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History and Critical Thinking (HCT) interrogates architecture through history, theory and criticism. It examines how buildings, cities, spatial practices and their histories intersect with politics, environments, technologies and disciplinary and social structures. The programme nurtures and disseminates critical voices and forms of knowledge that connect contemporary issues with systematic historical enquiry, redefining what architecture is and what it means to write and teach history today.
At stake in the writing of history is a political engagement with the exigencies of the present, so architectural histories can be critically examined for the ways they negotiate sources; construct evidence and perspectives; appropriate, augment and exclude voices; and shape our ways of thinking and making. HCT students are encouraged to identify and explore missing and marginalised voices and topics, as well as to engage with recent scholarship and emerging forms of knowledge production. The programme understands writing as a practice of thinking. We explore different genres of writing throughout the year alongside drawings, photographs, films and literature, and consider how relationships between the textual, the visual and the graphic are negotiated.
The programme is organised around seminars, debates with guest speakers, collaborations with major archives, and critical writing and publishing workshops, all of which allow students to expand their disciplinary knowledge and develop new communicative skills. A diverse range of expertise is brought into the programme through the annual HCT and PhD Debate series ‘Writing-with’, which this year will invite writers and thinkers from architectural history, political ecology and environmental history.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art History
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
History and Critical Thinking (HCT) interrogates architecture through history, theory and criticism. It examines how buildings, cities, spatial practices and their histories intersect with politics, environments, technologies and disciplinary and social structures. The programme nurtures and disseminates critical voices and forms of knowledge that connect contemporary issues with systematic historical enquiry, redefining what architecture is and what it means to write and teach history today.
At stake in the writing of history is a political engagement with the exigencies of the present, so architectural histories can be critically examined for the ways they negotiate sources; construct evidence and perspectives; appropriate, augment and exclude voices; and shape our ways of thinking and making. HCT students are encouraged to identify and explore missing and marginalised voices and topics, as well as to engage with recent scholarship and emerging forms of knowledge production. The programme understands writing as a practice of thinking. We explore different genres of writing throughout the year alongside drawings, photographs, films and literature, and consider how relationships between the textual, the visual and the graphic are negotiated.
The programme is organised around seminars, debates with guest speakers, collaborations with major archives, and critical writing and publishing workshops, all of which allow students to expand their disciplinary knowledge and develop new communicative skills. A diverse range of expertise is brought into the programme through the annual HCT and PhD Debate series ‘Writing-with’, which this year will invite writers and thinkers from architectural history, political ecology and environmental history.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Prospective students must achieve at least the minimum academic and English language requirements to apply for any of the taught postgraduate programmes on offer at the AA. These requirements vary according to the programme being undertaken.
History & Critical Thinking MA – Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class honours) in architecture or a related discipline from a United Kingdom university or a degree of equivalent standard from a recognised university or higher education institution from outside the UK.
Required Documents
All applicants (with the exception of those applying to the History and Critical Thinking MA programme and the PhD Research programme) must submit a digital sample portfolio of original art and design work in addition to the online application form, scanned transcripts and certificates (as required), personal statement and references, which can be sent to the school directly by referees.
Portfolio
Personal Statement
Transcripts and Certificates
References
Written Sample - History and Critical Thinking MA
Research Proposal - PhD Research and Architectural Design
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Immigration Documents
06 Mar 2026
12 Months
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
36,000 GBP
International
36,000 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
History and Critical Thinking MA
London, London, United Kingdom
# 26-75QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
36,000 GBPTuition Fee/year
06 Mar, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art History
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
History and Critical Thinking (HCT) interrogates architecture through history, theory and criticism. It examines how buildings, cities, spatial practices and their histories intersect with politics, environments, technologies and disciplinary and social structures. The programme nurtures and disseminates critical voices and forms of knowledge that connect contemporary issues with systematic historical enquiry, redefining what architecture is and what it means to write and teach history today.
At stake in the writing of history is a political engagement with the exigencies of the present, so architectural histories can be critically examined for the ways they negotiate sources; construct evidence and perspectives; appropriate, augment and exclude voices; and shape our ways of thinking and making. HCT students are encouraged to identify and explore missing and marginalised voices and topics, as well as to engage with recent scholarship and emerging forms of knowledge production. The programme understands writing as a practice of thinking. We explore different genres of writing throughout the year alongside drawings, photographs, films and literature, and consider how relationships between the textual, the visual and the graphic are negotiated.
The programme is organised around seminars, debates with guest speakers, collaborations with major archives, and critical writing and publishing workshops, all of which allow students to expand their disciplinary knowledge and develop new communicative skills. A diverse range of expertise is brought into the programme through the annual HCT and PhD Debate series ‘Writing-with’, which this year will invite writers and thinkers from architectural history, political ecology and environmental history.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art History
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
History and Critical Thinking (HCT) interrogates architecture through history, theory and criticism. It examines how buildings, cities, spatial practices and their histories intersect with politics, environments, technologies and disciplinary and social structures. The programme nurtures and disseminates critical voices and forms of knowledge that connect contemporary issues with systematic historical enquiry, redefining what architecture is and what it means to write and teach history today.
At stake in the writing of history is a political engagement with the exigencies of the present, so architectural histories can be critically examined for the ways they negotiate sources; construct evidence and perspectives; appropriate, augment and exclude voices; and shape our ways of thinking and making. HCT students are encouraged to identify and explore missing and marginalised voices and topics, as well as to engage with recent scholarship and emerging forms of knowledge production. The programme understands writing as a practice of thinking. We explore different genres of writing throughout the year alongside drawings, photographs, films and literature, and consider how relationships between the textual, the visual and the graphic are negotiated.
The programme is organised around seminars, debates with guest speakers, collaborations with major archives, and critical writing and publishing workshops, all of which allow students to expand their disciplinary knowledge and develop new communicative skills. A diverse range of expertise is brought into the programme through the annual HCT and PhD Debate series ‘Writing-with’, which this year will invite writers and thinkers from architectural history, political ecology and environmental history.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Prospective students must achieve at least the minimum academic and English language requirements to apply for any of the taught postgraduate programmes on offer at the AA. These requirements vary according to the programme being undertaken.
History & Critical Thinking MA – Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class honours) in architecture or a related discipline from a United Kingdom university or a degree of equivalent standard from a recognised university or higher education institution from outside the UK.
Required Documents
All applicants (with the exception of those applying to the History and Critical Thinking MA programme and the PhD Research programme) must submit a digital sample portfolio of original art and design work in addition to the online application form, scanned transcripts and certificates (as required), personal statement and references, which can be sent to the school directly by referees.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
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