Architectural Association School of Architecture
The Architectural Association School of Architecture (commonly known as the AA) is the oldest independent architecture school in the UK and one of the most prestigious and influential architecture schools in the world. It is also considered one of the most "radical" architecture schools globally, earning both acclaim and controversy.
Over its 160-year history, the AA has cultivated a diverse array of internationally renowned figures in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and landscape design. The school’s unique and advanced curriculum, along with its extensive projects and research initiatives, have turned it into a global hub for architectural innovation. These efforts have solidified its position as a leader in contemporary architectural discourse and development on the world stage.
AA Diploma Program Overview
The AA Diploma is a two-year course (known as Part 2). Currently, the program offers 21 Units. Before the start of each academic year, the school organizes interviews, during which students can select up to three Units based on their preferences. Interviews are scheduled sequentially for Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3. If the interview with the preferred Unit’s tutors and peers results in mutual agreement to proceed, the student secures their spot in that Unit, and further interviews are unnecessary.
At the beginning of each term, Unit tutors present their focus and content for the semester through a school-wide presentation. After the presentation, an informal social event allows students to engage with tutors and discuss their interests. Based on these conversations, students finalize their interview preferences, with Option 1 interviews generally being prioritized.
Each Unit also organizes an annual field trip related to its projects, with unique destinations for each group.
Beyond design-focused courses, students have the freedom to select history and technical studies courses according to their interests. Coursework varies, with outputs such as portfolios, essays, or other project formats tailored to the course objectives. In the final year, students have additional flexibility in history courses, while technical studies are customized to support their design projects. The school assigns tutors with diverse technical expertise to assist students. Final-year technical studies submissions follow a standardized format and are evaluated collectively, with exceptional work receiving recognition.
The final year of the Diploma culminates in two comprehensive submissions: a technical research project and a final design project.
Design projects in the Diploma are developed individually, with assessments conducted through presentations. These evaluations place a strong emphasis on students’ ability to articulate their ideas and synthesize their projects. Substantial preparation is required for these presentations.
Postgraduate Programs at the AA
Beyond the Diploma, the AA offers a range of postgraduate programs catering to various interests:
DRL (Design Research Laboratory): Focuses on Patrik Schumacher’s parametricism, Shajay Bhooshan’s (ZHA Code) algorithmic design and digital innovation, and Theo Spyropoulos’ robotics and architectural self-organization practices.
EmTech (Emergent Technologies and Design): A flagship program combining smart construction and digital tools to address structural optimization and rationalization techniques.
Housing and Urbanism (H+U): Tackles urban housing issues in the broader societal context, with a focus on paradigm research, social analysis, and practical applications.
AAIS (Interprofessional Studio): Explores interdisciplinary approaches to spatial creation using digital, sensory, and material-based mediums. Known for its diverse student body, it has gained increasing attention in recent years.
Design + Make: Located in Hooke Park, this program emphasizes material-based design and manufacturing, covering the entire process from concept to realization.
HCT (History and Critical Thinking): A theory-focused program.
Projective Cities: Examines urban projection through architecture and design.
SED (Sustainable Environmental Design): Focuses on energy-efficient and sustainable technologies in architecture.
Landscape and Urbanism: Explores landscape design and urbanism within the broader context of city planning and ecological integration.
These programs showcase the AA’s commitment to addressing contemporary architectural challenges through cutting-edge research and innovative practices.
Related Program List
- Housing & Urbanism
Degree: MA
Duration: 12 months - Degree: MArch
Duration: 16 months - Landscape Urbanism
Degree: MSc
Duration: 12 months
Degree: MArch
Duration: 16 months - Architecture & Urbanism (Design Research Laboratory - DRL)
Degree: MArch
Duration: 16 months - Design & Make
Degree: MSc
Duration: 12 months
Degree: MArch
Duration: 16 months - Spatial Performance & Design (AAIS)
Degree: MA
Duration: 12 months
Degree: MFA
Duration: 18 months - Sustainable Environmental Design (SED)
Degree: MSc
Duration: 12 months
Degree: MArch
Duration: 16 months
Program-Specific Requirements
Housing & Urbanism (MA)
A second-class honors degree or higher in architecture or a related discipline from a UK university, or an equivalent overseas qualification (minimum three years of study at a university or university-level institution).
Housing & Urbanism (MArch)
A five-year professional degree in architecture or a related discipline (equivalent to a bachelor's degree/diploma).
Landscape Urbanism (MSc)
A professional degree or diploma in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, geography, engineering, or other related disciplines.
Landscape Urbanism (MArch)
A five-year professional degree in architecture, or a diploma in architecture, landscape architecture, urbanism, urban planning, geography, engineering, or other related disciplines (equivalent to a bachelor's degree/diploma).
Architecture & Urbanism (Design Research Laboratory - DRL)
A five-year professional degree in architecture (equivalent to a bachelor's degree/diploma).
Design & Make (MSc)
A professional degree or diploma in architecture, engineering, or other related disciplines.
Note: This program is based in Hooke Park, Dorset.
Design & Make (MArch)
A five-year professional degree in architecture (equivalent to a bachelor's degree/diploma).
Note: This program is based in Hooke Park, Dorset.
Spatial Performance & Design (AAIS) (MA)
A second-class honors degree or higher in architecture or a related discipline from a UK university, or an equivalent overseas qualification (minimum three years of study at a university or university-level institution).
Spatial Performance & Design (AAIS) (MFA)
Same requirements as the MA program (as stated above).
Sustainable Environmental Design (MSc)
A professional degree or diploma in architecture, engineering, or other related disciplines.
Sustainable Environmental Design (MArch)
A five-year professional degree in architecture (equivalent to a bachelor's degree/diploma).
Language Requirements
If your admission is conditional upon providing evidence of English language proficiency, the following qualifications meet both UKVI and AA requirements:
IELTS (Academic):
- Overall score: 6.5
- Minimum score in each category: 6.0
- Validity: IELTS results must be no older than two years at the time of application. The AA requires a scanned copy of the original certificate to verify your scores online.
Important Notes:
- English Language Updates
English requirements may change, so it’s essential to check the official AA website for updates. - UKVI/Home Office Regulations
The English language requirements are subject to frequent changes. Applicants must stay informed about updates and verify the current requirements before submitting their applications. - Program-Specific Considerations
Some programs, such as Design & Make, have location-specific instructions (e.g., held in Hooke Park). Ensure you review program details thoroughly.
Application Materials
- Online application form
- Application fee
- Proof of enrollment/graduation certificate
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic transcript
- Portfolio
Portfolio
Except for "History & Critical Thinking" and "PhD Research," all applicants must submit a digital design portfolio to demonstrate a combination of academic and professional work. The portfolio should contain 20 to 30 pages (drawings/project outlines/work samples) and be compiled into a single PDF file (maximum file size: 40MB).
The portfolio must be clearly labeled, including your full name and the program you are applying for.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation via the online application form: one related to work experience and one related to academics. If the applicant has no work experience, two academic references are required. References must be on official letterhead and signed. Applications will not be considered until both references are received.
Submission Options:
Referees wishing to send references directly can mail them to:
Postgraduate Admissions, 36 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3ES.
Referees can also email references directly to [email protected].
However, references must:
Be on official letterhead.
Be signed.
Be scanned as a PDF.
Be sent directly from the referee's official school or university email address.
Emails received from personal email addresses will not be accepted.
Degree Certificate and Transcripts
You must submit a scanned copy of your academic transcript or transcripts, including a detailed list of subjects studied and grades obtained.
If you have completed your degree, upload both your degree certificate and transcripts (covering all years of study). If you have not yet completed your degree, upload all transcripts available to date.
Applicants completing their degree after June 2020 are encouraged to contact the postgraduate admissions team before applying for the 2020/21 academic year.
For International Applicants:
Applicants must provide documents in English. The AA will only accept official translations with the translator's stamp and signature. Additionally, scanned copies of the untranslated certificates and transcripts must also be provided.