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The MA Environmental Architecture at the RCA is a design led, field focused programme that expands the scope of architectural research by exploring alternative forms of co-dependency between life forms and earth systems. Through long term, community engaged research studios situated in frontline environmental contexts, you work alongside activists, NGOs, academics and local stakeholders to address resource extraction, climate justice and ecological transformation. Seminars on topics such as “Metabolic Rifts” and “Critical Future Scenarios” complement design interventions, while your independent research project enables you to develop speculative, evidence-based architectural proposals grounded in critical ecological thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Studio I: Architectures of Extraction, which introduces design based research methodologies focused on the role of resource extraction in climate and environmental crises.
You also take Seminar I: Metabolic Rifts, exploring theories of environmental change and architecture’s role in mitigation, delivered through lectures, workshops, and a class dialogue submission.
Additionally, Media Studies I, provides a critical engagement with historical and contemporary media practices through lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Studio II: Environmental Interventions, where you develop a design strategy for intervention in your chosen site, considering stakeholder scenarios and environmental, economic or political externalities.
You also take Seminar II: Critical Future Scenarios, which introduces scenario planning tools and worldbuilding, using roundtables, mapping exercises and reflective writing.
In the same term, you choose one school-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, developing a self-directed design research project from your Term 2 proposal. It culminates with a public presentation or exhibition and allows use of a variety of media (drawing, film, model-making, animation) to communicate complex environmental ideas.
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
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Environmental Architecture at the RCA is a design led, field focused programme that expands the scope of architectural research by exploring alternative forms of co-dependency between life forms and earth systems. Through long term, community engaged research studios situated in frontline environmental contexts, you work alongside activists, NGOs, academics and local stakeholders to address resource extraction, climate justice and ecological transformation. Seminars on topics such as “Metabolic Rifts” and “Critical Future Scenarios” complement design interventions, while your independent research project enables you to develop speculative, evidence-based architectural proposals grounded in critical ecological thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Studio I: Architectures of Extraction, which introduces design based research methodologies focused on the role of resource extraction in climate and environmental crises.
You also take Seminar I: Metabolic Rifts, exploring theories of environmental change and architecture’s role in mitigation, delivered through lectures, workshops, and a class dialogue submission.
Additionally, Media Studies I, provides a critical engagement with historical and contemporary media practices through lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Studio II: Environmental Interventions, where you develop a design strategy for intervention in your chosen site, considering stakeholder scenarios and environmental, economic or political externalities.
You also take Seminar II: Critical Future Scenarios, which introduces scenario planning tools and worldbuilding, using roundtables, mapping exercises and reflective writing.
In the same term, you choose one school-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, developing a self-directed design research project from your Term 2 proposal. It culminates with a public presentation or exhibition and allows use of a variety of media (drawing, film, model-making, animation) to communicate complex environmental ideas.
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
15,600 GBP
International
39,200 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:
Environmental Architecture MA
Kensington, London, United Kingdom
12 monthsProgramme duration
39,200 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Architecture and Built EnvironmentMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Environmental Architecture at the RCA is a design led, field focused programme that expands the scope of architectural research by exploring alternative forms of co-dependency between life forms and earth systems. Through long term, community engaged research studios situated in frontline environmental contexts, you work alongside activists, NGOs, academics and local stakeholders to address resource extraction, climate justice and ecological transformation. Seminars on topics such as “Metabolic Rifts” and “Critical Future Scenarios” complement design interventions, while your independent research project enables you to develop speculative, evidence-based architectural proposals grounded in critical ecological thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Studio I: Architectures of Extraction, which introduces design based research methodologies focused on the role of resource extraction in climate and environmental crises.
You also take Seminar I: Metabolic Rifts, exploring theories of environmental change and architecture’s role in mitigation, delivered through lectures, workshops, and a class dialogue submission.
Additionally, Media Studies I, provides a critical engagement with historical and contemporary media practices through lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Studio II: Environmental Interventions, where you develop a design strategy for intervention in your chosen site, considering stakeholder scenarios and environmental, economic or political externalities.
You also take Seminar II: Critical Future Scenarios, which introduces scenario planning tools and worldbuilding, using roundtables, mapping exercises and reflective writing.
In the same term, you choose one school-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, developing a self-directed design research project from your Term 2 proposal. It culminates with a public presentation or exhibition and allows use of a variety of media (drawing, film, model-making, animation) to communicate complex environmental ideas.
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
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Environmental Architecture at the RCA is a design led, field focused programme that expands the scope of architectural research by exploring alternative forms of co-dependency between life forms and earth systems. Through long term, community engaged research studios situated in frontline environmental contexts, you work alongside activists, NGOs, academics and local stakeholders to address resource extraction, climate justice and ecological transformation. Seminars on topics such as “Metabolic Rifts” and “Critical Future Scenarios” complement design interventions, while your independent research project enables you to develop speculative, evidence-based architectural proposals grounded in critical ecological thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Studio I: Architectures of Extraction, which introduces design based research methodologies focused on the role of resource extraction in climate and environmental crises.
You also take Seminar I: Metabolic Rifts, exploring theories of environmental change and architecture’s role in mitigation, delivered through lectures, workshops, and a class dialogue submission.
Additionally, Media Studies I, provides a critical engagement with historical and contemporary media practices through lectures, tutorials and workshops.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Studio II: Environmental Interventions, where you develop a design strategy for intervention in your chosen site, considering stakeholder scenarios and environmental, economic or political externalities.
You also take Seminar II: Critical Future Scenarios, which introduces scenario planning tools and worldbuilding, using roundtables, mapping exercises and reflective writing.
In the same term, you choose one school-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, developing a self-directed design research project from your Term 2 proposal. It culminates with a public presentation or exhibition and allows use of a variety of media (drawing, film, model-making, animation) to communicate complex environmental ideas.
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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