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Ranked for eleven consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university, the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London is a specialist creative university. Offering a portfolio of exclusively postgraduate programmes, the RCA enables students to tackle complex issues, push the boundaries of their practice, innovate, build networks and find their voice as creative professionals.
The RCA’s world-leading academic staff guide and challenge students to push creative boundaries and address real-world challenges through critical thinking, making and research.
The RCA offers a diverse range of postgraduate programmes. Each program combines theory, practice, and critical thinking, encouraging students to push creative boundaries and develop industry-relevant skills.
Because the college is exclusively postgraduate, its programmes emphasise research, critical thinking, and industry engagement. Students are encouraged to take charge of their learning, making and research whilst being guided by expert lecturers, technical services professionals and industry practitioners. RCA’s focus is on hands-on learning through workshops, studio practice, self- and group- reflection and collaborative projects. This approach equips graduates with the skills, experience, and global connections they need to succeed in their creative careers.
RCA programmes are structured around studio practice, workshops, and collaborative projects. Students benefit from one-to-one tutorials, group critiques, and industry engagement opportunities. Interdisciplinary learning is encouraged, allowing students from different programmes to collaborate on innovative projects.
Academics at the RCA are world-class lecturers, researchers, and industry professionals with extensive experience in their fields. Many are practicing artists, designers, and thought leaders, bringing real-world expertise into the classroom.
Students enjoy the benefits of interacting with guest speakers, industry mentors, and visiting professionals. This combination of expert teaching, hands-on practice, and industry connections helps students prepare for success.
The broad range of disciplines on offer is based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) providing a unique and transformative experience.
In addition, the RCA offers a range of short courses and masterclasses. Some aspiring students choose to enrol in summer school or other art and design short courses to enhance their practice and produce work for their master’s application.
The RCA evaluates applicants on merit, welcoming students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds worldwide. Each program has specific entry requirements, typically detailed on its individual course page. In general, applicants should hold a good undergraduate degree in a relevant field, though professional experience may also be considered for certain programmes.
The RCA values diverse experiences and perspectives, encouraging applications from students from all walks of life. Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of work at RCA, and the college’s growing range of courses, nearly 20% of students now come to the RCA with a bachelor's degree in a subject other than art, design or architecture.
A key part of the application process is the submission of a portfolio showcasing creative skills, innovation, and critical thinking. The RCA seeks applicants who demonstrate originality, technical ability, and the potential for growth.
International students must meet English language proficiency standards, with accepted tests and required scores specified on the RCA website. To support prospective students to meet language entry requirements, RCA offers pre-sessional English courses to help develop not only proficiency in English, but also how to communicate and develop the academic skills needed at postgraduate education at the RCA.
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REQUEST INFOPractitioner Academics
The RCA is renowned for its academic excellence, with an approach blending theory with hands-on practice. Academics staff are renowned practitioners. They are founders of architectural firms, design studios and consultancies. They are artists exhibiting globally, curators for renowned exhibitions, writers, historians, scientists, engineers, technologists, critics, commentators, innovators and advisors.
Their strong industry links offer students access to live projects, exhibitions, and networking opportunities with leading organisations.
World-renowned Research
The Royal College of Art excels in world-leading art and design research with real-world impact. Research is a core strength, with the RCA leading advancements in areas like sustainable design, human-centred innovation, and emerging technologies. RCA research is characterised by its roots in creative and innovative practice, by engagement with partners in business, industry, government and communities offer students exposure to cutting-edge developments.
The Research Excellence Framework 2021 results (an assessment of the quality of research taking place in UK universities) show that the Royal College of Art continues to be a world-leading research-intensive institution – with an increased proportion of outputs classed as internationally excellent and world-leading.
The college's research centres, groups and clusters apply expertise from science, engineering and technology disciplines to world-leading research in art and design. Research centres, groups and clusters include:
Students come to the RCA from across the globe and bring with them a wide range of backgrounds, educational approaches, and experiences - Studying here means being a part of a network of inspiring students and alumni in a city known for creative culture, and part of the RCA’s rich history since its formation in 1837.
Graduates of the RCA are highly sought after, going on to become successful artists, designers, architects and leaders in the creative industries and beyond. Many choose to launch their own companies with the support of the college’s incubator start-up programme, InnovationRCA.
Chat with students to find out about their RCA experience
Graduating from the Royal College of Art opens up a wide range of career opportunities within and beyond the creative and cultural industries. RCA graduates are highly sought after by employers due to the college’s global reputation for excellence and its focus on industry-relevant skills – indeed, 9 out of 10 graduates say that they can apply their learning from RCA directly to their current work.
The RCA’s career services support students with job searches, networking, and professional development. Many students secure roles in design agencies or in-house design studios with organisations in a vast range of industries around the World. Many students, across art, communication, design and architecture, exhibit their work in leading galleries, festivals, biennials and public spaces.
For those pursuing independent careers, RCA supports entrepreneurial ventures, with many graduates launching successful businesses, studios, or creative practices. Many of those who have launched their own business have done so through the start-up incubation programme offered by InnovationRCA, the college’s centre for entrepreneurship and commercialisation. The RCA is among the top ten UK universities for the number of spinouts between 2011 and 2024.
The RCA’s reputation and alumni network give graduates a competitive edge, opening doors to roles as artists, designers, curators, and thought leaders in the creative sector.
Read key findings from the RCA Graduate Careers Report 2024
The Royal College of Art Student Union (RCA SU) represents student interests, organises social events, and provides a platform for student-led initiatives. It supports clubs, societies, and campaigns, promoting inclusivity and wellbeing. The SU also offers advice on academic and welfare issues, ensuring students have a voice in college decisions.
The Royal College of Art (RCA) offers a variety of student-led clubs and societies, covering interests such as art, design, film, music, and social justice. These groups provide opportunities for collaboration, networking, and social engagement. Students can join existing societies or create their own, fostering a vibrant campus community.
London offers artists and designers a creative melting pot, and is home to an international community of designers and artists. London is a global centre for culture, from fashion to film, world-class museums, galleries, theatres, and cultural landmarks. The city has an array of amazing social opportunities, with a wide variety of bars, cinemas, festivals, sports, live music, other entertainments. Students can explore diverse neighbourhoods, enjoy international cuisine, and experience London’s lively nightlife. Excellent transport links make it easy to access the city’s events, exhibitions, and creative hubs as well as the rest of the United Kingdom and Europe.
The RCA does not have its own student housing, but it offers guidance to help students find suitable accommodation in London. Options include private rentals, shared flats, student halls, and short-term stays.
The RCA provides advice on budgeting, tenancy agreements, and dealing with landlords. Students can access accommodation listings, join housing forums, and receive support from the RCA student support team. Early planning is recommended due to high demand for London housing.
The RCA offers world-class facilities designed to support creative exploration and innovation.
Students have access to specialist workshops, studios, and technical spaces tailored to the creative disciplines. As the college specialises in creative education for postgraduate study, students know that they’re getting access to tailored facilities relevant to their needs.
These facilities include 3D printing labs, metal and wood workshops, digital design software, materials and robotics labs, digital fabrication labs, visual & immersive technology labs and audio-visual production suites. The RCA’s libraries provide extensive research materials, journals, and digital resources.
Students also benefit from exhibition spaces to showcase their work.
Take a virtual tour of the RCA’s technical facilities.
Students have access to a wide range of support services to help them thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Dedicated support is available for mental health, wellbeing, and disability services.
Students can access free, confidential counselling and wellbeing workshops. For academic guidance, personal tutors and course leaders offer one-on-one support, while specialist workshops and technical advice are provided for creative projects.
Financial support is available through bursaries, scholarships, and emergency hardship funds. The RCA also supports students from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring an inclusive environment for all. International students receive assistance with visas, immigration advice, and settling into life in London.
Career support includes job fairs, industry connections, and guidance on freelancing and self-employment. Students will be able to explore their personal strengths and weaknesses with support staff, identifying relevant opportunities and ways to improve. Alumni can also access career support after graduation. The RCA's student support services aim to create a nurturing, inclusive, and accessible learning environment for every student.
The RCA offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial support for postgraduate students. Many of these opportunities are merit-based and others support students in financial need and those from under-represented groups, including students with disabilities and students with refugee and asylum seeker status.
Funding is provided by the RCA and through the generosity of individual donors, charitable trusts, and industry partners. Applicants are encouraged to check eligibility criteria and application deadlines, as competition for financial support is high. More information is available on the RCA website.
Examples* of commonly available scholarships are:
The RCA also partners with partner organisations to offer jointly funded scholarships, such as the GREAT scholarships with the British Council.
Advice and guidance for other funding opportunities is available on the RCA website.
*please note the RCA does not guarantee these named scholarships will be available for every academic year.
Get in touch, if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications.
VIEW SCHOLARSHIPSThe RCA offers a variety of master’s degrees, including MA, MArch, MEd, MFA, MDes, and MRes programmes. These programmes combine lectures, seminars, workshops, and studio practice to develop creative skills and critical thinking.
RCA’s pre-Master’s, Graduate Diploma Art & Design attract students with ambitions to transition into the creative disciplines and practitioners returning to study who wish to prepare for an RCA master’s or augment their creative expertise. The graduate diploma offers three options of delivery: fully on-campus, fully online or a hybrid of both. Progression opportunities to RCA master’s programmes are available.
The RCA offers MPhil and PhD research degrees across various disciplines, emphasising original and independent study. Students collaborate with expert supervisors and engage in interdisciplinary research themes.
The programmes provide access to extensive resources and research centres, fostering a vibrant academic community. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, industry, and as leaders in creative practice.
MPhil and PhDs are available in:
Students can browse the wide range of research projects currently underway at the college through the main website.
The RCA provides a small number of distance learning options which can be pursued online. Participants have access to digital resources and receive remote support from tutors. This approach allows students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments, making postgraduate education more accessible globally.
Short courses and executive masterclasses
Get in touch, if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications.
REQUEST PROSPECTUS
Royal College of Art
