productive graduates in architecture. If you are excited by the idea of designing buildings, urban environments and landscapes, then this course is for you.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

There are two main elements to the Architecture course – project work (architectural design, drawing and model making) and the lecture programmes (historical and theoretical material). Project work is taught in the architecture design studios through a combination of lectures, individual tuition, field trips, group tutorials, large reviews and exhibitions.

Lecture-based modules can be grouped under the three broad headings of Technical, Cultural and Professional studies. Sample modules may include: Drawing and Making, History and Theory of the Built Environment, Architectural Technologies, The Engineering and Architecture of Structures, Architecture & Environment, Imagining Architecture, Intro to Computational Design, Enhancing Digital Drawing Skills, Building Renovation and Energy Retrofit, Research & Innovation in the Designed Environment, Design Technologies, Professional Studies, Regenerative Practice, Framework for Practice.

Project work is continually assessed but modules may include end-of-trimester written examinations. In your final year, you will also submit a report of your design research project.

Progression Requirement For UCD BSc (Architectural Science) graduates a minimum degree award GPA of 2.8 is required for automatic progression to the MArch. Students who do not achieve a GPA of 2.8 will be offered an interview to assess their suitability to progress.

A period of study at a university abroad on exchange is encouraged and UCD Architecture has a very extensive list of partners in Europe, Asia, Australia and the US for students to choose from. This period of study takes place in the Spring Trimester of 4th Year and is for one Trimester only. 

There are also field trips, site visits and workshops organised as appropriate during the various stages of the programme including a class study trip to a European city of architectural interest.

Most architectural graduates go into architectural practice and this degree will equip graduates to work in architecture anywhere across the world, whether in major global centres or in particular regional contexts. However, this degree also provides our graduates with broad knowledge and a range of transferable skills applicable in many contexts.

Graduates have pursued careers in related professions and creative practices like landscape architecture, planning, heritage management, cultural practice, curatorial work, policy making, consultancy, product design, or research.

• Mature Entry Route


• DARE Entry Route


• HEAR Entry Route


• Level 7Architectural Technology

By joining the UCD College of Engineering and Architecture, you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. The mission of the College of Engineering and Architecture is to affect a just transition to a more sustainable and equitable future through our education of professionals in engineering, architecture, planning and policy, and our research in technology, design, and policy. The College, in our engineers and architects, brings together the technical expertise to deliver and create infrastructure and technologies that can create a more sustainable future and, uniquely, the College, in our planners and environmental policy researchers, also brings together the research and professions required to create the policies and the regulatory environment that supports technological and infrastructure development, and that can also scrutinise and investigate the behavioural changes affected by our technologies.

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their education where most relevant

Architecture and Landscape Architecture

UCD Architects and Landscape Architects have the opportunity to contribute positively to many of today’s challenges including climate change, inequality, poverty and urbanisation. UCD architects and landscape architects use innovative design practices to consider sustainable design solutions, energy-efficient buildings, community engagement, life on land to enhance the quality of the lives for whom they are designing for while minimising environmental impacts.

• Clean water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
• Climate Action (SDG 13)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.