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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.
Online + On-campus Mode of Study
Get the best of both on-campus and online study when you
combine them together with our Dual-learning mode of study option. Dual study enables you to study online in stage one and
join in person in stage two. This is designed to support students whose
external commitment are best met with a more flexible model.
Study structure
Stage 1 (15 weeks online)
Stage 2 (15 weeks on-campus)
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Blended
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.
Online + On-campus Mode of Study
Get the best of both on-campus and online study when you
combine them together with our Dual-learning mode of study option. Dual study enables you to study online in stage one and
join in person in stage two. This is designed to support students whose
external commitment are best met with a more flexible model.
Study structure
Stage 1 (15 weeks online)
Stage 2 (15 weeks on-campus)
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
10,200 GBP
International
21,800 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 + on-campus)
White City, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
21,800 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
Blended
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.
Online + On-campus Mode of Study
Get the best of both on-campus and online study when you combine them together with our Dual-learning mode of study option. Dual study enables you to study online in stage one and join in person in stage two. This is designed to support students whose external commitment are best met with a more flexible model.
Study structure
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
Other
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
Blended
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.
Online + On-campus Mode of Study
Get the best of both on-campus and online study when you combine them together with our Dual-learning mode of study option. Dual study enables you to study online in stage one and join in person in stage two. This is designed to support students whose external commitment are best met with a more flexible model.
Study structure
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.
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