bleu

the histories & theories program receives students and practitioners from a mixture of backgrounds (not all of them have necessarily studied architecture).

for the first two terms, everyone follows the prescribed curriculum (see website for a description of the latest courses as they change slightly every year).

there is a strong emphasis on critical discussion (a spectrum of writers, architects, academics etc. are brought in regularly for seminars). then, in the final term (and during a field trip) students develop a thesis proposal which is written over the summer

often, h&t students go into teaching or become PhD candidates but honestly.... career prospects vary. i did the MA recently, now im working in an architecture studio. other graduates who did not have an architecture background took the course for their own personal interest and have continued to work in their own fields.

i am in the histories and theories MA program at the AA currently.

i'm going to be teaching and working part-time in a studio when i am done. i'm also putting together a publication that will come out monthly.

we follow a curriculum that consists of 3 courses the first term, 2 courses + a guest seminar lecture series the 2nd term, the 3rd term is thesis seminar, and over the summer you write up your thesis.

this year, all of us are architects minus 1 artist. most are interested in writing rather than practicing. we have a pretty wide range in terms of experience, from a 22 year old with no practical experience in the field and fresh out of their b.arch to a 45 year old with 20+ years in practice. most are here for personal development in a specific area of research, or a year to 'reflect'.

i'd have to say, this year i have learned an incredible amount, but the majority of my experience has been self-motivated. if you are not self-motivated, this is definitely not the programme for you. critical and indepedent thinking is highly encouraged and we have had a range of success this year. out of 14 students, i would say maybe 5 of us are performing to a high standard of what i would expect from the AA or a similar graduate programme.

oh, and a new website should go up soon with more information, so look out for its launching.

Thank you very much for all responses.
i did think that the programme was for the self driven.
thanks you again

i'm doing a similar program at the bartlett (arch history MA). i'm not sure how different it is from the AA's one, but it's cheaper :) 

it's A LOT of reading and i agree with the AA dude above, you gotta be self motivated.

on top, professors expect a lot and you gotta find your own way through the immense literature available.

i see your post is 3 years old, anyway if you're still thinking of applying to anything like this i suggest you to prepare yourself by studying diligently 20th century philosophy (especially french).