The first two years of study (‘Pre-Honours’ years) offer a rich and extensive overview of the history of architecture and urbanism from across the globe. You will be part of a vibrant community of up to 300 students, drawn from all areas of interest and expertise across the University. These include architecture, history of art, languages, history and classics, English literature, civil engineering, and many more. In years three and four (‘Honours’ years), you will have the opportunity to develop and refine your interests by choosing to study specialist, Honours-level courses drawn from an extensive list covering the medieval world; Islamic art and architecture; the European Renaissance and its global contexts; the eighteenth- and nineteenth-centuries, including Georgian and Victorian architecture and their reverberations worldwide; and Modern architecture in Europe, Russia, and the British Isles. Third year students will also study the history of the theoretical development of architecture from ancient times to the present. You will have the opportunity to undertake an internship with a museum, archive or historic environment agency, including National Museums Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, The Cockburn Association, and Edinburgh World Heritage. In Year Four you will write a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choosing.

Our students follow a number of routes on graduation. Some opt to continue their studies at Masters and doctoral level, either in Architectural History or a related subject. Others move into architectural conservation, or to work in museums, libraries and galleries. In teaching the skills of critical analysis and the presentation of arguments based on a close reading of the available evidence, the course offers a valuable foundation for a wide range of careers, and our students have been successful in many areas.