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The MA City Design at the RCA embraces an interdisciplinary, justice oriented studio-based approach to rethinking the future of cities, blending architectural, social science and scientific research. You explore urban design principles, planning, policy and digital tools from immersive visualisation and animation to collaborative knowledge production. Through critical engagement and technical experimentation, you learn to design for environmental and spatial justice and to negotiate between multiple city-makers, including NGOs, government and communities.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Design Studio I: Conditions, which introduces you to the design-led, site-based model and collaborative research with urban actors. You work in groups to describe, analyse and represent urban conditions, using digital tools, site visits and stakeholder interaction to inform your investigation.
In the same term, you also take Seminar I: Positions, where you explore contemporary social issues (such as housing, public health or inequality) by listening to and reflecting on perspectives from urban communities, policymakers, and front-line changemakers. You develop a collective submission (e.g. film, podcast or blog) and maintain a logbook of seminar readings and reflections.
Also in Term 1, there is Media Studies, focusing on historical and contemporary media practices and research. You develop critical engagement through lectures, tutorials and workshops, producing innovative proposals using various media methods.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Design Studio II: Propositions, where you create spatial interventions in your site of study in response to real-world challenges. You explore social innovation using digital representation, consult with NGOs or planning bodies, and develop a design brief and stakeholder strategy.
Also in Term 2, you do Seminar II: Transformations, which deepens your understanding of how cities change socially and politically. You read key theories, participate in student-led roundtables, and submit a 2,000word essay (which may be supported by visual or archival materials).
You also choose a school-wide elective from options provided by the School of Architecture.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project. This builds on your studio work from Terms 1 and 2, allowing you to pursue a self-directed research theme. You present your work publicly (in a talk or exhibition) and submit a portfolio plus either a project component or a written thesis.
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
Urban Planning
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA City Design at the RCA embraces an interdisciplinary, justice oriented studio-based approach to rethinking the future of cities, blending architectural, social science and scientific research. You explore urban design principles, planning, policy and digital tools from immersive visualisation and animation to collaborative knowledge production. Through critical engagement and technical experimentation, you learn to design for environmental and spatial justice and to negotiate between multiple city-makers, including NGOs, government and communities.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Design Studio I: Conditions, which introduces you to the design-led, site-based model and collaborative research with urban actors. You work in groups to describe, analyse and represent urban conditions, using digital tools, site visits and stakeholder interaction to inform your investigation.
In the same term, you also take Seminar I: Positions, where you explore contemporary social issues (such as housing, public health or inequality) by listening to and reflecting on perspectives from urban communities, policymakers, and front-line changemakers. You develop a collective submission (e.g. film, podcast or blog) and maintain a logbook of seminar readings and reflections.
Also in Term 1, there is Media Studies, focusing on historical and contemporary media practices and research. You develop critical engagement through lectures, tutorials and workshops, producing innovative proposals using various media methods.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Design Studio II: Propositions, where you create spatial interventions in your site of study in response to real-world challenges. You explore social innovation using digital representation, consult with NGOs or planning bodies, and develop a design brief and stakeholder strategy.
Also in Term 2, you do Seminar II: Transformations, which deepens your understanding of how cities change socially and politically. You read key theories, participate in student-led roundtables, and submit a 2,000word essay (which may be supported by visual or archival materials).
You also choose a school-wide elective from options provided by the School of Architecture.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project. This builds on your studio work from Terms 1 and 2, allowing you to pursue a self-directed research theme. You present your work publicly (in a talk or exhibition) and submit a portfolio plus either a project component or a written thesis.
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
15,600 GBP
International
39,200 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:
City Design MA
Kensington, London, United Kingdom
12 monthsProgramme duration
39,200 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Urban PlanningMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Urban Planning
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA City Design at the RCA embraces an interdisciplinary, justice oriented studio-based approach to rethinking the future of cities, blending architectural, social science and scientific research. You explore urban design principles, planning, policy and digital tools from immersive visualisation and animation to collaborative knowledge production. Through critical engagement and technical experimentation, you learn to design for environmental and spatial justice and to negotiate between multiple city-makers, including NGOs, government and communities.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Design Studio I: Conditions, which introduces you to the design-led, site-based model and collaborative research with urban actors. You work in groups to describe, analyse and represent urban conditions, using digital tools, site visits and stakeholder interaction to inform your investigation.
In the same term, you also take Seminar I: Positions, where you explore contemporary social issues (such as housing, public health or inequality) by listening to and reflecting on perspectives from urban communities, policymakers, and front-line changemakers. You develop a collective submission (e.g. film, podcast or blog) and maintain a logbook of seminar readings and reflections.
Also in Term 1, there is Media Studies, focusing on historical and contemporary media practices and research. You develop critical engagement through lectures, tutorials and workshops, producing innovative proposals using various media methods.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Design Studio II: Propositions, where you create spatial interventions in your site of study in response to real-world challenges. You explore social innovation using digital representation, consult with NGOs or planning bodies, and develop a design brief and stakeholder strategy.
Also in Term 2, you do Seminar II: Transformations, which deepens your understanding of how cities change socially and politically. You read key theories, participate in student-led roundtables, and submit a 2,000word essay (which may be supported by visual or archival materials).
You also choose a school-wide elective from options provided by the School of Architecture.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project. This builds on your studio work from Terms 1 and 2, allowing you to pursue a self-directed research theme. You present your work publicly (in a talk or exhibition) and submit a portfolio plus either a project component or a written thesis.
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
Urban Planning
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA City Design at the RCA embraces an interdisciplinary, justice oriented studio-based approach to rethinking the future of cities, blending architectural, social science and scientific research. You explore urban design principles, planning, policy and digital tools from immersive visualisation and animation to collaborative knowledge production. Through critical engagement and technical experimentation, you learn to design for environmental and spatial justice and to negotiate between multiple city-makers, including NGOs, government and communities.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Design Studio I: Conditions, which introduces you to the design-led, site-based model and collaborative research with urban actors. You work in groups to describe, analyse and represent urban conditions, using digital tools, site visits and stakeholder interaction to inform your investigation.
In the same term, you also take Seminar I: Positions, where you explore contemporary social issues (such as housing, public health or inequality) by listening to and reflecting on perspectives from urban communities, policymakers, and front-line changemakers. You develop a collective submission (e.g. film, podcast or blog) and maintain a logbook of seminar readings and reflections.
Also in Term 1, there is Media Studies, focusing on historical and contemporary media practices and research. You develop critical engagement through lectures, tutorials and workshops, producing innovative proposals using various media methods.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Design Studio II: Propositions, where you create spatial interventions in your site of study in response to real-world challenges. You explore social innovation using digital representation, consult with NGOs or planning bodies, and develop a design brief and stakeholder strategy.
Also in Term 2, you do Seminar II: Transformations, which deepens your understanding of how cities change socially and politically. You read key theories, participate in student-led roundtables, and submit a 2,000word essay (which may be supported by visual or archival materials).
You also choose a school-wide elective from options provided by the School of Architecture.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project. This builds on your studio work from Terms 1 and 2, allowing you to pursue a self-directed research theme. You present your work publicly (in a talk or exhibition) and submit a portfolio plus either a project component or a written thesis.
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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