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Ranked for eleven consecutive years as the
world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s
postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the
boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a
creative professional.
Committed to creating the next generation
of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and
innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you
to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of
postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of
inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary
collaboration.
The broad range of disciplines on offer is
based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM
subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a
unique and transformative experience.
The RCA was all about brain
expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of
or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down
everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such
an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone
kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a
richer experience.
- Lucy Hardcastle,
Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative
career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from
the world’s number
one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and
practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international
network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the
world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our
time.
We attract the most talented
students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and
design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of
their fields.
I learned how to work with people and with
communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that
together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’
has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
- Rashmi Bidasaria, Design Products MA
About Royal College of Art
Ranked for eleven consecutive years as the
world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s
postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the
boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a
creative professional.
Committed to creating the next generation
of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and
innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you
to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of
postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of
inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary
collaboration.
The broad range of disciplines on offer is
based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM
subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a
unique and transformative experience.
The RCA was all about brain
expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of
or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down
everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such
an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone
kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a
richer experience.
- Lucy Hardcastle,
Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative
career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from
the world’s number
one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and
practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international
network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the
world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our
time.
We attract the most talented
students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and
design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of
their fields.
I learned how to work with people and with
communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that
together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’
has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
Admissions requirements vary slightly depending on the program. Candidates are selected for places entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world.
For the majority of programs the first part of the entrance examination consists of an assessment of the application and portfolio of work, followed by an interview. For some programs this will also include a a practical test.
Open Days are great opportunity to visit the RCA and are usually held between November and March of each academic year. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and students, find out detailed information about our Programmes and view our campus and facilities. Forthcoming Open Day dates can be found on the website here.
We would also recommend coming along to our annual graduate Shows which take place in June/July each year. The Show offers visitors the opportunity to meet graduating students and experience their work first-hand.
Our facilities and technical equipment are amongst the best of their kind in the world and support
students in their explorations of the creative possibilities of both the new
and innovative and traditional craft skills.
Student life
Our Global Creative
Community
Students come to the College from across the
globe and bring with them a wide range of backgrounds, educational approaches
and experiences - due to the cross-disciplinary nature of our work, and our
growing range of courses, nearly 25% of students now come to the RCA with a
Bachelor's degree in a subject other than art and design. Studying here means
you'll be part of a network of inspiring students in a city known for creative
culture, and part of the RCA’s rich history since its formation in 1837. Both
the RCA and London as a whole are hubs of activity; full of places where you
can socialise, explore and make new discoveries.
Our London campus is spread throughout the heart of one of the world’s most creative
cities, with sites in the historic surroundings of Kensington, the
future-thinking hub of White City, and the cultural quarter in Battersea.
“I think it's a pretty magical space, with
this energy that you most likely don't get again in life. You work next to
like-minded people and you can immediately talk about things, exchange
thoughts, and push your practice further. It's motivating to come back every
day and see everyone. It’s different from having a studio by yourself.”
- Theresa Weber, Sculpture MA
Cost of Living
Accommodation
$16,670
Food
$3,330
Transport
$2,870
Utilities
$5,480
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:
Alumni from all programs and generations at the Royal College of Art continue to play an instrumental role in defining art and design as we know it. Every year scores of RCA alumni are recognised around the world as innovators and leaders in their disciplines, making headlines on both a national and international scale. From established alumni such as Christopher Bailey, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Asif Kapadia, and Ridley Scott to more recent graduates such as Saul Nash, Judah Armani, Lewis Hornby, Phoebe Cummings and Roland Lamb – all are leading thinkers, makers and researchers transforming the world through art and design.
Rankings & Ratings
Royal College of Art is one of the top public universities in London, United Kingdom. It is ranked #1 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2025.
Students
from over 70 countries come to the RCA. We welcome applications from talented,
creative individuals from all over the world. Many are from backgrounds you
might expect such as art, design, architecture, communications, media and
humanities. Others come from disciplines as broad as engineering, social
sciences, technology, toolmaking, medicine, business, law, physics, life
coaching, economics, teaching, music... the list is endless. What RCA students
share is the potential, commitment and ambition to make change in the world
through art and design. Chat with RCA students
How do I get onto my preferred programme if I do not have an art or design background?
If you are not from a design or creative
industries background, you are welcome to submit a statement of your
professional practice, along with any images, instead of a portfolio.
If you feel you are not quite prepared to apply for an Master’s programme, we
invite you to apply for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design pre-Master’s
programme. Applicants come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines and
all applications are evaluated on their individual merits.
The RCA offers a wide range of scholarships
and bursary schemes, open to UK and International students, and across our full
range of courses. Visit our website for more information about our
schemes and how to apply for them. There are also Government funded options for
both our Master's degrees and for our doctoral research Programmes (for UK
students).
What types of jobs to graduates go on to?
The RCA has consistently produced world
leaders in the fields of creative endeavour – acting as a launchpad for the
careers of major international figures.
Our alumni shape the world – whether founding their own studios and brands,
pushing the boundaries of possibility through their start-ups or taking on
impressive roles with global companies across a wide range of disciplines. Where will the RCA take you?
Royal College of Artadvanced PublicVery High0yesS1642
Royal College of Art
Kensington, London United Kingdom
# 1QS WUR Ranking By Subject
42 Postgraduate Programmes
About Royal College of Art
Ranked for eleven consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a creative professional.
Committed to creating the next generation of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The broad range of disciplines on offer is based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a unique and transformative experience.
*QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025).
About Royal College of Art
The RCA was all about brain expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a richer experience.
- Lucy Hardcastle, Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from the world’s number one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.
We attract the most talented students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of their fields.
I learned how to work with people and with communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’ has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
- Rashmi Bidasaria, Design Products MA
About Royal College of Art
Ranked for eleven consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a creative professional.
Committed to creating the next generation of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The broad range of disciplines on offer is based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a unique and transformative experience.
*QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025).
About Royal College of Art
The RCA was all about brain expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a richer experience.
- Lucy Hardcastle, Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from the world’s number one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.
We attract the most talented students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of their fields.
I learned how to work with people and with communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’ has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
- Rashmi Bidasaria, Design Products MA
Brochures
Available programmes
Digital Direction MA
Digital Direction MA
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Arts and Humanities (2)
Architecture MA
Architecture MA
Ceramics & Glass MA
Ceramics & Glass MA
City Design MA
City Design MA
Communication MFA (January 2026 intake)
Communication MFA (January 2026 intake)
Contemporary Art Practice MA
Contemporary Art Practice MA
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Design Practice MArch (January 2026 intake)
Design Practice MArch (January 2026 intake)
Design Products MA
Design Products MA
Environmental Architecture MA
Environmental Architecture MA
Fashion MA
Fashion MA
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc
Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc
Intelligent Mobility MA
Intelligent Mobility MA
Interior Design MA
Interior Design MA
Jewellery & Metal MA
Jewellery & Metal MA
Master of Research RCA MRes (Architecture specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Architecture specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Design specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Design specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Fine Art specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Fine Art specialism)
Painting MA
Painting MA
Photography MA
Photography MA
Print MA
Print MA
Sculpture MA
Sculpture MA
Service Design MA
Service Design MA
Textiles MA
Textiles MA
V&A/RCA History of Design MA
V&A/RCA History of Design MA
Writing MA
Writing MA
Social Sciences and Management (2)
Animation MA
Animation MA
Creative Education MEd (January 2026 intake)
Creative Education MEd (January 2026 intake)
Digital Direction MA
Digital Direction MA
Information Experience Design MA
Information Experience Design MA
Master of Research RCA MRes (Communication specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Communication specialism)
Visual Communication MA
Visual Communication MA
Arts and Humanities (4)
Architecture PhD
Architecture PhD
Arts & Humanities PhD
Arts & Humanities PhD
Design PhD
Design PhD
Intelligent Mobility PhD
Intelligent Mobility PhD
Engineering and Technology (4)
Computer Science PhD
Computer Science PhD
Robotics PhD
Robotics PhD
Natural Sciences (4)
Materials Science PhD
Materials Science PhD
Social Sciences and Management (4)
Communication PhD
Communication PhD
University information
Admissions requirements vary slightly depending on the program. Candidates are selected for places entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world.
For the majority of programs the first part of the entrance examination consists of an assessment of the application and portfolio of work, followed by an interview. For some programs this will also include a a practical test.
You should be able to meet both the cross-college requirements and individual program Requirements. Please visit the website for more details.
Open Days
Open Days are great opportunity to visit the RCA and are usually held between November and March of each academic year. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and students, find out detailed information about our Programmes and view our campus and facilities. Forthcoming Open Day dates can be found on the website here.
We would also recommend coming along to our annual graduate Shows which take place in June/July each year. The Show offers visitors the opportunity to meet graduating students and experience their work first-hand.
Find out more at www.rca.ac.uk
Our facilities and technical equipment are amongst the best of their kind in the world and support students in their explorations of the creative possibilities of both the new and innovative and traditional craft skills.
Student life
Our Global Creative Community
Students come to the College from across the globe and bring with them a wide range of backgrounds, educational approaches and experiences - due to the cross-disciplinary nature of our work, and our growing range of courses, nearly 25% of students now come to the RCA with a Bachelor's degree in a subject other than art and design. Studying here means you'll be part of a network of inspiring students in a city known for creative culture, and part of the RCA’s rich history since its formation in 1837. Both the RCA and London as a whole are hubs of activity; full of places where you can socialise, explore and make new discoveries.
Our London campus is spread throughout the heart of one of the world’s most creative cities, with sites in the historic surroundings of Kensington, the future-thinking hub of White City, and the cultural quarter in Battersea.
“I think it's a pretty magical space, with this energy that you most likely don't get again in life. You work next to like-minded people and you can immediately talk about things, exchange thoughts, and push your practice further. It's motivating to come back every day and see everyone. It’s different from having a studio by yourself.”
- Theresa Weber, Sculpture MA
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
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.
Employability
Alumni from all programs and generations at the Royal College of Art continue to play an instrumental role in defining art and design as we know it. Every year scores of RCA alumni are recognised around the world as innovators and leaders in their disciplines, making headlines on both a national and international scale. From established alumni such as Christopher Bailey, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Asif Kapadia, and Ridley Scott to more recent graduates such as Saul Nash, Judah Armani, Lewis Hornby, Phoebe Cummings and Roland Lamb – all are leading thinkers, makers and researchers transforming the world through art and design.
Rankings & Ratings
Royal College of Art is one of the top public universities in London, United Kingdom. It is ranked #1 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2025.
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
Royal College of Art
Videos & media
Videos & media
Campus locations
open the map
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are not from a design or creative industries background, you are welcome to submit a statement of your professional practice, along with any images, instead of a portfolio.
If you feel you are not quite prepared to apply for an Master’s programme, we invite you to apply for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design pre-Master’s programme. Applicants come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines and all applications are evaluated on their individual merits.
Plenty of ways, including:
The RCA offers a wide range of scholarships and bursary schemes, open to UK and International students, and across our full range of courses. Visit our website for more information about our schemes and how to apply for them. There are also Government funded options for both our Master's degrees and for our doctoral research Programmes (for UK students).
The RCA has consistently produced world leaders in the fields of creative endeavour – acting as a launchpad for the careers of major international figures.
Our alumni shape the world – whether founding their own studios and brands, pushing the boundaries of possibility through their start-ups or taking on impressive roles with global companies across a wide range of disciplines.
Where will the RCA take you?