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The MA Curating Contemporary Art at the RCA develops your critical awareness of curating in a global context through collaborative, practice-led study. Working with London-based arts organisations and peers from around the world, you explore both theory and practice including programming, commissioning, advocacy and writing, within an ecology of spaces such as galleries, museums, urban sites and networked cultural platforms. The programme grounds itself in the political, social and cultural conditions of contemporary curating and, in your final term, you deliver a public-facing curatorial project, shaping how audiences experience art.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Curatorial Thinking, exploring dominant and emerging positions in curatorial studies, and developing your critical and analytical skills through lectures, seminars and close reading of texts.
You also take Ecologies of Curating, which examines the relationships between spaces, organisations and curatorial practices, asking how conditions of place influence what is curated and for whom.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Curating in a Collaborative Context, developing a curatorial proposal in response to a live brief from an arts organisation, working in groups to research, commission, plan, present and advocate for your ideas.
You also take Urgency of the Arts school-wide unit that explores how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent sociopolitical issues through workshops and specialist-led discussions.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project, producing a self directed curatorial project. The culmination includes a public-facing event or exhibition, and demonstration of your curatorial research, planning and presentation skills.
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 Curating Contemporary Art at the RCA develops your critical awareness of curating in a global context through collaborative, practice-led study. Working with London-based arts organisations and peers from around the world, you explore both theory and practice including programming, commissioning, advocacy and writing, within an ecology of spaces such as galleries, museums, urban sites and networked cultural platforms. The programme grounds itself in the political, social and cultural conditions of contemporary curating and, in your final term, you deliver a public-facing curatorial project, shaping how audiences experience art.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Curatorial Thinking, exploring dominant and emerging positions in curatorial studies, and developing your critical and analytical skills through lectures, seminars and close reading of texts.
You also take Ecologies of Curating, which examines the relationships between spaces, organisations and curatorial practices, asking how conditions of place influence what is curated and for whom.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Curating in a Collaborative Context, developing a curatorial proposal in response to a live brief from an arts organisation, working in groups to research, commission, plan, present and advocate for your ideas.
You also take Urgency of the Arts school-wide unit that explores how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent sociopolitical issues through workshops and specialist-led discussions.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project, producing a self directed curatorial project. The culmination includes a public-facing event or exhibition, and demonstration of your curatorial research, planning and presentation skills.
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
15,450 GBP
International
38,650 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:
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
38,650 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 Curating Contemporary Art at the RCA develops your critical awareness of curating in a global context through collaborative, practice-led study. Working with London-based arts organisations and peers from around the world, you explore both theory and practice including programming, commissioning, advocacy and writing, within an ecology of spaces such as galleries, museums, urban sites and networked cultural platforms. The programme grounds itself in the political, social and cultural conditions of contemporary curating and, in your final term, you deliver a public-facing curatorial project, shaping how audiences experience art.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Curatorial Thinking, exploring dominant and emerging positions in curatorial studies, and developing your critical and analytical skills through lectures, seminars and close reading of texts.
You also take Ecologies of Curating, which examines the relationships between spaces, organisations and curatorial practices, asking how conditions of place influence what is curated and for whom.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Curating in a Collaborative Context, developing a curatorial proposal in response to a live brief from an arts organisation, working in groups to research, commission, plan, present and advocate for your ideas.
You also take Urgency of the Arts school-wide unit that explores how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent sociopolitical issues through workshops and specialist-led discussions.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project, producing a self directed curatorial project. The culmination includes a public-facing event or exhibition, and demonstration of your curatorial research, planning and presentation skills.
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 Curating Contemporary Art at the RCA develops your critical awareness of curating in a global context through collaborative, practice-led study. Working with London-based arts organisations and peers from around the world, you explore both theory and practice including programming, commissioning, advocacy and writing, within an ecology of spaces such as galleries, museums, urban sites and networked cultural platforms. The programme grounds itself in the political, social and cultural conditions of contemporary curating and, in your final term, you deliver a public-facing curatorial project, shaping how audiences experience art.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Curatorial Thinking, exploring dominant and emerging positions in curatorial studies, and developing your critical and analytical skills through lectures, seminars and close reading of texts.
You also take Ecologies of Curating, which examines the relationships between spaces, organisations and curatorial practices, asking how conditions of place influence what is curated and for whom.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Curating in a Collaborative Context, developing a curatorial proposal in response to a live brief from an arts organisation, working in groups to research, commission, plan, present and advocate for your ideas.
You also take Urgency of the Arts school-wide unit that explores how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent sociopolitical issues through workshops and specialist-led discussions.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project, producing a self directed curatorial project. The culmination includes a public-facing event or exhibition, and demonstration of your curatorial research, planning and presentation skills.
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.
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