Architectural Association School of Architecture

Established in 1847, the Architectural Association School of Architecture, commonly called the AA, is the oldest independent architecture school in the UK. It is not part of the state-funded university sector. Since 2019 it has held Taught Degree Awarding Powers of its own, while The Open University, with which it is affiliated, confers its doctorates. Its home is Bedford Square in central London, and it also runs Hooke Park, a 350-acre Dorset woodland. The Design and Make programme is based there, and timber harvested from the estate supplies its land-based design projects.

The AA's teaching model rests on compact design studios called units. Each is run by practising architects appointed on an annual basis, which keeps the curriculum in constant step with debate across the profession. Governance is unusually democratic: staff and students vote to choose the director and most members of the governing board. Some 900 students are enrolled. Provision spans a one-year foundation course, a three-year BA (RIBA Part 1), a two-year Diploma that leads to RIBA Part 2, various taught master's degrees and a PhD.

Information for International Students

As the holder of a Student sponsor licence, the AA will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies after an applicant accepts an unconditional offer, pays the deposit and provides the necessary documents. Incoming students then receive visa guidance before the September start of term. Rather than using UCAS, candidates apply to the school directly. Every undergraduate applicant is interviewed, and depending on prior study of architecture, admission may be into the first, second or third year. Unless exempt, applicants are normally expected to present IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.0 as the minimum in every component. For those not yet ready to start a degree, the one-year AA Foundation course provides a preparatory year covering architecture, art and design.

Housing support in London comes through University of London Housing Services, which offers advice and lists registered landlords, while Design and Make students may rent rooms close to Hooke Park. Scholarships and bursaries are available regardless of nationality, and the Albukhary Foundation fully funds places for a number of First Year students who come from eligible countries. The Graduate Route may be open to those who complete an eligible AA degree.