Architectural Association School of Architecture

1. Which Graduate Admissions Coordinator should I contact regarding my queries for graduate programmes?

2. Can I apply for more than one Graduate programme at the same time?

No, we appreciate that you may be interested in more than one programme in the Graduate School , however as all the graduate programmes represent distinct specialised areas of research we expect you to be able to match your research interest to a single programme. It is very important that you apply for the programme that best fits your own research interest and future goals.
Please read the Graduate programme descriptions carefully and if you have any doubts or concerns, contact the relevant Graduate Admissions Coordinator (see question 1 above).

3. Can I apply for the five-year RIBA/ARB recognised course leading to an AA Diploma and the Graduate School programme at the same time?

No. You can only apply for one course at a time. You will need to decide which course you are most interested in.

4. What is the difference between the AA’s Masters degrees and the AA Diploma School?

Masters programmes at the AA are specialist research programmes which do not lead to any professional exemptions, i.e. do not help you to become a registered architect in the UK. Entry requirements for the Graduate Programmes are listed on the AA website and Graduate School Entry Application form.
The AA Diploma School is the Fourth and Fifth Years of the five-year undergraduate RIBA/ARB recognised course in architecture at the AA.

5. Is the Diploma School part of the Graduate School?

No. At the AA the five-year RIBA/ARB recognised course in architecture is classed as part of the Undergraduate School, which includes the Fourth and Fifth Years (Diploma School). The Diploma School (Fourth & Fifth Years) is equivalent to a post-degree professional course leading to the AA Final Examination (RIBA/ARB Part 2) and AA Diploma.

6. Are any of the Graduate degrees professional qualifications?

No, all of the graduate degrees are post-professional qualifications and they do not lead to any professional exemptions. If you are interested in becoming qualified to practice as an architect in the UK , please see our undergraduate courses or contact ARB about exemptions: www.arb.org.uk

7. How many intakes of students does the AA have per year?

8. When are the deadlines for applications?

Deadlines are listed elsewhere on the AA website and application form.

9. Can I visit the AA before applying?

Yes. Details of the Graduate School Open Day are advertised on the AA website. We are also happy to receive visits from individuals or groups with advance notice, from anyone interested in applying to the AA. It is also possible, with advance notice, to meet with one of the Directors of the Programme for which you intend to apply. Please contact the relevant Graduate Admissions Coordinator (see Question 1 above) for further details on the Open Days or to arrange a visit.

10. Can I study part-time in the AA Graduate School?

For the 2013/14 academic year there are only two programmes in the AA Graduate School which are part-time, Conservation of Historic Buildings and Spatial Performance & Design (AA Interprofessional Studio). Please note the Conservation of Historic Buildings programme is a day-release course taught on Fridays during term time. All other programmes are taught full-time.

11. What is the difference between the MA/MSc and the MArch degree programmes?

These degrees are taught within the same programme structure for the first stage of the academic year. In the second stage of the programme the MArch options proceed separately based on individual dissertation projects. MA/MSc dissertation projects are expected to combine design research with case study work related to students’ backgrounds. MArch dissertation projects are expected to carry the research into an original design application developed in some detail. The MA/MSc are 12-month programmes open to applicants with professional qualifications in architecture, engineering or other related disciplines. The MArch is a 16-month programme open to applicants with a five-year professional degree in architecture.

12. Are the tuition fees and AA application process different for UK, EU and international students?

No, the fee structure is the same for all students and the application process is the same for all students.

13. What are the English Language requirements?

Please refer to the detailed information stated on the Graduate School Application Form. Please note these requirements are subject to change as instructed by the UKBA for visa students.

DISCLAIMER: Please note the English Language qualification requirements are subject to frequent change as instructed by the UK Border Agency.

14. Do I need to have the English language qualification before I apply?

No – however you will need to gain the appropriate grade by May before you enter the AA School. Any offer of a place at the AA will be conditional on you gaining the required English language qualification and you will NOT be able to commence the programme/enter the School without this entry requirement qualification.

15. How should I pay for the application fee?

Application fees should be paid either by a sterling cheque/bank draft made payable to the Architectural Association or by credit card (further details are available on the application form).  The AA does not accept bank-to-bank transfer payments/American Express or Diners Club. All application fees are non refundable.

16. What format should the portfolio I submit take?

All applicants are expected to submit a bound portfolio of design work (A4 size) with the exception of the MA in History & Critical Thinking and Conservation of Historic Buildings. The portfolio should show a combination of academic and professional work (if applicable) and be clearly labelled. CDs/DVDs are also accepted but only when accompanying a printed hard-copy portfolio.

17. Will my portfolio be returned automatically?

No, if you want your portfolio to be returned you must include a £50 return-of-portfolio fee with your application. Alternatively, you may arrange personal collection if prior arrangements have been made with the relevant Graduate Admissions Coordinator.

18. Can my candidate’s statement be supplied on a separate sheet of paper?

Yes, the statement must be typed and no longer than 1000 words, addressing the points stated on the application form.

19. Do I have to supply my original documents to prove my qualifications?

Yes, if you are offered a place at the AA, you must supply original transcripts for all years of study inclusive of grades and degree/diploma certificates. All documentation MUST be translated into English by an official translator, who certifies that they are true and accurate translations. 

20. Do I have to come for an interview at the AA?

Personal interviews are recommended but do not form a compulsory part of the application process. If the Programme Directors decide an interview is necessary then an interview will be arranged for you. Please note that we do not conduct personal interviews anywhere other than at the AA in London.

21. How do I accept my place at the AA?

To accept a place, a completed Graduate School Admission Form and a one-term non-refundable deposit must be received by the relevant Graduate Admissions Coordinator by the due date stated on the Graduate School Admission Form.
THIS IS THE ONLY FORMAL ACCEPTANCE OF A PLACE AT THE AA FOR ANY OF THE PROGRAMMES.

22. Do I need a student visa and how do I obtain a student visa?

All students who do not have EU citizenship will need to obtain a student visa (Tier 4 Adult General) to be able to live and study in the UK for the duration of their course at the AA.  You should contact the UK Embassy in your home country before coming to London.  An official confirmation of acceptance (CAS) can be issued by the AA once you have met all the conditions of your offer as well as returned the Graduate School Admission Form and paid the deposit.  This confirmation (CAS), together with other relevant documentation, can be used to obtain a visa.  Please visit:  www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for further details.  Please read the information carefully as to the academic, financial and documentation requirements.  Information will also be sent by the Graduate Admissions Coordinator upon the offer of a place to help with your visa application.

23.Will I be able to bring my family?

The UKBA’s regulations stipulate that as the AA is a Private Institution our support for an application to study on a Tier 4 Student Visa does not extend to cover dependants. Arrangements for your family would need to be made separately. Please refer to the UKBA website for further information.

24. Will I be able to work during my course?

The UKBA’s regulations stipulate that as the AA is a Private Institution Undergraduate and Graduate students are not permitted to work during their studies.

The AA School does offer Assistantships (part-time work at the school). Please note that there are a limited number available and therefore it is not guaranteed you will be given one, and we would advise you not to base your finances on getting one. You will not be able to apply for an Assistantship if your Visa states work-prohibited. Please refer to the UKBA website for further information.

25. Does the AA School provide accommodation?

The AA does not have halls of residence. It does run an accommodation service for three weeks before the start of the new academic year (early September) to offer advice on locations and information on properties to rent.

26. How much will it cost to live in London?

This varies a great deal depending on how centrally you wish to live and the lifestyle you lead. Please refer to www.aaschool.ac.uk/downloads/admissions/2013_14-LondonLivingExpenses.pdf  for an estimate of living costs.

27. How can I fund my studies?

Most AA graduate students are either self-funding or obtain funding in their own country; usually either in the form of loans or scholarships. You must apply by the stated closing date for admission to the School, in order to be considered for an AA Bursary. You must indicate on your application form that you wish to be considered for the AA Bursary. Bursary application forms are available from the Registrar’s Office upon an official offer of a place. Completed bursary forms must be returned by mid-March (exact date given on form). The Graduate Bursary Committee meet in late March/early April in order to distribute the awards. The Bursary committee base their decisions on academic performance, recommendations from the AA Programme Director and financial need. Bursary assistance covers a proportion of student’s fees for either one term or one and half terms of the course.