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The MDes Design Futures at the RCA equips you with research, strategic and entrepreneurial design skills to address complex social and environmental challenges through futures thinking. You immerse yourself in core units on research methodologies, complex systems and envisioning futures before developing your own independent research project grounded in ethical and resilient interventions. Alongside a wide range of electives including design resilience, ethics and innovation, you learn to visualise alternative futures, engage people in debate, and shape purposeful change through design practice and foresight.
Programme structure:
Term 1 In Term 1, you take Research Methodologies, which provides a toolkit of methods to tackle diverse and challenging future-focused issues.
You also take Complex Systems, which introduces concepts such as leverage points, wicked problems, causal loops, and systems thinking.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 2 In Term 2, you take Envisioning Futures, combining futures methodologies with advanced digital and analogue design techniques to explore speculative, multi scenario futures.
You also work on your Independent Research Project: Proposal, developing your research question and planning your future project.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 3 In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project: Realisation, where you deliver a body of work that explores your chosen future scenario or design question, supported through tutorials, seminars, and critique.
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
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MDes Design Futures at the RCA equips you with research, strategic and entrepreneurial design skills to address complex social and environmental challenges through futures thinking. You immerse yourself in core units on research methodologies, complex systems and envisioning futures before developing your own independent research project grounded in ethical and resilient interventions. Alongside a wide range of electives including design resilience, ethics and innovation, you learn to visualise alternative futures, engage people in debate, and shape purposeful change through design practice and foresight.
Programme structure:
Term 1 In Term 1, you take Research Methodologies, which provides a toolkit of methods to tackle diverse and challenging future-focused issues.
You also take Complex Systems, which introduces concepts such as leverage points, wicked problems, causal loops, and systems thinking.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 2 In Term 2, you take Envisioning Futures, combining futures methodologies with advanced digital and analogue design techniques to explore speculative, multi scenario futures.
You also work on your Independent Research Project: Proposal, developing your research question and planning your future project.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 3 In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project: Realisation, where you deliver a body of work that explores your chosen future scenario or design question, supported through tutorials, seminars, and critique.
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:
Design Futures Mdes
Kensington, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
39,200 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The MDes Design Futures at the RCA equips you with research, strategic and entrepreneurial design skills to address complex social and environmental challenges through futures thinking. You immerse yourself in core units on research methodologies, complex systems and envisioning futures before developing your own independent research project grounded in ethical and resilient interventions. Alongside a wide range of electives including design resilience, ethics and innovation, you learn to visualise alternative futures, engage people in debate, and shape purposeful change through design practice and foresight.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Research Methodologies, which provides a toolkit of methods to tackle diverse and challenging future-focused issues.
You also take Complex Systems, which introduces concepts such as leverage points, wicked problems, causal loops, and systems thinking.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Envisioning Futures, combining futures methodologies with advanced digital and analogue design techniques to explore speculative, multi scenario futures.
You also work on your Independent Research Project: Proposal, developing your research question and planning your future project.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project: Realisation, where you deliver a body of work that explores your chosen future scenario or design question, supported through tutorials, seminars, and critique.
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
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The MDes Design Futures at the RCA equips you with research, strategic and entrepreneurial design skills to address complex social and environmental challenges through futures thinking. You immerse yourself in core units on research methodologies, complex systems and envisioning futures before developing your own independent research project grounded in ethical and resilient interventions. Alongside a wide range of electives including design resilience, ethics and innovation, you learn to visualise alternative futures, engage people in debate, and shape purposeful change through design practice and foresight.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Research Methodologies, which provides a toolkit of methods to tackle diverse and challenging future-focused issues.
You also take Complex Systems, which introduces concepts such as leverage points, wicked problems, causal loops, and systems thinking.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Envisioning Futures, combining futures methodologies with advanced digital and analogue design techniques to explore speculative, multi scenario futures.
You also work on your Independent Research Project: Proposal, developing your research question and planning your future project.
During this term you'll also choose one school-wide elective and one college-wide elective, enabling you to engage with cross disciplinary approaches from across the RCA.
Term 3
In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project: Realisation, where you deliver a body of work that explores your chosen future scenario or design question, supported through tutorials, seminars, and critique.
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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