12 monthsProgramme duration
43,000 GBPTuition Fee/year
08 Jan, 2027Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The Contemporary Art Practice MA/MFA will be available either as a one year MA or a two year MFA. This programme 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. While the intensive one-year MA route focuses on developing critical and technical agency through an Independent Research Project, the extended two-year MFA route builds on this foundation to cultivate sustained creative practice and professional leadership.
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.
In Term 2, you can also choose from a range of elective units, allowing you to shape your own learning journey and work alongside students from other programmes, bringing your practice into dialogue with different creative approaches.
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.
Year 2 – MFA
Term 4
In Year 2, you take Advanced Practice in Context, which enables you to deepen your critical and contextual understanding of contemporary art practice. Through research, discussion, tutorials and experimentation, you situate your developing practice within wider cultural, social and artistic contexts while establishing a sustained direction for your work.
Term 4, 5, and 6
Across Terms 4, 5 and 6, you develop an Advanced Practice Portfolio that brings together sustained research, experimentation and making. Through individual tutorials, group critiques, workshops and independent practice, you refine your artistic approach, develop a substantial body of work and critically reflect on its development. The portfolio supports you in consolidating your professional practice and preparing for continued creative work beyond graduation.
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 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The Contemporary Art Practice MA/MFA will be available either as a one year MA or a two year MFA. This programme 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. While the intensive one-year MA route focuses on developing critical and technical agency through an Independent Research Project, the extended two-year MFA route builds on this foundation to cultivate sustained creative practice and professional leadership.
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.
In Term 2, you can also choose from a range of elective units, allowing you to shape your own learning journey and work alongside students from other programmes, bringing your practice into dialogue with different creative approaches.
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.
Year 2 – MFA
Term 4
In Year 2, you take Advanced Practice in Context, which enables you to deepen your critical and contextual understanding of contemporary art practice. Through research, discussion, tutorials and experimentation, you situate your developing practice within wider cultural, social and artistic contexts while establishing a sustained direction for your work.
Term 4, 5, and 6
Across Terms 4, 5 and 6, you develop an Advanced Practice Portfolio that brings together sustained research, experimentation and making. Through individual tutorials, group critiques, workshops and independent practice, you refine your artistic approach, develop a substantial body of work and critically reflect on its development. The portfolio supports you in consolidating your professional practice and preparing for continued creative work beyond graduation.
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 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - 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.
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
Tuition fees
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