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The MA Ceramics & Glass at the RCA is a material and research-led programme that fuses art, design and skilled making, enabling you to develop a self-directed, critically reflective practice grounded in the transformative power of clay and glass. Situated in a global, interdisciplinary community, you explore traditional craft techniques and cutting-edge innovations, interrogate personal and social narratives through your work, and respond to pressing material, cultural and ecological challenges.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Interrogating Your Practice and Deconstructing Assumptions, which focuses on building tools to critique and rethink your own practice and methods. You explore techniques, collections, and environments while engaging with new ways of thinking to expand your ceramics and glass practice. You also choose a Platform aligned with a small research-led group, working through tutorials, workshops, site visits, seminars, and critiques to develop experimental, self-directed work.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Developing Methodologies, which centers on researching and experimenting with themes in material culture through a ceramics and glass lens. You use the lines of enquiry developed in Term 1 and in your Platform to build a coherent methodology and write your proposal for the Independent Research Project.
In Term 2, 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, which enables you to produce a body of work for exhibition, reflect critically on your practice, and produce a Print-Ready Portfolio. You receive support from staff to navigate the conceptual, material, and professional demands of presenting your work publicly.
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 Ceramics & Glass at the RCA is a material and research-led programme that fuses art, design and skilled making, enabling you to develop a self-directed, critically reflective practice grounded in the transformative power of clay and glass. Situated in a global, interdisciplinary community, you explore traditional craft techniques and cutting-edge innovations, interrogate personal and social narratives through your work, and respond to pressing material, cultural and ecological challenges.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Interrogating Your Practice and Deconstructing Assumptions, which focuses on building tools to critique and rethink your own practice and methods. You explore techniques, collections, and environments while engaging with new ways of thinking to expand your ceramics and glass practice. You also choose a Platform aligned with a small research-led group, working through tutorials, workshops, site visits, seminars, and critiques to develop experimental, self-directed work.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Developing Methodologies, which centers on researching and experimenting with themes in material culture through a ceramics and glass lens. You use the lines of enquiry developed in Term 1 and in your Platform to build a coherent methodology and write your proposal for the Independent Research Project.
In Term 2, 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, which enables you to produce a body of work for exhibition, reflect critically on your practice, and produce a Print-Ready Portfolio. You receive support from staff to navigate the conceptual, material, and professional demands of presenting your work publicly.
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
17,350 GBP
International
41,350 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:
Ceramics & Glass MA
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
41,350 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 Ceramics & Glass at the RCA is a material and research-led programme that fuses art, design and skilled making, enabling you to develop a self-directed, critically reflective practice grounded in the transformative power of clay and glass. Situated in a global, interdisciplinary community, you explore traditional craft techniques and cutting-edge innovations, interrogate personal and social narratives through your work, and respond to pressing material, cultural and ecological challenges.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Interrogating Your Practice and Deconstructing Assumptions, which focuses on building tools to critique and rethink your own practice and methods. You explore techniques, collections, and environments while engaging with new ways of thinking to expand your ceramics and glass practice. You also choose a Platform aligned with a small research-led group, working through tutorials, workshops, site visits, seminars, and critiques to develop experimental, self-directed work.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Developing Methodologies, which centers on researching and experimenting with themes in material culture through a ceramics and glass lens. You use the lines of enquiry developed in Term 1 and in your Platform to build a coherent methodology and write your proposal for the Independent Research Project.
In Term 2, 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, which enables you to produce a body of work for exhibition, reflect critically on your practice, and produce a Print-Ready Portfolio. You receive support from staff to navigate the conceptual, material, and professional demands of presenting your work publicly.
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 Ceramics & Glass at the RCA is a material and research-led programme that fuses art, design and skilled making, enabling you to develop a self-directed, critically reflective practice grounded in the transformative power of clay and glass. Situated in a global, interdisciplinary community, you explore traditional craft techniques and cutting-edge innovations, interrogate personal and social narratives through your work, and respond to pressing material, cultural and ecological challenges.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Interrogating Your Practice and Deconstructing Assumptions, which focuses on building tools to critique and rethink your own practice and methods. You explore techniques, collections, and environments while engaging with new ways of thinking to expand your ceramics and glass practice. You also choose a Platform aligned with a small research-led group, working through tutorials, workshops, site visits, seminars, and critiques to develop experimental, self-directed work.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Developing Methodologies, which centers on researching and experimenting with themes in material culture through a ceramics and glass lens. You use the lines of enquiry developed in Term 1 and in your Platform to build a coherent methodology and write your proposal for the Independent Research Project.
In Term 2, 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, which enables you to produce a body of work for exhibition, reflect critically on your practice, and produce a Print-Ready Portfolio. You receive support from staff to navigate the conceptual, material, and professional demands of presenting your work publicly.
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
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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