Frequently Asked Questions

Why apply to the MSc AAC rather than another master's course?

The choice of a master's course has to be personal, and we would encourage you to look carefully at similar courses in order to decide which is best for you. However, we do believe the MSc AAC course has several key strengths:

1. Research-led rather than design-led. The product of the MSc is quite different from most master's courses in the area. We concentrate on understanding and techniques, rather than design, and therefore the students' product, the final report, is a piece of research into either a practical method or theoretical advance. We believe that graduates of the MSc should not just be able to design, but be able to back up their design with a reasoned and researched argument.
2. Thorough teaching of programming skills. Because the MSc is led by research, we require students that are able to actually understand and think with computation, and for that, we need to teach students exactly how computation works as part of the design process and within the design product. Teaching is in depth, but with a focus on architecture. During the first term, lectures are at an introductory level and cater for those just beginning programming, but quickly pick up during term two to stretch even those already advanced in the subject.
3. Staff are research active. Within a research-led MSc, it is essential that the staff themselves are active in pushing the boundaries of architecture. Every staff member is engaged in research themselves, and where possible, we engage students on active research projects, so that they are put directly in touch with the cutting edge of new ideas and techniques.
4. UCL is a world leading institution, both for research and teaching The Times Higher Education supplement (the foremost higher education weekly in the UK) rates UCL as one of the world's top ten universities. Within the UK, UCL consistently comes in the top five universities for both its research and teaching. The SPACE research group, from which the course staff are drawn, was rated 5* (the highest possible score) on the UK's last Research Assessment Exercise, which rates every university department in the country.
5. Training for a career. Studying for the MSc AAC opens up a range of job opportunities. Many graduates of the course go onto leading architectural firms, both within the UK and abroad, where they use the computational skills learnt on the course. Others prefer to join more experimental practices or start up their own digital design companies. Because the course is research-led, it is an excellent springboard for a PhD or work in academia.

Who takes the course?

People from all backgrounds, from recent graduates to experienced professionals. The course is primarily aimed at architects, urban planners and interior designers, but we also take those from all branches of the arts, as well as some from computing who are interested in applying their skills to design.

How much computing knowledge do I need?

You need some basic familiarity with computers, such as being able to use a mouse and a keyboard, and being able to operate standard software such as email, a web browser and word processor. You do not need experience using a computer-aided design (CAD) package such as AutoCAD or Microstation. Given our aim is to go beyond traditional CAD usage, reliance on CAD skills is discouraged.

Is everyone able to learn computational scripting?

We believe that anyone should be able to learn programming skills provided they are taught correctly. We want to inspire students to use computers creatively, not just to prettify designs, but also to engage with the technology to create a synthesis of computation, society and spatial structure, and therefore we teach with practical aims.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applications are accepted at any time of year, although due to the number of applications we receive, you are advised to apply early to the course in order to guarantee a place. If you would like to apply for a scholarship then you should apply as early as you can, and in most cases before March in the year you wish to take the course.

How many students take the course?

The course only selects high-achieving applicants, and the numbers accepted vary according to the quantity and quality of applications that we receive. Typically between 15 and 25 students take the course each year. For the 2010-11 year we aim to take 20 students.

How much does it cost?

Fees for the coming year (2010-2011) fees are £6,850 for UK and EU students and £16,120 for overseas (non-EU) students.

Are scholarships available?

There are very few scholarships available. Please see either scholarships for UK and EU applicants or scholarships for Overseas students

Does the course lead to a professional architectural qualification?

No, the course does not offer partial exemption from RIBA/ARB Part 2. Typically students come to the course either after completing their diploma, or to gain skills and inspiration for a diploma. If you would like to gain RIBA/ARB Part 2 then please apply to the UCL Bartlett Diploma Architecture.

Is there a part-time option?

Yes. You can take the course part-time provided you are in full time employment, although we encourage applicants to study full-time, to maximise the student experience during the year. For students taking the course part-time over two years, the course is split into approximately one day a week, although there is also at least one 3-4 day workshop per year, which part-time students usually take from their annual leave.

Is a computer necessary for the course?

There is no requirement to buy a computer. However, many students bring their own laptop to classes, so that they can work with the same computer both in the lab and at home.

What is the ideal computer for the course? A Mac or a PC, a desktop or a laptop?

The course is taught using PCs. However, these days, we tend to teach using 'platform independent' software (that is, software that will work on both a Mac and a PC), so it does not matter too much. However, note that the Generative Components workshop requires that you have Windows installed on your Mac or PC. As for laptop or desktop, we would certainly recommend a laptop so that you can take it to classes.