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PART 2

Eligibility and Funding

Please ensure you have read through all the information in this section carefully before you submit your application.
For an exhaustive guide to admissions, please read our admissions handbook.

 

Admissions Requirements

Applicants should have a 2.2 Honours degree in architecture and ARB/RIBA Part 1. An equivalent architectural degree to Part 1 may be acceptable, but applicants must be aware that they cannot progress to ARB/RIBA Part 3 without having completed and passed Parts 1 and 2 in order to register as an architect in the UK, according to current UK government legislation.†

Students who are commencing the course are advised that, should they wish to be eligible to receive their Part 2 upon graduation, they must have been awarded ARB/RIBA Part 1. This should normally have been achieved prior to enrolment or, in agreed circumstances, within the First Year of the course. Only in exceptional circumstances will students be allowed to progress into the Second Year of the course, without the award of ARB/RIBA Part 1. International courses, which are recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects, are not recognised by the Architects Registration Board for the purposes of exemption from ARB Part 1 in the UK. If you do not already have Part 1 accreditation at the start of the course or as a result of your previous studies, you will need to take an examination with the ARB. If you have any doubts as to your status it is advisable to contact the LSA’s Admissions Team for advice at admissions@the-lsa.org.

† As of 1 January 2021, no EU Member State is obliged to automatically recognise the UK’s qualifications for the purposes of registration. As such, it is up to a student’s own domicile’s discretion to recognise any qualification gained in the UK.
In order to be eligible to apply to register as an architect in the UK, you must have completed and passed ARB/RIBA Parts 1 and 2 programmes and have ‘recently completed a minimum of 24 months’ practical experience under the direct supervision of a professional working in the construction industry.

Please note: your experience in practice during the LSA MArch in Designing Architecture (ARB/RIBA Part 2) programme that is undertaken as part of your educational course in the integrated placement for the modules Critical Practice: Placement and Critical Practice: Theory cannot be counted towards your 24 months’ practical experience.

For further up-to-date information please visit the ARB website, which has full information.

Applicants are required to demonstrate talent as a designer as well as ability and motivation to complete the programme successfully. The LSA is looking for its students to rise to the ambitious challenge set by the programme.

Applicants will be expected to present a portfolio, demonstrating their ambition for the subject area and for studying at masters level. Applicants need to be eligible to study in the UK for the full duration of the programme, and to be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the work placement, according to current UK government legislation.

The LSA does not currently have a Student Route Visa (previously ‘Tier 4’) UKVI licence. EU and International students, who are currently residing in the UK and are already in possession of alternative visas, which do allow for study and work within the UK for the duration of the course, are eligible to apply. However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to check with local UK immigration authorities regarding the above. Those doing so must make evidence of this explicit upon their application to the LSA.

 

Language Requirements

Students whose first language is NOT English must provide evidence of their English language skills demonstrated by:

  • the equivalent of level B2 of the Common European Framework of References for English language to study at degree level or above
  • by gaining a further English language qualification if deemed achievable by the LSA

To meet the English language requirements of the LSA, candidates must obtain one of the following language qualifications:

  • IELTS (UKVI): A score of 6.0 overall is required, with at least 5.5 in each category. IELTS reports have a two-year validity period. Certificates must therefore have been obtained within two years of the candidate’s visa application date.
  • Trinity College SELT Test (ISE II (B2) or ISE III (C1)): A pass is required in each category at minimum. Trinity reports have a two-year validity period
  • Pearson PTE (Academic UKVI): A score with at least 51 in each category

English language exams vary in terms of how long they remain valid. Candidates should provide the LSA’s Admissions Team with a scanned copy of their official test certificate and the TRF number from that certificate. The required scores must be achieved during a single sitting of the examination.

In addition to the above, applicants may also choose from one of the following English language test and qualification options:

  • GCSE/IGCSE English, IGCSE English (First Language) or English Language: Pass at 5 (or grade C) is required
  • A Level English Language or English Language and Literature or English Literature: Grade C or above is required
  • IB English A (SL) and IB English A (HL): Language and Literature or Literature: Grade 5 or above is required
  • IB English B (for non-native speakers) (SL): Grade 7 or above is required
  • IB English B (for non-native speakers) (HL): Grade 5 or above is required

Applicants must enter the name and result of their test on their application, and provide an original copy at registration. If an applicant doesn’t have one of these qualifications but is currently being taught in English, they may contact the LSA’s Admissions Team for advice at admissions@the-lsa.org.

 

Student Transfer Policy

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to London School of Architecture to join the two-year programme for the qualification of the MArch in Designing Architecture the regular entry commences at the beginning of September of each academic year through the LSA’s admissions process.

Am I eligible to transfer to the London School of Architecture?

A student’s eligibility for advanced entry will be assessed by our academic staff on an individual basis and will be based on the following:

  • compatibility of the modules/grades of your previous study against the London School of Architecture programme and its modules
  • your work will be assessed by the school to ensure compliance against learning outcomes required for professional qualification as an architect
  • analysis of the transcripts of your first and/or second year studies. (Please note that no decision will be made on your application until we receive a copy of the transcripts of your previous study (or, if you are still yet to complete this study, a partial transcript including details of all outstanding modules)
  • quality of your academic reference and personal statement

Transferring to another university from the London School of Architecture

If you wish to transfer to a course at another university the LSA will provide you with:

  • a transcript outlining the modules you have completed and the grades which you have achieved
  • an exit award if you have passed sufficient credit (Certificate in Designing Architecture)
  • an academic reference from one of your course staff on request
  • the amount of tuition fees you will have to pay to the LSA will depend on your official day of withdrawal notified to us in writing

You should be aware that if you transfer mid-year, then you may find yourself liable for fees at the LSA and the university to which you are transferring. Please check with the relevant university.

If you are in receipt of Student Finance you are only entitled to a tuition fee loan for the terms you are in attendance at the LSA. The LSA will inform Student Finance of your last date of attendance once you have notified us in writing of your withdrawal. Your new university will also need to contact Student Finance and complete a form called Confirmation of Circumstances Form – Student Transfer.

 

Funding

This section includes important information about fees and access to student finance loans. Please note that we are currently unable to support prospective students with visas unless you currently hold a valid visa to study and work in the UK: we do not currently have a Student Route Visa (previously ‘Tier 4’) UKVI licence. EU and International students currently residing in the UK with alternative visas allowing for study and work within the UK are eligible to apply. We hope to obtain a UK licence soon and we will update this information accordingly if our application is successful. We offer small bursaries to support enrolled students and have a hardship fund. Please familiarise yourself with our Refunds and Compensation Policy in this section before applying.

 

Tuition Fees

Home fees – 2025/26

For Home students registering for 2025/26 the tuition fees are £9,000 per year for both the First and Second Year.

Students are required to pay a deposit of £500 to secure their place. This is requested as they accept their offer from the LSA. This deposit is refundable at the end of term 3, Year 1, usually in July. See our tuition fee policy for more details.

Tuition fees are due and payable at registration for each year, and you have three payment options:

  1. Self-Financing Students to pay in full. You are entitled to a five per cent discount if full payment of that year’s fees is made prior to or at registration.
  2. By three instalments. The annual fee can be split evenly between the three terms, at the latest on 15 September 2025, 15 January 2026 and 15 April 2026.
  3. Through Student Loan Company (SLC) application for tuition fee loan and/or maintenance loan (see further advice below).

You are required to ensure that you have secured funds to pay your tuition fees at the point of enrolment. Students who anticipate difficulty in making tuition fee payments as outlined above should contact the school as soon as possible to discuss their financial position and options.

  • EU/EEA students who have been living in the UK for 3 years or more and have pre-settled or settled status: will be eligible for Home Fees of  £9,000 and will be able to apply for the full amount from the SLC.
  • International students who have lived in the UK for more than 3 years, have a visa (allowing you to live and study in the UK) or the duration of the course will be eligible for Home Fees of £9,000 but not be eligible for SLC funding.

We will send you a fee assessment to establish if you are eligible for Home Fees if you are offered a place.

Non-home fees – 2025/26

For students who are not eligible for Home Fees (for example, EU/EEA/international students who have been living in the UK for less than 3 years) tuition fees will be £15,000 – these students will not be eligible for SLC funding.

 

Student Loan Company Advice

The London School of Architecture’s MArch Designing Architecture is Part 2 of your 5 year architectural education and as such is eligible for Undergraduate funding as together Part 1 and Part 2 are considered a single course as long as:

  • You have not withdrawn from your Part 1 course before starting your Part 2
  • You have studied full-time throughout your Part 1.
  • You have not undertaken another MA programme before starting Part 2
  • There has been no longer than 3 years between completing Part 1 and starting Part 2. (where the gap exceeds 3 years the SLC has discretion to assess whether a connection with architecture has been maintained)

You can apply for your undergraduate funding via the SLC.

If you are not eligible for UG funding, you may be eligible for the postgraduate loan that is £12,167 for 2025/26.  This loan is paid directly to you and you can use it to pay for your tuition fees and/or living expenses.

Please note when making your application:

  • Your university is The London School of Architecture
  • The programme is the MArch in Designing Architecture
  • You will be studying full time and in university (not on a placement year)
  • The programme code for undergraduates loan is 896946
  • The programme code for Northern Ireland is 906223
  • The programme code for postgraduate loans is 96959
  • Please make sure that you apply for funding as soon as you can so that you have arrangements in place for when you are due to start your studies in September.
  • Ensure that you can manage all your study related costs and living expenses.  Some useful information and budgeting tools can be found on these websites:
     

Students whose domicile is Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are required to apply directly to the Wales and Northern Ireland educational authorities.

For any further enquiries please email admissions@the-lsa.org.

 

Bursaries and Hardship Funding

A per-annum bursary in the range of £1,000 per year will be available to selected students.

The following processes are also in place:

  • If demand exceeds the number of bursaries available, students will be prioritised on your home postcode given in your application, AND a household income of under £16,000. ( to enquire as to whether you meet the adult quintile postcode criteria, please contact admisisons@the-lsa.org)
  • We may also decide to utilise available money from the Hardship Fund (see below) to award additional bursaries, where deemed necessary.
  • Should demand be less than the number of bursaries available, any unallocated bursary funds can be reallocated into the Hardship Fund (see below).
  • We will provide significant additional funding as part of our Hardship Fund, to which students can apply for support (whether or not they have received a bursary). Hardship Fund allocations will be made on an individual basis, based on demonstrated financial need. These funds can supplement bursary allocations or provide financial support to students who do not meet the bursary criteria. Funds can be used to cover additional costs associated with an architecture course, such as model making and printing, to ensure successful participation in learning.

Students who have been allocated bursaries will be notified Term 1 and funds will be disbursed over Terms 1, 2 and 3.

 

Other Sources of Funding

Please review the following external resources:

 

Refunds and Compensation Policy

This regulation does not apply should a student exercise their statutory right to cancel their enrolment within 14 days of accepting their offer, in which case no fees or charges will apply and any monies paid will be refunded.

By the act of registering with The LSA, a student accepts liability to pay the full tuition fee for the year of study. By signing the Terms & Conditions they are agreeing to abide by the current LSA General Regulations in accordance with the LSA’s tuition fee policy.

Programme/tuition fees are charged for the educational services and facilities provided in the delivery of a programme of study, subject to the Programme Terms and Conditions relevant to the year of entry (‘the student contract’). The fee is an annual, consolidated charge for the provision of tuition, registration, learning resources, infrastructure, examination, assessment and graduation.

The School will re-calculate the amount of tuition fee to be charged in circumstances where a student withdraws or interrupts their programme during the academic session. In such an event, a student will have no claim to a refund of fees charged for any period they were registered during that session.

No tuition fees will be charged to any applicant who fails to register on their programme of study having previously firmly accepted an offer to do so.

Fees charged to registered students will be calculated based upon the date the University is formally informed of any change in registration.

A student who is deemed withdrawn may appeal the decision.

For further information about funding, refunds and deposit, see the LSA’s tuition fee policy.

Apply to Programme

Start you application journey now if you are interested in joining the Part 2 MArch programme in 2025/26.

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Process

Read through this page carefully for more information on the LSA’s admissions process.

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