13 Architecture Programs for High School Students in the United Kingdom (UK)
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you are a high school student interested in architecture, participating in a structured program can help you explore the discipline beyond what is typically covered in art, design, or technology classes. Through these programs, you can study architectural theory, develop drawing and model-making skills, analyse buildings and urban spaces, and learn how architects respond to social, environmental, and cultural contexts. You also gain insight into portfolio development, studio critiques, and the academic expectations of architecture degrees in the UK.
Why should I participate in an architecture program in high school?
In the UK, architecture education places strong emphasis on studio work, design briefs, and critical discussion, even at the pre-university level. By joining a summer school or short course, you can experience this studio-based approach, work on guided projects, and better understand what studying architecture at a UK university involves. Participating early can help you build confidence in your ideas, strengthen your portfolio, and decide whether architecture is the right academic path for you.
In this blog, we’ve narrowed down 13 architecture programs for high school students in the UK.
If you’re looking for free online research programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Multiple locations across the U.K. (check RIBA locations here)
Cost/Stipend: Free with materials included (pre-registration is required)
Program Dates: Vary, depending on the type of workshop (one to five days, typically in the school holidays)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 15–18
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) hosts skills-up workshops to provide youth with opportunities to build the skills essential to the architecture profession. You will learn from professional architects and artist-educators, with workshops focused on skills such as photography, portfolio development, working on architectural briefs, and more. You will develop traditional and digital architectural drawing skills with a focus on sustainable architecture. You will share views with peers and receive feedback on your work. You will develop creative and critical thinking skills through individual and collaborative tasks with peers.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type | Full financial aid available
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to one year
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper. You can choose an interdisciplinary research topic, such as studying architecture from an engineering perspective. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University College London, Bartlett School of Architecture, Bloomsbury campus, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: 5-day program: £950 ($1,305) | 15-day program: £2,500 (US$3,435)
Program Dates: 14–16 year olds: July 27–31 | 16–18 year olds: July 6–10/July 13–17/July 20 –24 (5-day options)/July 6–24 (15-day option)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the first week of February
Eligibility: At least age 14 years/16 years (two programs based on age group)
Based on age, you can pursue an architecture program at the University College London (UCL)'s Bartlett Summer School to gain immersive learning experiences along with personalized support and feedback. The course for 14–16-year-olds will teach you the foundational aspects of drawing and design while you work with peers on designs that involve drawing and model-making. The program for 16–18-year-olds offers 5-day and 15-day formats, with introductory and advanced modules. You will participate in collaborative drawing and model-building activities, create your own portfolio, and take tours of exhibitions, local sites, or architectural offices. The 15-day course includes working on an independent architectural research topic with personal guidance and group sessions. At the end of the course, you will showcase your work in a small exhibition and receive a certificate of participation.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost/Stipend: Varies | Financial aid available
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts | Rolling admissions.
Eligibility: Students aged 13–18
The Academic Insights Pathway at Immerse Education's Architecture Summer School in the UK combines academic instruction with personal mentorship, giving high school students the opportunity to experience university life firsthand. You will live on campus and study in small groups of 7-10, with classes led by tutors from top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge. You will master core concepts in urban planning and smart city development, and develop practical architectural skills through a personal project. You will receive written feedback and a certificate of completion upon completion of the program. You can also explore the architecture and design track in London. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: AA School, London, UK (also available in Shanghai and Latin America)
Cost/Stipend: £1,700 (US$2,336) + £60 (US$82) non-refundable deposit (check fees here)
Program Dates: July 6–24
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Must be age 18 or over
High school students aspiring to explore a career in architecture through a UK-based program could consider the Architectural Association (AA) Summer School program. In this 3-week summer program, you will learn and work on a project in a collaborative environment. You will attend academic lectures and seminars and work in a design studio. You will have an immersive learning experience in the connected areas of architecture, art, and design. An earlier cohort delved into urban architecture through unconventional styles and typologies, and examined urban irregularities and non-traditional designs. You work collaboratively to develop individual responses to the studio brief, culminating in a final presentation or exhibition of your work.
Location: University of Westminster, Marylebone Campus, London, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee required (exact annual cost not specified)
Program Dates: Typically delivered during summer (exact dates released annually)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in May
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 who are currently studying at school/college for GCSE, A-level, or BTEC qualifications
The University of Westminster's Imagine Architecture: Introductory Summer School is a short-term course that enables high school students to undertake undergraduate-level projects. You will attend mini-lectures led by practising architects, visit exhibitions, and participate in peer-led activities. You will learn experimental design methods, 3D modeling and drawing, and photography in the fabrication lab, among other topics, from architects and interior tutors. You will receive guidance on selecting a university course and preparing a personal statement, as well as building a portfolio to highlight for university admission. You will showcase your work at a group exhibition and receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the course.
Location: Arts University Bournemouth, Poole, UK
Cost/Stipend: £1,799 (US$2,472) and £450 (US$618) deposit to book a spot | Additional fees apply for accommodation, catering, and airport transfer if required
Program Dates: August 3–14
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18
The Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) architecture summer course offers students ages 15–18 the opportunity to gain insight into architecture and 3D design through theoretical and practical modules, as well as field trips to explore British architecture and design. You will explore the concepts and principles of architecture, including space and form, light and colour, and more, as well as the materials used in building construction. You will participate in research and sketchbook sessions with access to the library and 3D workshops. You will also enhance traditional drawing skills and digital media use. At the end of the course, you will have a professional portfolio and an AUB Summer Course Certificate that highlight the course content and study hours to boost your college applications.
Location: NTU City Campus, Nottingham, UK
Cost/Stipend: £545 (US$748) | £266/week (US$365) for nearby accommodation if required
Program Dates: July 20–27
Application Deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: Students ages 15–17
This high school architecture program in the UK is a part-time, summer program at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), with 25 contact hours of tuition with a tutor. You will explore architectural design with a focus on sustainability. You will work with peers on a collaborative project and participate in workshops. You will develop practical design skills, sharpen your spatial awareness, sketch objects and people, and create models from recycled materials. You will meet contractors and design professionals during construction site visits of upcoming building projects. You will receive guidance on university applications, take photographs of your models to support your portfolio, and receive a certificate of attendance upon completing the course.
Location: AA Hooke Park, Dorset, UK
Cost/Stipend: £1,495 (US$2,054) (includes shared accommodation and meals) | £60 (US$82) booking deposit
Program Dates: July 12–25
Application Deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older
The Architectural Association School of Architecture's Hooke Park Build provides opportunities to explore experimental architecture under supervision, with a specialized focus on timber building and fabrication. While all making materials will be provided, you should bring your own laptop and drawing tools. You will gain insight into forestry and timber production cycles, as well as the manufacturing processes of materials such as ceramics and aluminium. You will work on a design-build project and learn about parametric design methods. You will acquire technical expertise by learning to use both traditional hand tools and computer-controlled production tools.
Location: London, King's Cross, UK
Cost/Stipend: £640 (US$879)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions through the year (check upcoming dates here)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to all skill levels
High school students who are keen to sharpen their architectural drawing skills could consider the University of the Arts London's Architectural Drawing Short Course. In this short-term course, you will learn the fundamentals of perspective and axonometric drawings, as well as how to draft detailed architectural plans and elevations. You will dive into the design development process, learning the use of freehand drawings, models, and materials. You will work on an individual project that incorporates visualizing and drawing space using sketching techniques. You will receive a digital badge and a certificate of attendance upon completing the course.
Location: London, King's Cross, UK
Cost/Stipend: Starts from £690 (US$948)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions through the year (check upcoming dates here)
Application Deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: Students aged 11–15
The University of the Arts London's short course in architecture for ages 11 to 15 provides opportunities to explore architectural principles, including spatial design, with a focus on the theme 'Transform'. You will work on drawing tasks and a research task on a specific building or artist. You will develop key skills, including observational drawing, material techniques, material analysis, and modeling. You will develop a self-critical approach to your work with evaluation and feedback from tutors. The course concludes with a presentation of drawings, research findings, and a final model. You will receive a certificate of attendance and a digital badge upon completion of the course.
Location: London, King's Cross, UK
Cost/Stipend: £730 (US$1,002)
Program Dates: Multiple sessions through the year (check upcoming dates here)
Application Deadline: Rolling till spots fill
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 years
Students aged 16 to 18 who are keen to pursue a pre-degree architecture program in the UK could consider the Architecture Short Course at the University of the Arts London. During the one-week course, you will explore the principles and processes of architectural design, including sustainable approaches. You will collaborate with peers to research a given brief and work independently as well on creative ideas. You will develop a model using the provided materials, keeping form, function, context, and impact in mind. You will enhance analogue skills to convey design ideas, such as sketching and physical model-making. At the end of the course, you will present your drawing and model and receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance.
Location: d'Overbroeck's, Oxford, UK
Cost/Stipend: £2,695/week (US$3,702) | Non-refundable £500 (US$686) reservation fee
Program Dates: July 7–21 (25 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 13–17 | Must have a minimum English level B1 (intermediate) | Class size: 12
The Young Professionals Architecture Summer Course is a two-week residential program delivered at d’Overbroeck’s in Oxford. The course combines architectural design fundamentals with English language development for international students. You explore design thinking processes, sketching, and model-making while working on a structured architectural brief. The program incorporates site visits to culturally significant locations, such as museums or retail environments, to support contextual analysis. You collaborate on a capstone design project, applying research and spatial planning skills. Upon completion, you receive a certificate, a capstone project summary, and an academic report.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Immerse Education logo