Overview

The Architecture and Urban Design programme at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) offers an intensive, one-year post-professional curriculum for students holding a professional degree. This Master of Science is designed to challenge conventional architectural practices through deep engagement with contemporary real-world design provocations.

Based at Perloff Hall on the main campus, students join a vibrant research community situated in a global centre for innovation. The curriculum is structured to expand the influence of architecture by leveraging design to propose intelligent futures. Participants work alongside expert faculty and industry partners to explore the intersection of digital and physical environments.

Why Architecture and Urban Design at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)?

The programme is renowned for its institutional networking and high-profile collaborations with industry leaders. Past research studios have partnered with organisations such as SpaceX, Boeing, and UNICEF to investigate high-performance architecture and sustainability. These connections allow students to apply their skills to urgent global issues and cutting-edge technological developments.

Students benefit from the extensive resources of a premier research university while being located in Los Angeles, a major hub for experimental design. The department provides access to advanced fabrication shops, print labs, and exhibition spaces. Furthermore, the programme is eligible for the STEM OPT extension, providing significant opportunities for international students to gain professional experience.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 36297 per year
National fee: USD 36297 per year
Local fee: USD 21115 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is delivered through a sequence of research studios, technology seminars, and critical studies. Modules may include:

Advanced Topics Studio
Technology Seminar
Critical Studies Seminar
Research Studio
Architecture
Urban Design

Careers with Architecture and Urban Design

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in architectural practice, urban planning, and emerging design technologies. The programme's focus on mixed reality, robotic fabrication, and worldbuilding equips students for careers in diverse industries, including aerospace, entertainment, and sustainable development. Many alumni leverage the programme's industry partnerships to secure positions in high-performance design firms.

The department also offers various on-campus employment opportunities to help students build professional skills. These roles include positions in social media, exhibition management, and fabrication shop assistance. Such experiences, combined with the rigorous academic training, ensure that graduates are highly competitive in the global design market.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Advanced Topics Studio

Technology Seminar

Critical Studies Seminar

Research Studio

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

36 alternative credits

Quarter Unites

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Beverly Hills, United States

Disciplines

Architecture Design Urban Planning View 310 other Masters in Architecture in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Statement of Purpose: introduce yourself and tell us about your specific academic background, research interests related to specific studio topics, achievements, and goals

Personal Statement: provide additional information to help the selection committee evaluate your aptitude for study

A Curriculum Vitae (résumé of your academic and professional experience) is recommended but not required

Applicants must upload a scanned copy of the official transcripts from each college or university you have attended both in the U.S. and abroad

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores

If you have received a Bachelor’s degree in a country where the official language of instruction and primary spoken language of daily life is not English, you must submit either a TOEFL or an IELTS score

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required

Your digital portfolio of original creative work is a central part of your application

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Out-of-State

36297 USD / year

≈ 36297 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

21115 USD / year

≈ 21115 USD / year

Living costs

Beverly Hills

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Architecture and Urban Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Beverly Hills

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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