If you want to become an architect in the UK you have to go through the RIBA system.

http://www.architecture.com/EducationAndCareers/BecomingAnArchitect/Becominganarchitect.aspx#.UgO4VxxiB24

Canada has lots of great schools of architecture. You need to check the reciprocity between the Canadian Registration Board and the RIBA /ARB if you want to return to Canada and call yourself an architect.

But why the AA?  It is not considered the best school of architecture in the UK by the AJ magazine or the Guardian Newspaper. 

Top ten UK architecture schools

Bartlett, University College London
Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff
University of Bath
University of Cambridge
Newcastle University
Kent School of Architecture
Oxford Brookes
Manchester School of Architecture
Sheffield School of Architecture
Edinburgh School of Architecture

It is by far the best Architectural School in the UK, however the guardian rankings are for architectural programmes at Universities which utilise all sort of non-sense metrics such as the national student survey to rank them.  The AA is not a University and therefore does not play the league-table game.

There are many post on Archinect about entry into different years at the AA.  

@Architect with a suitcase- I've heard good things about AA. unless im mistaken. Im really interested in a school which has a practical approach, and reputability globally is important because im not sure where in the world I want to practice.

@TED- could you link me some of those posts about the entry years?

If you're really interested in a school with a "practical approach" I'd caution against the AA. 

I'd imagine it to be a pretty incredible place to learn about architecture (seriously, just look at the alumni, those currently teaching, the guest-lectures, workshops, publications... The school really appears in a league of its own as far as I'm concerned). But practical? Maybe not so much.

@IamGray why would you say AA is not practical? I just want a more hands on style and no nonsense learning. I dont want to focus my studies on history, or critiquing others work. I just want to build the skills that will make me a good architect. And what do you mean by its a great place to learn about arch but not being practical? 

Before answering your question, I'd like to know what it is exactly that you mean by "practical". I don't want to give you any wrong advice.

Also, have you looked through these pages of student work extensively: http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/PORTFOLIO/PROJECTSREVIEW/projectreview.php?title=Projects%20Review%202012&url=pr2012.aaschool.ac.uk/

The AA is a good school.... but the best, that depends on your criteria.... and your wallet.

From my friends working in London, the end of year show that everyone attends ( including the "name" offices)  these days to find good new students is the Bartlett. 

You have to look at where you want to end up working in the world. Our degrees are not like MBA's that are accepted everywhere. If you want to end up living and work in Canada check out what you have to do to be licensed there.  Is there reciprocity between the UK ( ARB) and Canada? 

I am an ex AA grad, and if this question is still relevant for you, I would say if your description of practical is "I just want a more hands on style and no nonsense learning. I dont want to focus my studies on history, or critiquing others work. I just want to build the skills that will make me a good architect," then I really do think AA is not exactly a place that fits into your narrow description of what a "good architect" is.

This kind of division between history, critique and "hands on style" is exactly the dichotomy AA works against. The AA prepares you with more than "skills". You should check out the work that comes out of the AA and the backgrounds of those that teach there. This does not mean you will not be prepared for practice, its just you will be more than just application of "skills."

Hey Bleu, 

One doesn't know unless they try it. I am certain what you thought about the AA before was beyond anything that you could imagine in the end.  One doesn't know what they don't know - just jump.

Hello everyone,

I am an architecture student currently in my final year.

I have applied for masters in sustainable architecture/ environmental design.

I have got an acceptance from University of bath, Welsh school of architecture and Architectural Association.

I am very confused about which institute I should use.

Kindly help me with the same.

Thanks

Paridhigoyal - have you visited them? What did you think? The approaches couldn't be more different.