12 monthsProgramme duration
33,400 GBPTuition Fee/year
08 Jan, 2027Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The Writing MA at the RCA helps you develop intellectual, literary and technical skills as a writer working within a creative university. Writing is seen as part of the world, not just about it, and the programme supports you to explore different forms and subjects, often blending genres, approaches and experimentation. You will work with writers, editors, publishers and commissioners, complete live projects with partners, and build a critical and supportive writing community. The programme encourages you to develop not only as a writer, but also as a thinker, exploring how writing engages with and shapes culture. By the end, you will produce a substantial body of writing and develop a portfolio of practice supported by critical reflection and public-facing presentation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Distance and Proximity, exploring how your position in relation to a subject can shape your writing. You also take Attention, considering how observation and close attention can inform your writing practice, and Publics and Counterpublics, exploring how writing enters the world and the publics it can create.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take The Practical Past, developing research skills through reading, discussion and engagement with archives, libraries and collections, and exploring how research can extend your writing practice.
You also take How to Live Together, working collaboratively to produce writing for a cultural organisation and exploring different perspectives within contemporary arts and humanities practice.
Also in Term 2, a choice of elective units allows you to shape your own learning journey and bring your writing practice into dialogue with students from other programmes.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project, producing a substantial piece of writing through an independently developed project. Supported by tutorials, group discussions and work-in-progress presentations, you develop your project alongside a broader portfolio of practice and contextual reflection.
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 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The Writing MA at the RCA helps you develop intellectual, literary and technical skills as a writer working within a creative university. Writing is seen as part of the world, not just about it, and the programme supports you to explore different forms and subjects, often blending genres, approaches and experimentation. You will work with writers, editors, publishers and commissioners, complete live projects with partners, and build a critical and supportive writing community. The programme encourages you to develop not only as a writer, but also as a thinker, exploring how writing engages with and shapes culture. By the end, you will produce a substantial body of writing and develop a portfolio of practice supported by critical reflection and public-facing presentation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Distance and Proximity, exploring how your position in relation to a subject can shape your writing. You also take Attention, considering how observation and close attention can inform your writing practice, and Publics and Counterpublics, exploring how writing enters the world and the publics it can create.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take The Practical Past, developing research skills through reading, discussion and engagement with archives, libraries and collections, and exploring how research can extend your writing practice.
You also take How to Live Together, working collaboratively to produce writing for a cultural organisation and exploring different perspectives within contemporary arts and humanities practice.
Also in Term 2, a choice of elective units allows you to shape your own learning journey and bring your writing practice into dialogue with students from other programmes.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project, producing a substantial piece of writing through an independently developed project. Supported by tutorials, group discussions and work-in-progress presentations, you develop your project alongside a broader portfolio of practice and contextual reflection.
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 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - 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:
- 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.
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
Tuition fees
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