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The MRes Master of Research is an interdisciplinary programme at the RCA that equips you with the intellectual, technical and professional tools needed for PhDlevel study or advanced research roles in industry. By blending theory, methods, and practice, the programme helps you to develop experimental and practiceled research skills. You will choose a specialism among Architecture, Communication, Design, Fine Art and Experimental Humanities, and be assigned a supervisor to help you shape your independent, creative research project, whether it is thesis or practicebased. The MRes encourages collaboration, flexibility, and experimentation, enabling you to interrogate your discipline through crossdisciplinary dialogue and to build a research identity rooted in art and design thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Methods Part 1: Developing Research Questions, which supports you in articulating research themes by interrogating your practice and developing a toolkit of interdisciplinary research methods.
You also take Research in Practice Part 1: Testing and Experimenting, where you explore and experiment with your research questions using both theoretical and practice-based approaches.
Alongside these, you select a college-wide elective, choosing from units across other RCA schools.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Methods Part 2: Developing a Research Proposal, which involves writing a research proposal that mirrors a PhD application, defining your aims, context and methodology. You also take Research in Practice Part 2: Defining and Developing, developing and refining your practice-based approach as you move toward your final research. You take another college-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you apply your accumulated research skills to complete a substantial project, either practice-based or thesis-based, under the supervision of expert staff.
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
MRes
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MRes Master of Research is an interdisciplinary programme at the RCA that equips you with the intellectual, technical and professional tools needed for PhDlevel study or advanced research roles in industry. By blending theory, methods, and practice, the programme helps you to develop experimental and practiceled research skills. You will choose a specialism among Architecture, Communication, Design, Fine Art and Experimental Humanities, and be assigned a supervisor to help you shape your independent, creative research project, whether it is thesis or practicebased. The MRes encourages collaboration, flexibility, and experimentation, enabling you to interrogate your discipline through crossdisciplinary dialogue and to build a research identity rooted in art and design thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Methods Part 1: Developing Research Questions, which supports you in articulating research themes by interrogating your practice and developing a toolkit of interdisciplinary research methods.
You also take Research in Practice Part 1: Testing and Experimenting, where you explore and experiment with your research questions using both theoretical and practice-based approaches.
Alongside these, you select a college-wide elective, choosing from units across other RCA schools.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Methods Part 2: Developing a Research Proposal, which involves writing a research proposal that mirrors a PhD application, defining your aims, context and methodology. You also take Research in Practice Part 2: Defining and Developing, developing and refining your practice-based approach as you move toward your final research. You take another college-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you apply your accumulated research skills to complete a substantial project, either practice-based or thesis-based, under the supervision of expert staff.
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:
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
15,150 GBP
International
37,750 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:
Master of Research Mres
Battersea, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
37,750 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Programme overview
Main Subject
Art and Design
Degree
MRes
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MRes Master of Research is an interdisciplinary programme at the RCA that equips you with the intellectual, technical and professional tools needed for PhDlevel study or advanced research roles in industry. By blending theory, methods, and practice, the programme helps you to develop experimental and practiceled research skills. You will choose a specialism among Architecture, Communication, Design, Fine Art and Experimental Humanities, and be assigned a supervisor to help you shape your independent, creative research project, whether it is thesis or practicebased. The MRes encourages collaboration, flexibility, and experimentation, enabling you to interrogate your discipline through crossdisciplinary dialogue and to build a research identity rooted in art and design thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Methods Part 1: Developing Research Questions, which supports you in articulating research themes by interrogating your practice and developing a toolkit of interdisciplinary research methods.
You also take Research in Practice Part 1: Testing and Experimenting, where you explore and experiment with your research questions using both theoretical and practice-based approaches.
Alongside these, you select a college-wide elective, choosing from units across other RCA schools.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Methods Part 2: Developing a Research Proposal, which involves writing a research proposal that mirrors a PhD application, defining your aims, context and methodology. You also take Research in Practice Part 2: Defining and Developing, developing and refining your practice-based approach as you move toward your final research. You take another college-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you apply your accumulated research skills to complete a substantial project, either practice-based or thesis-based, under the supervision of expert staff.
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
MRes
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MRes Master of Research is an interdisciplinary programme at the RCA that equips you with the intellectual, technical and professional tools needed for PhDlevel study or advanced research roles in industry. By blending theory, methods, and practice, the programme helps you to develop experimental and practiceled research skills. You will choose a specialism among Architecture, Communication, Design, Fine Art and Experimental Humanities, and be assigned a supervisor to help you shape your independent, creative research project, whether it is thesis or practicebased. The MRes encourages collaboration, flexibility, and experimentation, enabling you to interrogate your discipline through crossdisciplinary dialogue and to build a research identity rooted in art and design thinking.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Research Methods Part 1: Developing Research Questions, which supports you in articulating research themes by interrogating your practice and developing a toolkit of interdisciplinary research methods.
You also take Research in Practice Part 1: Testing and Experimenting, where you explore and experiment with your research questions using both theoretical and practice-based approaches.
Alongside these, you select a college-wide elective, choosing from units across other RCA schools.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Research Methods Part 2: Developing a Research Proposal, which involves writing a research proposal that mirrors a PhD application, defining your aims, context and methodology. You also take Research in Practice Part 2: Defining and Developing, developing and refining your practice-based approach as you move toward your final research. You take another college-wide elective.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you apply your accumulated research skills to complete a substantial project, either practice-based or thesis-based, under the supervision of expert staff.
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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