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The MA Writing 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 many 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, supportive writing community. The programme nurtures your growth not only as a better writer, but also as a better thinker, encouraging you to understand how writing engages with and shapes culture. By the end, you’ll produce a portfolio of practice and a substantial piece of writing supported by reflection and public facing presentation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Writing Studio, which focuses on developing your writing practice through workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and critical discussion, encouraging experimentation with form, style, and content.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Writing in Context, where you explore your practice in relation to professional, historical, and cultural contexts, deepening critical understanding of your work.
Also in term 2, you 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 major written work accompanied by reflective documentation, supported by critical feedback and professional guidance.
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
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Writing 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 many 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, supportive writing community. The programme nurtures your growth not only as a better writer, but also as a better thinker, encouraging you to understand how writing engages with and shapes culture. By the end, you’ll produce a portfolio of practice and a substantial piece of writing supported by reflection and public facing presentation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Writing Studio, which focuses on developing your writing practice through workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and critical discussion, encouraging experimentation with form, style, and content.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Writing in Context, where you explore your practice in relation to professional, historical, and cultural contexts, deepening critical understanding of your work.
Also in term 2, you 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 major written work accompanied by reflective documentation, supported by critical feedback and professional guidance.
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
14,050 GBP
International
32,100 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:
Writing MA
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
12 monthsProgramme duration
32,100 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
English Language and LiteratureMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Writing 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 many 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, supportive writing community. The programme nurtures your growth not only as a better writer, but also as a better thinker, encouraging you to understand how writing engages with and shapes culture. By the end, you’ll produce a portfolio of practice and a substantial piece of writing supported by reflection and public facing presentation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Writing Studio, which focuses on developing your writing practice through workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and critical discussion, encouraging experimentation with form, style, and content.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Writing in Context, where you explore your practice in relation to professional, historical, and cultural contexts, deepening critical understanding of your work.
Also in term 2, you 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 major written work accompanied by reflective documentation, supported by critical feedback and professional guidance.
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
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Writing 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 many 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, supportive writing community. The programme nurtures your growth not only as a better writer, but also as a better thinker, encouraging you to understand how writing engages with and shapes culture. By the end, you’ll produce a portfolio of practice and a substantial piece of writing supported by reflection and public facing presentation.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Writing Studio, which focuses on developing your writing practice through workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and critical discussion, encouraging experimentation with form, style, and content.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Writing in Context, where you explore your practice in relation to professional, historical, and cultural contexts, deepening critical understanding of your work.
Also in term 2, you 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 major written work accompanied by reflective documentation, supported by critical feedback and professional guidance.
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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