Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
The Graduate Diploma at the Royal College of Art is a prestigious programme for curious and driven individuals ready to take their creative practice further. Whether you're from a creative or non-creative background, it provides a unique space between undergraduate study and a full Master’s that offers the time, structure, and freedom to commit more deeply to your work.
Choose from five specialisms: Communication, Design, Fashion & Textiles, Fine Art or Research
Begin the course when it suits you with start dates in January, May and September
Pick from on-campus, online or dual-learning modes of study
Through its interdisciplinary approach, breadth of technical facilities, and vibrant community of artists, thinkers, and expert practitioners, you’ll be challenged to experiment, collaborate, and expand your horizons.
On-campus Mode of Study
Like on-campus learning there is a set schedule of UK time zone classes, but with the cost-saving and study/life benefits that come with online learning. Online students engage fully alongside those studying in person. Following the same UK timetable, online students engage through online and hybridised approaches. Students’ practical engagement is supported through online technical support and the opportunity for students to engage with external facilities within their locality.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Online
The Graduate Diploma at the Royal College of Art is a prestigious programme for curious and driven individuals ready to take their creative practice further. Whether you're from a creative or non-creative background, it provides a unique space between undergraduate study and a full Master’s that offers the time, structure, and freedom to commit more deeply to your work.
Choose from five specialisms: Communication, Design, Fashion & Textiles, Fine Art or Research
Begin the course when it suits you with start dates in January, May and September
Pick from on-campus, online or dual-learning modes of study
Through its interdisciplinary approach, breadth of technical facilities, and vibrant community of artists, thinkers, and expert practitioners, you’ll be challenged to experiment, collaborate, and expand your horizons.
On-campus Mode of Study
Like on-campus learning there is a set schedule of UK time zone classes, but with the cost-saving and study/life benefits that come with online learning. Online students engage fully alongside those studying in person. Following the same UK timetable, online students engage through online and hybridised approaches. Students’ practical engagement is supported through online technical support and the opportunity for students to engage with external facilities within their locality.
Admission Requirements
5.5+
Prospective students are likely to be:
Those who have the required educational background to go on to Master’s study, but who require greater proficiency in the English language.
Those who do not have an undergraduate background in art and design, but who can demonstrate potential in their chosen discipline of study.
Those for whom their undergraduate studies did not adequately prepare them for Master’s study at the RCA
Those who would like to use the programme as a diagnostic experience to help them decide which area to specialise in at Master’s level.
05 Dec 2025
Jan
Domestic
7,150 GBP
International
15,250 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:
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
White City, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
15,250 GBPTuition Fee/year
05 Dec, 2025Application Deadline
Art and DesignMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Online
The Graduate Diploma at the Royal College of Art is a prestigious programme for curious and driven individuals ready to take their creative practice further. Whether you're from a creative or non-creative background, it provides a unique space between undergraduate study and a full Master’s that offers the time, structure, and freedom to commit more deeply to your work.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, breadth of technical facilities, and vibrant community of artists, thinkers, and expert practitioners, you’ll be challenged to experiment, collaborate, and expand your horizons.
On-campus Mode of Study
Like on-campus learning there is a set schedule of UK time zone classes, but with the cost-saving and study/life benefits that come with online learning. Online students engage fully alongside those studying in person. Following the same UK timetable, online students engage through online and hybridised approaches. Students’ practical engagement is supported through online technical support and the opportunity for students to engage with external facilities within their locality.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Online
The Graduate Diploma at the Royal College of Art is a prestigious programme for curious and driven individuals ready to take their creative practice further. Whether you're from a creative or non-creative background, it provides a unique space between undergraduate study and a full Master’s that offers the time, structure, and freedom to commit more deeply to your work.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, breadth of technical facilities, and vibrant community of artists, thinkers, and expert practitioners, you’ll be challenged to experiment, collaborate, and expand your horizons.
On-campus Mode of Study
Like on-campus learning there is a set schedule of UK time zone classes, but with the cost-saving and study/life benefits that come with online learning. Online students engage fully alongside those studying in person. Following the same UK timetable, online students engage through online and hybridised approaches. Students’ practical engagement is supported through online technical support and the opportunity for students to engage with external facilities within their locality.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students are likely to be:
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.
More programmes from the university
Digital Direction MA
Digital Direction MA
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Arts and Humanities (2)
Architecture MA
Architecture MA
Ceramics & Glass MA
Ceramics & Glass MA
City Design MA
City Design MA
Communication MFA (January 2026 intake)
Communication MFA (January 2026 intake)
Contemporary Art Practice MA
Contemporary Art Practice MA
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Design Practice MArch (January 2026 intake)
Design Practice MArch (January 2026 intake)
Design Products MA
Design Products MA
Environmental Architecture MA
Environmental Architecture MA
Fashion MA
Fashion MA
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online + on-campus)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc
Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc
Intelligent Mobility MA
Intelligent Mobility MA
Interior Design MA
Interior Design MA
Jewellery & Metal MA
Jewellery & Metal MA
Master of Research RCA MRes (Architecture specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Architecture specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Design specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Design specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Fine Art specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Fine Art specialism)
Painting MA
Painting MA
Photography MA
Photography MA
Print MA
Print MA
Sculpture MA
Sculpture MA
Service Design MA
Service Design MA
Textiles MA
Textiles MA
V&A/RCA History of Design MA
V&A/RCA History of Design MA
Writing MA
Writing MA
Social Sciences and Management (2)
Animation MA
Animation MA
Creative Education MEd (January 2026 intake)
Creative Education MEd (January 2026 intake)
Digital Direction MA
Digital Direction MA
Information Experience Design MA
Information Experience Design MA
Master of Research RCA MRes (Communication specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Communication specialism)
Visual Communication MA
Visual Communication MA
Arts and Humanities (4)
Architecture PhD
Architecture PhD
Arts & Humanities PhD
Arts & Humanities PhD
Design PhD
Design PhD
Intelligent Mobility PhD
Intelligent Mobility PhD
Engineering and Technology (4)
Computer Science PhD
Computer Science PhD
Robotics PhD
Robotics PhD
Natural Sciences (4)
Materials Science PhD
Materials Science PhD
Social Sciences and Management (4)
Communication PhD
Communication PhD
Graduate Diploma Art & Design (online)
Videos & media
Videos & media