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The MA Digital Direction at the RCA invites you to experiment at the intersection of storytelling, film, performance, games, installation and sound. You will explore how technologies like VR, AR, AI, game engines, spatial sound and mobile platforms shape immersive and interactive narrative experiences. Grounded in critical, cooperative and exploratory research, you learn to rethink what storytelling can be, and to use emerging media to address urgent social, environmental and ethical issues. Within a global community of makers and thinkers, you collaborate to develop inclusive, socially engaged stories, working across collective projects and through an independent research practice that questions how narratives connect with justice, identity, and the planet.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Critical Stories, which introduces foundational approaches to experimental storytelling, media ecologies, and communal narrative-making. You test and evaluate inclusive forms of digital storytelling by collaborating with peers, using responsive methods to reflect urgent concerns in contemporary culture.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Making Worlds with Others, where you collaborate with students from other disciplines to co-create a shared project. The unit emphasizes convivial knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and socially engaged storytelling.
You also take Immersive Enquiries, where you critically and experimentally work with immersive environments and interactive media to prototype storytelling using platforms like VR, AR, mobile and other time-based media.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, in which you develop a self-directed research-led practice. Your work should demonstrate how your storytelling methods and critical thinking respond to real-world concerns, while defining your future research direction and leadership in digital narrative.
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
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Digital Direction at the RCA invites you to experiment at the intersection of storytelling, film, performance, games, installation and sound. You will explore how technologies like VR, AR, AI, game engines, spatial sound and mobile platforms shape immersive and interactive narrative experiences. Grounded in critical, cooperative and exploratory research, you learn to rethink what storytelling can be, and to use emerging media to address urgent social, environmental and ethical issues. Within a global community of makers and thinkers, you collaborate to develop inclusive, socially engaged stories, working across collective projects and through an independent research practice that questions how narratives connect with justice, identity, and the planet.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Critical Stories, which introduces foundational approaches to experimental storytelling, media ecologies, and communal narrative-making. You test and evaluate inclusive forms of digital storytelling by collaborating with peers, using responsive methods to reflect urgent concerns in contemporary culture.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Making Worlds with Others, where you collaborate with students from other disciplines to co-create a shared project. The unit emphasizes convivial knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and socially engaged storytelling.
You also take Immersive Enquiries, where you critically and experimentally work with immersive environments and interactive media to prototype storytelling using platforms like VR, AR, mobile and other time-based media.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, in which you develop a self-directed research-led practice. Your work should demonstrate how your storytelling methods and critical thinking respond to real-world concerns, while defining your future research direction and leadership in digital narrative.
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:
Digital Direction MA
White City, London, United Kingdom
12 monthsProgramme duration
38,650 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Communication and Media StudiesMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Digital Direction at the RCA invites you to experiment at the intersection of storytelling, film, performance, games, installation and sound. You will explore how technologies like VR, AR, AI, game engines, spatial sound and mobile platforms shape immersive and interactive narrative experiences. Grounded in critical, cooperative and exploratory research, you learn to rethink what storytelling can be, and to use emerging media to address urgent social, environmental and ethical issues. Within a global community of makers and thinkers, you collaborate to develop inclusive, socially engaged stories, working across collective projects and through an independent research practice that questions how narratives connect with justice, identity, and the planet.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Critical Stories, which introduces foundational approaches to experimental storytelling, media ecologies, and communal narrative-making. You test and evaluate inclusive forms of digital storytelling by collaborating with peers, using responsive methods to reflect urgent concerns in contemporary culture.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Making Worlds with Others, where you collaborate with students from other disciplines to co-create a shared project. The unit emphasizes convivial knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and socially engaged storytelling.
You also take Immersive Enquiries, where you critically and experimentally work with immersive environments and interactive media to prototype storytelling using platforms like VR, AR, mobile and other time-based media.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, in which you develop a self-directed research-led practice. Your work should demonstrate how your storytelling methods and critical thinking respond to real-world concerns, while defining your future research direction and leadership in digital narrative.
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
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Digital Direction at the RCA invites you to experiment at the intersection of storytelling, film, performance, games, installation and sound. You will explore how technologies like VR, AR, AI, game engines, spatial sound and mobile platforms shape immersive and interactive narrative experiences. Grounded in critical, cooperative and exploratory research, you learn to rethink what storytelling can be, and to use emerging media to address urgent social, environmental and ethical issues. Within a global community of makers and thinkers, you collaborate to develop inclusive, socially engaged stories, working across collective projects and through an independent research practice that questions how narratives connect with justice, identity, and the planet.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Critical Stories, which introduces foundational approaches to experimental storytelling, media ecologies, and communal narrative-making. You test and evaluate inclusive forms of digital storytelling by collaborating with peers, using responsive methods to reflect urgent concerns in contemporary culture.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Making Worlds with Others, where you collaborate with students from other disciplines to co-create a shared project. The unit emphasizes convivial knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and socially engaged storytelling.
You also take Immersive Enquiries, where you critically and experimentally work with immersive environments and interactive media to prototype storytelling using platforms like VR, AR, mobile and other time-based media.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, in which you develop a self-directed research-led practice. Your work should demonstrate how your storytelling methods and critical thinking respond to real-world concerns, while defining your future research direction and leadership in digital narrative.
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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