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The MA Architecture at the RCA is an ambitious re-imagining of architectural practices, rooted in an interdisciplinary ethos that foregrounds design-led, practice-based research. It treats architecture as a medium rather than an end, inviting you to engage critically and responsively with urgent political, social, and ecological questions. Within a supportive, research-informed community, you explore experimental design techniques and reflective research across lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops preparing both for RIBA/ARB-accredited Part II qualification and for a broader, critically engaged spatial practice.
Programme structure:
Architectural Design Studios (ADS, across both years)
You work in vertically integrated design studios led by 2–3 dedicated tutors. These project-based activities allow you to develop your own design research and practice through crits, reviews and tutorials in a collaborative, peer-learning environment.
History & Theory Studies (HTS, Year 1)
You explore the political roots of spatial practices, developing a shared vocabulary for architectural thinking by tracing a specific theme (e.g., landscape, care, domestication) across time. This builds your ability to contextualise design decisions.
Design Strategy (Year 2)
You develop a written design brief and thesis project proposal, supported by visual documentation, which will form the basis for your final Independent Research Project.
Independent Research Project / Studio III (Year 2)
You carry out a self-directed design project, producing drawings, models, digital work and other media, culminating in a formal presentation of your portfolio and critical reflection on your work.
Professional Practice (Radical Practice)
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials, you examine how architectural projects are delivered in real-world contexts covering legislation, ethics, contracts, and issues such as social justice and climate.
Technical Studies
You gain a working knowledge of construction, engineering, environment and materials, with a focus on sustainable, regenerative design that responds to real-world challenges.
Media Studies
You critically engage with media in the context of architecture, analysing historical and contemporary methodologies through lectures, workshops and research.
AcrossRCA
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
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Architecture at the RCA is an ambitious re-imagining of architectural practices, rooted in an interdisciplinary ethos that foregrounds design-led, practice-based research. It treats architecture as a medium rather than an end, inviting you to engage critically and responsively with urgent political, social, and ecological questions. Within a supportive, research-informed community, you explore experimental design techniques and reflective research across lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops preparing both for RIBA/ARB-accredited Part II qualification and for a broader, critically engaged spatial practice.
Programme structure:
Architectural Design Studios (ADS, across both years)
You work in vertically integrated design studios led by 2–3 dedicated tutors. These project-based activities allow you to develop your own design research and practice through crits, reviews and tutorials in a collaborative, peer-learning environment.
History & Theory Studies (HTS, Year 1)
You explore the political roots of spatial practices, developing a shared vocabulary for architectural thinking by tracing a specific theme (e.g., landscape, care, domestication) across time. This builds your ability to contextualise design decisions.
Design Strategy (Year 2)
You develop a written design brief and thesis project proposal, supported by visual documentation, which will form the basis for your final Independent Research Project.
Independent Research Project / Studio III (Year 2)
You carry out a self-directed design project, producing drawings, models, digital work and other media, culminating in a formal presentation of your portfolio and critical reflection on your work.
Professional Practice (Radical Practice)
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials, you examine how architectural projects are delivered in real-world contexts covering legislation, ethics, contracts, and issues such as social justice and climate.
Technical Studies
You gain a working knowledge of construction, engineering, environment and materials, with a focus on sustainable, regenerative design that responds to real-world challenges.
Media Studies
You critically engage with media in the context of architecture, analysing historical and contemporary methodologies through lectures, workshops and research.
AcrossRCA
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.
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
2 Years
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
9,275 GBP
International
29,000 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:
Architecture MA
Kensington, London, United Kingdom
24 monthsProgramme duration
29,000 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Architecture and Built EnvironmentMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Architecture at the RCA is an ambitious re-imagining of architectural practices, rooted in an interdisciplinary ethos that foregrounds design-led, practice-based research. It treats architecture as a medium rather than an end, inviting you to engage critically and responsively with urgent political, social, and ecological questions. Within a supportive, research-informed community, you explore experimental design techniques and reflective research across lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops preparing both for RIBA/ARB-accredited Part II qualification and for a broader, critically engaged spatial practice.
Programme structure:
Architectural Design Studios (ADS, across both years)
You work in vertically integrated design studios led by 2–3 dedicated tutors. These project-based activities allow you to develop your own design research and practice through crits, reviews and tutorials in a collaborative, peer-learning environment.
History & Theory Studies (HTS, Year 1)
You explore the political roots of spatial practices, developing a shared vocabulary for architectural thinking by tracing a specific theme (e.g., landscape, care, domestication) across time. This builds your ability to contextualise design decisions.
Design Strategy (Year 2)
You develop a written design brief and thesis project proposal, supported by visual documentation, which will form the basis for your final Independent Research Project.
Independent Research Project / Studio III (Year 2)
You carry out a self-directed design project, producing drawings, models, digital work and other media, culminating in a formal presentation of your portfolio and critical reflection on your work.
Professional Practice (Radical Practice)
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials, you examine how architectural projects are delivered in real-world contexts covering legislation, ethics, contracts, and issues such as social justice and climate.
Technical Studies
You gain a working knowledge of construction, engineering, environment and materials, with a focus on sustainable, regenerative design that responds to real-world challenges.
Media Studies
You critically engage with media in the context of architecture, analysing historical and contemporary methodologies through lectures, workshops and research.
AcrossRCA
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
Architecture and Built Environment
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Architecture at the RCA is an ambitious re-imagining of architectural practices, rooted in an interdisciplinary ethos that foregrounds design-led, practice-based research. It treats architecture as a medium rather than an end, inviting you to engage critically and responsively with urgent political, social, and ecological questions. Within a supportive, research-informed community, you explore experimental design techniques and reflective research across lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops preparing both for RIBA/ARB-accredited Part II qualification and for a broader, critically engaged spatial practice.
Programme structure:
Architectural Design Studios (ADS, across both years)
You work in vertically integrated design studios led by 2–3 dedicated tutors. These project-based activities allow you to develop your own design research and practice through crits, reviews and tutorials in a collaborative, peer-learning environment.
History & Theory Studies (HTS, Year 1)
You explore the political roots of spatial practices, developing a shared vocabulary for architectural thinking by tracing a specific theme (e.g., landscape, care, domestication) across time. This builds your ability to contextualise design decisions.
Design Strategy (Year 2)
You develop a written design brief and thesis project proposal, supported by visual documentation, which will form the basis for your final Independent Research Project.
Independent Research Project / Studio III (Year 2)
You carry out a self-directed design project, producing drawings, models, digital work and other media, culminating in a formal presentation of your portfolio and critical reflection on your work.
Professional Practice (Radical Practice)
Through lectures, workshops and tutorials, you examine how architectural projects are delivered in real-world contexts covering legislation, ethics, contracts, and issues such as social justice and climate.
Technical Studies
You gain a working knowledge of construction, engineering, environment and materials, with a focus on sustainable, regenerative design that responds to real-world challenges.
Media Studies
You critically engage with media in the context of architecture, analysing historical and contemporary methodologies through lectures, workshops and research.
AcrossRCA
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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Videos & media
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