Architectural Association - Student View

It's a private school with affiliated professional association, the oldest and arguably number one architectural school in the world. Features a 5-year programme for RIBA parts I and II and M Diploma, plus a range of postgraduate courses and a Foundation course. Choice of units ranging from conceptual to rigorously architectonic - all experimental, none aims to advocate any house style.

Throughout the year a series of juries take place, where a panel of internal and external professors, registered architects and professionals from other disciplines offer guidance and criticism based on a short presentation. Pass from year to year based on your final oral presentation of unit work and successful fulfilment of submissions from complementary course groups (general studies, technical studies and communications studies).

No traditional structure, as nothing is strictly compulsory during the year, but high standards are expected and academic excellence a must. Students are given a great deal of independence which requires more resilience to maintain one's own standards without being spoon-fed; sometimes a mild shock to those arriving from A-level.

An intense, often competitive atmosphere prevails, diluted in the evenings as students and tutors collect themselves at the elegant school bar. The school year consists of very intense work alongside exhibitions, lectures, workshops and other events specially co-ordinated to complement study (some quite provocative and diverse); several superb evening lecture series given by speakers from all over the world in many disciplines.

A variety of student exhibitions throughout the year; end-of-year projects review in July - the highlight of the London architectural calendar, taking over all three Georgian buildings and gardens; a place to see. School not cheap; fees of £12,000+ a year and students are mainly international; but recently more bursaries and scholarships for local students.

International mix of students, cosmopolitan environment, a variety of influences and dialogues. AA Student Forum is an independent organisation, run by students, that provides creative and financial support to any AA student or group of students who wish to make something happen - an exhibition, publication or social event.

Well-stocked bookshop includes in-house publications and a slide library. Workshop for working with metal, wood, some plastics etc, now fitted with a CNC machine for computerised modelling; also darkroom, etching and print studios. If you really love the cutting edge of architecture, and you can't wait to express your commitment and fascination without being stifled, then apply, but be prepared to take the initiative.