How to apply to study architecture

Guidance on applying, which is designed to give you the best chance of a successful application.

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Apply online

You can apply using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. This allows you to upload any relevant documents.

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Supporting materials

When applying, you need to submit the following documents using our online application form. You don't need to send any hard copies to the school.

  • Design portfolio, including a custom assignment
  • 200 to 300-word personal statement. This should outline any relevant experience or expertise relating to the course and demonstrate your enthusiasm for this particular subject and the University of Sheffield
  • A CV
  • Two references, with at least one academic (excluding MA Architectural Design)
  • Transcript of previous university qualifications, with certified translation into English where appropriate

There is 50MB file size limit for all supporting documents.

Course-specific information

Depending on which course you are applying for, you should think about showing your skills in the subject area.

Architectural Design MA
  • Short introductory paragraph telling us what inspires you, what challenges you aim to face through the work included in the portfolio and what is your cultural position
  • An understanding of your skills, but also the way you critically look at the complexity of factors determining your individual creative process
  • A variety of techniques such as sketches, diagrams, hand drawings, 3D models, photographs and graphic-design work
  • Excerpts of your written work for example academic dissertation, design or research reports

Your application is reviewed by a panel of academic selectors within the School of Architecture and Landscape.

As we receive a large volume of applications (we receive the most between November and March) we will review and make decisions in stages at the following times:

Stage one

For complete applications we receive by 30 November 2024, we aim to return decisions by 7 January 2025.

Stage two

For complete applications we receive by 31 January 2025, we aim to return decisions by 27 February 2025.

Stage three

For complete applications we receive by 31 March 2025, we aim to return decisions by 29 April 2025.

All complete applications received from 31 March 2025 will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

MArch programmes

Everything you need to know about applying for one of our MArch programmes in the School of Architecture and Landscape.

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