The Aarhus School of Architecture
The Aarhus School of Architecture (Danish: Arkitektskolen Aarhus, abbreviated: AAA) is located in Aarhus, Jutland, Denmark. It has approximately 800 students and 160 staff members. It is also one of only two architecture schools in Denmark.
As a research-oriented higher education institution directly governed by the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Higher Education, AAA, along with the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, is responsible for architectural education in Denmark. Since its establishment in 1965, the school has trained nearly 5,000 architecture master's graduates.
Alumni and Faculty Insights
The Aarhus School of Architecture (AAA) is known for its small but high-quality environment, which I particularly enjoy, especially since I also graduated from an art school for my undergraduate degree. The school is small, and the close-knit atmosphere contributes to its excellence.
One of the standout features of the school is its advanced model-making equipment. It has a full range of tools such as robotic arms, 3D printers, laser cutters, and gypsum-cement workshops, allowing students to explore and express their design ideas through physical models. The model rooms are open around the clock, and students are expected to work independently on their projects.
Another aspect that makes the school exceptional is the caliber of the faculty. Most teachers are top-tier architects from leading Danish firms, and different experts are invited for various projects. These professors and experts bring their extensive practical experience, guiding students in a way that helps them develop their design intentions realistically and effectively. The quality of education is so high that graduates of the architecture master’s program can obtain both the Danish Association of Architects (MAA) license and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA Part 2) certification, meaning they can apply for architectural credentials in both the UK and Denmark.
I was part of the 1A studio, focusing on urban and landscape design. In this studio, students from different years work together on projects. The teachers divide their attention based on the students’ levels, so even lower-year students benefit from working with senior students, learning design skills, computer proficiency, and presentation techniques. Each semester includes 3-4 projects, with two workshops in the first half. These workshops focus on design topics or site-specific construction, allowing students to take their initial designs and further refine them into final concepts.
A memorable experience was a workshop in a remote forest outside the city. Armed with axes and rakes, we transformed abandoned tree branches and garbage into landscape installations. This hands-on experience, immersed in nature and turning waste into value, helped me discover my deeper interests in exploring down-to-earth possibilities in future designs and professional work.
Many people may think that Nordic countries like Denmark are cold or distant, and Aarhus is a city with relatively few Chinese people, so loneliness could be a concern. However, I believe that people with an open, outgoing personality need not worry. If you are willing to communicate with your classmates, they will be warm and sincere in their approach to friendship. The most attractive trait of Aarhus students, in my view, is their ability to balance intense study and design work with a lively social life—partying on Friday nights, drinking, and enjoying their weekends. This vibrant energy is something that deeply impacted me.
Though it has been nearly three years since I left Aarhus, the memories are still vivid. Late nights spent with classmates in the studio, dancing at clubs, and drinking together—despite being in a country known for its cool, minimalist vibe, Aarhus is warm and full of passion.
If you're interested in the Aarhus School of Architecture, I hope you will embrace it fearlessly and look forward to experiencing everything it has to offer.
Related Program List
At the Aarhus School of Architecture (AAA), the Master of Architecture (MA) program is a two-year, research-based degree designed around both artistic and scientific approaches to architecture. The program offers a variety of studios and thematic focus areas for students to specialize in, based on their interests.
Degree Programs
- Program 1: Territories, Architecture, and Transformation
Studio 1A: Urban Design / Landscape Architecture
Studio 1B: Cultural Heritage
Studio 1C: Transformation
Studio 1D: Cultural Environments and Urban Transformation
Studio 1E: The Architecture of the City - Program 2: Technology, Building Cultures, and Habitation
Studio 2A: Building Design and Techniques
Studio 2B: Computational Building Development and Transformation
Studio 2C: Building Culture and Tectonics
Studio 2D: Art of Building - Program 3: Radical Sustainable Architecture
Studio 3A: Shifting Territories for an [un]stable Environment
Studio 3B: MATERIAL MATTERS _ Making in a Fragile Planet
Application and Studio Selection
When applying, you will need to select three studios to define the research direction of your graduate studies. These studios will assess your portfolio and determine your fit within the program. You can choose up to three studios from "Teaching Program 1" or one from each of the three programs based on your interests and the content of your portfolio.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official curriculum and studio descriptions on the Aarhus School of Architecture's website: Teaching Programmes - Aarhus School of Architecture.
This program structure allows for a highly personalized study path where students can explore different areas of architecture, from urban design to sustainability, and work closely with professors and industry experts.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Architecture or an equivalent qualification as the basic academic requirement.
Students with other qualifications beyond a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture are also considered. However, you must submit a portfolio to support your application, as the program is highly focused on artistic skills and design capabilities.
Language Proficiency Requirements
- IELTS Academic: A minimum score of 6.5.
- Cambridge Certificate of English Language Proficiency: Must pass the Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English with a grade of A, B, or C.
- TOEFL iBT: A minimum score of 91.
- TOEFL Written Test: A minimum score of 577.
- Full Bachelor's Degree in English: If you have completed a Bachelor's degree in English from the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, or the USA, you are exempt from the language proficiency requirement.
These requirements are aimed at ensuring that applicants can engage effectively with the program's academic content and communicate clearly in the design and research process.
Application Materials
- Electronic Application Form: Complete and submit the online application form.
- Transcript of Academic Record: Provide your most recent transcript translated into English. It is important to attach this document, as it plays an integral role in the evaluation process. You may also attach your diploma, but the transcript is essential.
- Language Proficiency Documentation: If required (based on your language test scores), include proof of your English proficiency.
- Recommendations: You are allowed to submit a maximum of two recommendations. These should be attached as part of your application.
- Degree Certificate: Attach your academic degree certificate.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include your up-to-date CV in PDF format.
- Portfolio: A digital portfolio in PDF format, with a maximum of 25 pages and a file size of 15 MB.
Portfolio Requirements:
Format: The portfolio must be a PDF file optimized for digital viewing. A landscape format is recommended to ensure better visibility on screens.
Pages: Maximum of 25 pages (excluding the statement of motivation and CV).
Contents:
- Statement of Motivation (1 page): Explain why you are applying to this program and what motivates you academically.
- CV (1 page).
- Portfolio: Showcase your own projects from your studies. You may include a project done during an internship or architectural practice. For group projects, specify your role.
Each project should include: The semester/year it was completed and the name and official email of your project supervisor.
Include reflections on the design process, with drawings, photos of models, or other visuals. Avoid excessive text. - Text and Images: Ensure all content is readable and easy to understand on digital platforms. Avoid using very small text.
Important Notes:
The portfolio is a key part of the selection process. Failing to meet the requirements or including plagiarized or unapproved work may result in rejection.
Combine all supporting documents into one PDF file in the following order:
- Transcript.
- Language proficiency documentation (if required).
- Recommendations.
- Portfolio.
Make sure to carefully review and adhere to these guidelines before submitting your application to ensure that all documents are correctly formatted and complete.