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The MA Contemporary Art Practice at the RCA offers a discursive, research driven environment for ambitious and exploratory artists, blending theory and making as you develop contemporary artwork in media such as installation, moving image, performance and emerging technologies. Through individual tutorials, group critiques, lectures, seminars and workshops, you will situate your practice within current cultural, political and ethical debates, while critically responding to the world and shaping speculative futures. The programme supports collective and peer led learning, with collaboration, experimentation and public presentation (such as exhibitions and events) at its heart.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Situating Contemporary Art Practice, which provides theoretical and practical foundations through lectures, workshops, seminars, individual tutorials and group sessions, supporting experimentation and helping you position your practice within contemporary debates.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Demonstrating Contemporary Art Practice, focusing on making-public and collaborative practices. You engage with external partners, organise public events, and present your work in an artist talk or similar format.
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, which culminates in a public exhibition, critical reflection, and planning for your practice beyond graduation, supported by tutorials and college-wide professional practice workshops.
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
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Contemporary Art Practice at the RCA offers a discursive, research driven environment for ambitious and exploratory artists, blending theory and making as you develop contemporary artwork in media such as installation, moving image, performance and emerging technologies. Through individual tutorials, group critiques, lectures, seminars and workshops, you will situate your practice within current cultural, political and ethical debates, while critically responding to the world and shaping speculative futures. The programme supports collective and peer led learning, with collaboration, experimentation and public presentation (such as exhibitions and events) at its heart.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Situating Contemporary Art Practice, which provides theoretical and practical foundations through lectures, workshops, seminars, individual tutorials and group sessions, supporting experimentation and helping you position your practice within contemporary debates.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Demonstrating Contemporary Art Practice, focusing on making-public and collaborative practices. You engage with external partners, organise public events, and present your work in an artist talk or similar format.
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, which culminates in a public exhibition, critical reflection, and planning for your practice beyond graduation, supported by tutorials and college-wide professional practice workshops.
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.
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
17,350 GBP
International
41,350 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:
Contemporary Art Practice MA
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
41,350 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Contemporary Art Practice at the RCA offers a discursive, research driven environment for ambitious and exploratory artists, blending theory and making as you develop contemporary artwork in media such as installation, moving image, performance and emerging technologies. Through individual tutorials, group critiques, lectures, seminars and workshops, you will situate your practice within current cultural, political and ethical debates, while critically responding to the world and shaping speculative futures. The programme supports collective and peer led learning, with collaboration, experimentation and public presentation (such as exhibitions and events) at its heart.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Situating Contemporary Art Practice, which provides theoretical and practical foundations through lectures, workshops, seminars, individual tutorials and group sessions, supporting experimentation and helping you position your practice within contemporary debates.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Demonstrating Contemporary Art Practice, focusing on making-public and collaborative practices. You engage with external partners, organise public events, and present your work in an artist talk or similar format.
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, which culminates in a public exhibition, critical reflection, and planning for your practice beyond graduation, supported by tutorials and college-wide professional practice workshops.
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
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Contemporary Art Practice at the RCA offers a discursive, research driven environment for ambitious and exploratory artists, blending theory and making as you develop contemporary artwork in media such as installation, moving image, performance and emerging technologies. Through individual tutorials, group critiques, lectures, seminars and workshops, you will situate your practice within current cultural, political and ethical debates, while critically responding to the world and shaping speculative futures. The programme supports collective and peer led learning, with collaboration, experimentation and public presentation (such as exhibitions and events) at its heart.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Situating Contemporary Art Practice, which provides theoretical and practical foundations through lectures, workshops, seminars, individual tutorials and group sessions, supporting experimentation and helping you position your practice within contemporary debates.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Demonstrating Contemporary Art Practice, focusing on making-public and collaborative practices. You engage with external partners, organise public events, and present your work in an artist talk or similar format.
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, which culminates in a public exhibition, critical reflection, and planning for your practice beyond graduation, supported by tutorials and college-wide professional practice workshops.
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:
⦁ 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.
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
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