Hi, I was recently accepted to both UCL Bartlett for architecture and Cooper Union (B.Arch), and I’m having a really hard time deciding.
I know both schools are highly respected, and I’m trying not to focus too much on rankings, but I also can’t completely ignore them. UCL is ranked #1 globally for architecture (QS), and I’m really drawn to the idea of doing my undergrad at a top UK university and then potentially going to a top U.S. school for my master’s. That path genuinely appeals to me because it feels like it could open more doors and give me both the experience and the prestige people talk about.
I also plan to work and live in the U.S., so even if I go to the UK for undergrad, I’m set on doing my master’s in the U.S.
However financially, Cooper Union is really appealing with the half tuition scholarship, and I know the B.Arch would be a more direct and practical path into the profession. But I also don’t want the insecurity of graduating from a school that no one knows (maybe it won’t matter later on but it feels very important rn).
So I guess my main question is: is the UCL BSc plus U.S. master’s path actually worth it in terms of opportunities and long term outcomes in the US, or is it smarter to go straight into a B.Arch program at Cooper Union?
What country or countries do you have either citizenship or permanent residence for? What country do you live in?
Do you have either US citizenship or US permanent residence?
The other question involves finances. Is your family fine with paying the full cost of either program, plus the cost of any graduate program such as a master’s degree, without any loans and without any financial hardship?
Have you looked carefully at the classes that you would need to take for both choices?
Finally, do you have a strong preference? Would you prefer one option significantly over the other?
At first glance both options look very appealing to me, but more information would be helpful to those of us who are trying to give you our opinions.
And congratulations on having these two great acceptances to choose from.
Are you American ? I’m sure it’s a known school here for those who hire architects. If money was an issue, since you noted affordability, there would be other schools even cheaper.
I have to admit that I’m not knowledgeable on the outcomes of an architecture education in the UK. Of course I understand that Bartlett has an international reputation, but I don’t how a Bartlett BSc degree would be viewed by US MArch programs’ admissions
So that would be the first question you should ask Bartlett: What have Bartlett BSc grads done after graduation? Specifically, where do they tend to go for their MArchs?
“But I also don’t want the insecurity of graduating from a school that no one knows (maybe it won’t matter later on but it feels very important rn).”
Do you mean Cooper Union is less known in the UK? That definitely isn’t the case in the US. US architecture firms know, respect and hire Cooper Union BArchs. So that would be your 2nd question: where do CU BArchs work after graduation?
Have you had or will you have the opportunity to visit both? Seeing the facilities and asking professors and current students about internships and post graduation placements would be persuasive in way that the internet and rankings can’t.
Lastly you should be aware that an MArch at a prestigious US school of architecture can be a very expensive proposition. Some financing is available, but it’s unpredictable.
Basically I think it’s a premature to project out your career path 7-8 years into the future. Too many variables. Choose the one that appeals to you most now in environment, curriculum and culture.
Not only does Cooper Union currently provide a half tuition scholarship for all students, but their stated plan is to be tuition free in 2 years (2028-29), which would be your last 2 years of attendance.
Cooper Union is very well known in architecture circles in the US, so I don’t think that’s an issue (unless by “not known” you mean your family/friends don’t know it). Also curious if you’ve visited, and how important the whole college experience is in what you’re looking for. We did an informal visit there a while back and it’s really small. It looks amazing if you are arch or engineering, tuition rebate is obviously big, it’s in a great location and basically between NYU and some of the NYU dorms so there are a ton of students around, but Cooper itself is really small. It would be a very different experience to UCL, which is very large.
Also echo the question about if you are a US resident.
If you are a U.S. citizen and your ultimate goal is to be a licensed architect in the U.S., the Cooper Union BArch is the more direct path. If you’d like to do something else or are unsure, the UCL path seems amazing. It’s hard to know at your age where you’ll be in the future, but if you’re locked in on being an architect, go to Cooper Union. If not, UCL.
I am an international student looking to work in the US. I heard it’s really hard to stay in the US to find a firm that can sponsor international students, so I was also wondering if graduating from cooper or UCL+M.arch will be better?
Honestly, I would not base the choice of your degree on the chances of trying to get someone to sponsor you for a work visa in the US. Especially as a new graduate, getting a company to sponsor a work visa for you isn’t going to be easy. You should be thinking about which degree might be more valuable where you already have the ability to work.
@Momofthree24 , do you have any comments re whether or not licensing would be a further issue for a possible US work visa? (And how long it typically takes after graduation to actually get licensed?)
Would you think it would be safer to do three years in the UK first and see the political climate after three years to decide whether to continue my masters in the UK or the US?
I think you should reach out to both, especially Cooper Union, and ask how international kids fare. You could ask UCL if anyone tries to come here but that’s far less likely. Talk to the career center they will have specifics. We won’t.
No one here is Nostradamus. We can’t assure the future.
Each state has its own licensing requirements, but I don’t think any forbid non-citizens from obtaining a license. They would have to have a valid work visa, which may be problematic depending on what country they are coming from.
After obtaining a professional degree (BArch or MArch), you’d need 3,740 total hours of experience across 6 practice areas and also pass all sections of the Architecture Registration Examination. The outlier is California, which has a more stringent test (due to earthquakes). So at least 2 years, but probably closer to 3 years to get that all done.
Thanks. So OP would pretty much need to use most or all of their OPT allowance - assuming they could get the required work experience on that - just to get as far as licensing, then hope that they could get sponsored as well after that.
The International Students and Scholars Office is here to support and guide you with information and advice on maintaining your status, so always consult with the ISSO before making decisions that affect your status. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to follow the F-1 regulations and remain in status at all times.
Enrolled students and students on OPT/STEM, please use this booking calendar if you would like to schedule an appointment with the ISSO.
Again, the schools of architecture have the information that will help you make an informed decision that best supports your long term plans. You need to reach out to both schools directly.
Cooper Union has a relatively high percentage of international students. As @tsbna44 notes they have an organization (ISSO) dedicated to helping their non-US students navigate the complicated process of being able to work in the US. You need to talk to them.
Summer internships are an integral path to employment after graduation. You should ask Cooper’s architecture department where their BArch students have interned and if internships are readily available to international students.
Cooper will also draw heavily on New York firms for visiting professors and critics. These are valuable connections as is Cooper’s alumni/ae network.
Talk to Bartlett too: Ask the architecture department where their BSc architecture graduates tend to get their MArchs. Do many choose US schools of architecture? What’s their track record on acceptances?
I’m an international student deciding between the University of Southern California and The Cooper Union for architecture. I received similar scholarship support from both, so cost isn’t a major factor in my decision.
I know USC is a much larger school with a bigger alumni network, and I’m wondering if that might make it easier to access opportunities at larger firms after graduation, especially as an international student who may need visa sponsorship.
At the same time, I understand Cooper Union has a smaller program but is very well connected within the New York architecture scene.
For those familiar with either program, would USC’s size and network actually provide a meaningful advantage when it comes to internships and jobs at larger firms like Gensler or OMA, or does Cooper Union offer comparable opportunities despite being smaller?
I would like to work in NYC eventually, but I am more interested in large campus schools.