The Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture is an independent architectural school and an international cultural institution that serves as a forum for ideas. Its principal activity is the operation of a school of architecture, promoting the most experimental, radical and forward-thinking standpoint in the field. Additionally, it is a learned society (the ‘Association’) comprising more than 8,000 members and a wide international community of alumni. As a major centre for debate, the AA also offers an unparalleled public programme of lectures, symposia and exhibitions, and produces books and a journal of record, AA Files, through AA Publications.
The Architectural Association was founded in 1847 and opened as a day school in 1901. As a registered charity, the AA is committed to public benefit attained by the learning, teaching, discussion and promotion of architecture. The School is recognised as a worldwide leader in architectural education, with graduates that include many of the world’s leading architects, scholars, critics and educators. In 2019 the AA obtained the power to award its own degrees, and the AA Diploma is now recognised internationally as an MArch. The School offers BA (Hons), MArch, MSc, MA, MFA and Taught MPhil degrees as well as a Foundation Course and an ARB/RIBA-accredited Professional Practice Part 3 award. PhD degrees at the AA are currently validated by the Open University.
The AA premises are located in historic 18th century Bedford Square in London with an additional 350 acre woodland site at Hooke Park in Dorset. Its Bedford Square premises are also home to the AA Bookshop, one of London’s leading architectural booksellers.
36 Bedford Square
London, GB , WC1B 3ES
+44 (0)20 7887 4000
+44 (0)20 7414 0782
