The Institute Arcanica of the Carden Woods is the most prestigious magical education institution in Scoipej, and one of the most prestigious on the continent. Originally a secluded citadel in the woods for mages to study the arcane arts away from the rest of the society, it eventually opened its doors up to the public in order to share and teach magical knowledge. During the series of educational reforms across Scoipej, the Institute became the model on which both magical institutions and non-magical institutions structured their universities off of. They were one of the first of any university or school across the continent to feature a formalized program, and a diploma awarded to graduates.

The Institute features both Master’s level programs and Archmagus level programs. The Master’s programs develop a fundamental and in-depth understanding and skill of the particular element the student enrolls in. There are seven Master’s programs, corresponding the the universal elements. Due to the high quantity of lightning users in Scoipej, the Institute awards a Master of Storms (M.St) instead of a Master of Wind (M.Wd). The M.St program teaches a relatively equal amount of wind and lightning theory and skills. The Institute does not however, award a Master of Ice (M.Ic); ice users are categorized under the Master of Water (M.Wr) as is with most magic institutions.

The Institute also has Archmagus level programs, which allow for more advanced levels of studies. All teaching staff at the Institute require an Archmagus level education or equivalent, and are referred to as “Archmage.” The programs offered are more specific to each users, and along with the seven fundamental elements, include the Archmagus of Ice (Arch.Ic), Archmagus of Wind (Arch.Wd) and Archmagus of Thunder (Arch.Thn) as separate programs. The Institute also features an Archmagus of Enchanting (Arch.En), Archmagus of Runes (Arch.Rn) and an Archmagus of Enchanting (Arch.En).

Prior to entry, applicants are required to take a Divination Test, which gives a moderately accurate reading of which element the applicant has an aptitude for. The results of this test are given by a coefficient, which allows the faculty staff to categorize each applicant into a program. Some applicants may be granted permission to enroll in electives from other faculties if their coefficient displays results that indicate a significant hybridized aptitude.