The Architectural Association (AA) in London has been granted the power to award bachelor's and master's degrees for the first time in its history. 

Despite boasting a formidable roster of globe-trotting alumni, including Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas, Florence Knoll Bassett, Richard Rogers, and others, the institution has never been fully accredited. The school's academic offerings have been validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Architects Registration Board, Dezeen reports, but until now, was unable to officially award degrees. That has changed as of October 1, 2019. 

The change took over six years to come into being and takes effect as the new AA director Eva Franch i Gilabert begins to leave her mark on the 172-year-old institution, England's oldest independent school of architecture. 

According to a press release issued by the AA, the school's new Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP) will allow prospective students worldwide to apply for the AA Foundation Course (Foundation Certificate), Experimental Program BA (Hons), Diploma Program (MArch), and nine other taught postgraduate programs encompassing History and Critical Thinking in Architecture (MA), Projective Cities (Taught MPhil), and Sustainable Environmental Design (MSc/MArch), among others.

In the release, Director Franch i Gilabert writes, "since our founding in 1847 we have never ceased to create new horizons, institutionally and academically. This is a significant milestone for the AA and demonstrates how we have grown and progressed as an institution that has always valued independence." 

Franch i Gilabert added, "Receiving TDAP marks a new era for our institution; these are exciting times for the AA. The process has required considerable work from all members of staff and students. I would like to take this opportunity to credit them for this major achievement."