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The MA Service Design at the RCA teaches you to apply human centred design methods to complex systems, so you can imagine and prototype new futures that create positive change. You will learn through live, team based projects with commercial, public sector, and social organisations, moving through research, reframing, concept generation, prototyping, and user testing. The programme encourages critical reflection, helping you develop confidence in contributing to the evolution of service design as both a practice and a discipline. You'll be part of a diverse community from different backgrounds, working in a studio-based environment supported by lectures, seminars and tutor guidance. Through this approach, you build the skills, mindset and tools to become a changemaker in business, government or social innovation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Service Design Foundation, introducing the theories and concepts underpinning service and service design practice. You also take Service Design Practice, applying service design tools and methods to a “live” project in collaboration with industry or social partners.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Service Design in Context, where you examine how service design ideas relate to economic, technological, social and environmental systems, and shape their implementation.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that brings you together with other students to tackle a complex (“wicked”) design problem through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, which is self-directed. You develop a strategic vision and real design interventions, culminating in a public output that demonstrates your expertise and contribution as a professional service designer.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2)
During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Service Design at the RCA teaches you to apply human centred design methods to complex systems, so you can imagine and prototype new futures that create positive change. You will learn through live, team based projects with commercial, public sector, and social organisations, moving through research, reframing, concept generation, prototyping, and user testing. The programme encourages critical reflection, helping you develop confidence in contributing to the evolution of service design as both a practice and a discipline. You'll be part of a diverse community from different backgrounds, working in a studio-based environment supported by lectures, seminars and tutor guidance. Through this approach, you build the skills, mindset and tools to become a changemaker in business, government or social innovation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Service Design Foundation, introducing the theories and concepts underpinning service and service design practice. You also take Service Design Practice, applying service design tools and methods to a “live” project in collaboration with industry or social partners.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Service Design in Context, where you examine how service design ideas relate to economic, technological, social and environmental systems, and shape their implementation.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that brings you together with other students to tackle a complex (“wicked”) design problem through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, which is self-directed. You develop a strategic vision and real design interventions, culminating in a public output that demonstrates your expertise and contribution as a professional service designer.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2)
During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Admission Requirements
6.5+
English Language requirements:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on English language requirements.
You can also find further details on English language requirements, approved English language tests, equivalent IELTS scores, exempt criteria, and more through the link below.
https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/ english -language-requirements/
Entry Requirement:
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives.
As part of your application, you may need to submit:
A portfolio showcasing your work and artistic vision.
A personal statement (around 300 words) describing your interests, motivations, and future goals.
An introduction video (maximum 2 minutes) to introduce yourself and explain your artistic approach and project ideas.
To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register.
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.
19 Jan 2026
1 Year
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
15,150 GBP
International
37,750 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:
Service Design MA
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
37,750 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Service Design at the RCA teaches you to apply human centred design methods to complex systems, so you can imagine and prototype new futures that create positive change. You will learn through live, team based projects with commercial, public sector, and social organisations, moving through research, reframing, concept generation, prototyping, and user testing. The programme encourages critical reflection, helping you develop confidence in contributing to the evolution of service design as both a practice and a discipline. You'll be part of a diverse community from different backgrounds, working in a studio-based environment supported by lectures, seminars and tutor guidance. Through this approach, you build the skills, mindset and tools to become a changemaker in business, government or social innovation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Service Design Foundation, introducing the theories and concepts underpinning service and service design practice. You also take Service Design Practice, applying service design tools and methods to a “live” project in collaboration with industry or social partners.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Service Design in Context, where you examine how service design ideas relate to economic, technological, social and environmental systems, and shape their implementation.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that brings you together with other students to tackle a complex (“wicked”) design problem through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, which is self-directed. You develop a strategic vision and real design interventions, culminating in a public output that demonstrates your expertise and contribution as a professional service designer.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2)
During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Service Design at the RCA teaches you to apply human centred design methods to complex systems, so you can imagine and prototype new futures that create positive change. You will learn through live, team based projects with commercial, public sector, and social organisations, moving through research, reframing, concept generation, prototyping, and user testing. The programme encourages critical reflection, helping you develop confidence in contributing to the evolution of service design as both a practice and a discipline. You'll be part of a diverse community from different backgrounds, working in a studio-based environment supported by lectures, seminars and tutor guidance. Through this approach, you build the skills, mindset and tools to become a changemaker in business, government or social innovation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Service Design Foundation, introducing the theories and concepts underpinning service and service design practice. You also take Service Design Practice, applying service design tools and methods to a “live” project in collaboration with industry or social partners.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Service Design in Context, where you examine how service design ideas relate to economic, technological, social and environmental systems, and shape their implementation.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that brings you together with other students to tackle a complex (“wicked”) design problem through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, which is self-directed. You develop a strategic vision and real design interventions, culminating in a public output that demonstrates your expertise and contribution as a professional service designer.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2)
During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Admission Requirements
English Language requirements:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on English language requirements.
You can also find further details on English language requirements, approved English language tests, equivalent IELTS scores, exempt criteria, and more through the link below.
https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/ english -language-requirements/
Entry Requirement:
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives.
As part of your application, you may need to submit:
To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register.
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.
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:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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