12 monthsProgramme duration
40,750 GBPTuition Fee/year
08 Jan, 2027Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MA
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
The Design Futures MA at the RCA equips you with research, strategic and entrepreneurial design skills to address complex social and environmental challenges through futures thinking. You develop a transdisciplinary approach to design practice, exploring research methodologies, complex systems and alternative futures before developing your own Independent Research Project. Through a flexible combination of core and elective units, you learn to work with diverse forms of knowledge, stakeholders and perspectives, visualise near and deep futures, engage people in debate, and develop purposeful strategies for more sustainable futures. Alongside your independent project, you build professional and entrepreneurial skills to help take your ideas into real-world contexts.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Research Methodologies, which introduces research and futures methodologies to support the imagination and realisation of alternative futures. You engage with diverse forms of knowledge, stakeholders and perspectives to develop a toolkit for future-focused research.
You also take Complex Systems, which explores complexity, wicked problems, systems thinking, theories of change and leverage points for design. You work with secondary data and qualitative insights to understand contexts, identify root causes and explore opportunities for transformation and value.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Envisioning Futures, combining futures methods with advanced digital and analogue envisioning techniques to bring near and deep futures to life from a multi-species perspective.
You also develop your Independent Research Project: Proposal, creating a research proposal that demonstrates the need for research, identifies gaps in knowledge and sets out how your proposed research will address them.
During this term, you 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 undertake your Independent Research Project, bringing together the knowledge and approaches developed throughout the programme to propose and realise a substantial body of work addressing the ambitions of your research and professional practice. Your project may be individual or collaborative and is supported through tutorials, seminars and forums, with opportunities to share and professionally disseminate your work.
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
MA
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
The Design Futures MA at the RCA equips you with research, strategic and entrepreneurial design skills to address complex social and environmental challenges through futures thinking. You develop a transdisciplinary approach to design practice, exploring research methodologies, complex systems and alternative futures before developing your own Independent Research Project. Through a flexible combination of core and elective units, you learn to work with diverse forms of knowledge, stakeholders and perspectives, visualise near and deep futures, engage people in debate, and develop purposeful strategies for more sustainable futures. Alongside your independent project, you build professional and entrepreneurial skills to help take your ideas into real-world contexts.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In Term 1, you take Research Methodologies, which introduces research and futures methodologies to support the imagination and realisation of alternative futures. You engage with diverse forms of knowledge, stakeholders and perspectives to develop a toolkit for future-focused research.
You also take Complex Systems, which explores complexity, wicked problems, systems thinking, theories of change and leverage points for design. You work with secondary data and qualitative insights to understand contexts, identify root causes and explore opportunities for transformation and value.
Term 2
In Term 2, you take Envisioning Futures, combining futures methods with advanced digital and analogue envisioning techniques to bring near and deep futures to life from a multi-species perspective.
You also develop your Independent Research Project: Proposal, creating a research proposal that demonstrates the need for research, identifies gaps in knowledge and sets out how your proposed research will address them.
During this term, you 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 undertake your Independent Research Project, bringing together the knowledge and approaches developed throughout the programme to propose and realise a substantial body of work addressing the ambitions of your research and professional practice. Your project may be individual or collaborative and is supported through tutorials, seminars and forums, with opportunities to share and professionally disseminate your work.
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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