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The MA Design Products at the RCA explores new terrain for designing products by critically questioning “what is a product?” and evolving new design disciplines and practices. With an ethos that embraces ideas such as circularity, multi-species design, design justice and decolonising design, you experiment across research-based tools and cross domain methods to synthesize context, creativity and technical delivery. You collaborate with industry, startups, governments and global agencies to measure impact against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while developing a personal portfolio through project-based units, culminating in an independent research project in Term 3.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Locating Practice, which helps you situate your design identity in the contemporary design products landscape by developing research skills and identifying technical and intellectual areas for growth. You also take Experimental Design, exploring a wide spectrum of experimentation from materials and making to futures, participation, technology and social methods.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Advanced Practice, deepening your creative methods through specialist focus.
In the same term, you participate in the Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit involving a “wicked” design problem that requires a cross disciplinary approach, often working
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you independently develop and deliver a high-resolution design project that integrates your experimentation, research and creative development.
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 Design Products at the RCA explores new terrain for designing products by critically questioning “what is a product?” and evolving new design disciplines and practices. With an ethos that embraces ideas such as circularity, multi-species design, design justice and decolonising design, you experiment across research-based tools and cross domain methods to synthesize context, creativity and technical delivery. You collaborate with industry, startups, governments and global agencies to measure impact against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while developing a personal portfolio through project-based units, culminating in an independent research project in Term 3.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Locating Practice, which helps you situate your design identity in the contemporary design products landscape by developing research skills and identifying technical and intellectual areas for growth. You also take Experimental Design, exploring a wide spectrum of experimentation from materials and making to futures, participation, technology and social methods.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Advanced Practice, deepening your creative methods through specialist focus.
In the same term, you participate in the Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit involving a “wicked” design problem that requires a cross disciplinary approach, often working
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you independently develop and deliver a high-resolution design project that integrates your experimentation, research and creative development.
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
15,450 GBP
International
38,650 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 Products MA
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
38,650 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 Design Products at the RCA explores new terrain for designing products by critically questioning “what is a product?” and evolving new design disciplines and practices. With an ethos that embraces ideas such as circularity, multi-species design, design justice and decolonising design, you experiment across research-based tools and cross domain methods to synthesize context, creativity and technical delivery. You collaborate with industry, startups, governments and global agencies to measure impact against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while developing a personal portfolio through project-based units, culminating in an independent research project in Term 3.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Locating Practice, which helps you situate your design identity in the contemporary design products landscape by developing research skills and identifying technical and intellectual areas for growth. You also take Experimental Design, exploring a wide spectrum of experimentation from materials and making to futures, participation, technology and social methods.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Advanced Practice, deepening your creative methods through specialist focus.
In the same term, you participate in the Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit involving a “wicked” design problem that requires a cross disciplinary approach, often working
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you independently develop and deliver a high-resolution design project that integrates your experimentation, research and creative development.
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 Design Products at the RCA explores new terrain for designing products by critically questioning “what is a product?” and evolving new design disciplines and practices. With an ethos that embraces ideas such as circularity, multi-species design, design justice and decolonising design, you experiment across research-based tools and cross domain methods to synthesize context, creativity and technical delivery. You collaborate with industry, startups, governments and global agencies to measure impact against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while developing a personal portfolio through project-based units, culminating in an independent research project in Term 3.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Locating Practice, which helps you situate your design identity in the contemporary design products landscape by developing research skills and identifying technical and intellectual areas for growth. You also take Experimental Design, exploring a wide spectrum of experimentation from materials and making to futures, participation, technology and social methods.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Advanced Practice, deepening your creative methods through specialist focus.
In the same term, you participate in the Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit involving a “wicked” design problem that requires a cross disciplinary approach, often working
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you independently develop and deliver a high-resolution design project that integrates your experimentation, research and creative development.
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
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