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The MA Textiles at the RCA operates at the creative interface between materials, making and meaning. Practice-led research is at the heart of the programme: you ‘think through making’ by experimenting with materials and processes in both physical and digital domains. The community brings together commercial designers, craft practitioners, gallery-based makers and smart textiles innovators. Through individual initiatives, collaborative work, and interdisciplinary projects, you develop a unique creative identity. With a focus on radical experimentation, material exploration and transformation, the programme embraces a non-linear, conceptual approach, and values accidental and incidental discovery. You critically engage with all aspects of the discipline and work with responsibility and ethical values.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Textiles Alchemy, which lets you build foundational skills through research, experimentation, and exploration of colour, materials, and processes. You are encouraged to assess which techniques best support your emerging project and critically reflect on your material choices.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Textiles Make, where you deepen your making practice through lectures, workshops, technical inductions and independent study. You develop specialist skills and techniques and engage with debates in textiles covering topics like sustainability, future materials, identity, and manufacturing.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that asks you to work on a “wicked” design problem in a cross-disciplinary way, often with external partners.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, defining and delivering your own body of work. This culminates in a public event (Textiles Festival) where you present and reflect on your MA-level practice.
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 Textiles at the RCA operates at the creative interface between materials, making and meaning. Practice-led research is at the heart of the programme: you ‘think through making’ by experimenting with materials and processes in both physical and digital domains. The community brings together commercial designers, craft practitioners, gallery-based makers and smart textiles innovators. Through individual initiatives, collaborative work, and interdisciplinary projects, you develop a unique creative identity. With a focus on radical experimentation, material exploration and transformation, the programme embraces a non-linear, conceptual approach, and values accidental and incidental discovery. You critically engage with all aspects of the discipline and work with responsibility and ethical values.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Textiles Alchemy, which lets you build foundational skills through research, experimentation, and exploration of colour, materials, and processes. You are encouraged to assess which techniques best support your emerging project and critically reflect on your material choices.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Textiles Make, where you deepen your making practice through lectures, workshops, technical inductions and independent study. You develop specialist skills and techniques and engage with debates in textiles covering topics like sustainability, future materials, identity, and manufacturing.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that asks you to work on a “wicked” design problem in a cross-disciplinary way, often with external partners.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, defining and delivering your own body of work. This culminates in a public event (Textiles Festival) where you present and reflect on your MA-level practice.
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
15,600 GBP
International
39,200 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:
Textiles MA
Kensington, London, United Kingdom
# 1QS Subject Rankings
12 monthsProgramme duration
39,200 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 Textiles at the RCA operates at the creative interface between materials, making and meaning. Practice-led research is at the heart of the programme: you ‘think through making’ by experimenting with materials and processes in both physical and digital domains. The community brings together commercial designers, craft practitioners, gallery-based makers and smart textiles innovators. Through individual initiatives, collaborative work, and interdisciplinary projects, you develop a unique creative identity. With a focus on radical experimentation, material exploration and transformation, the programme embraces a non-linear, conceptual approach, and values accidental and incidental discovery. You critically engage with all aspects of the discipline and work with responsibility and ethical values.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Textiles Alchemy, which lets you build foundational skills through research, experimentation, and exploration of colour, materials, and processes. You are encouraged to assess which techniques best support your emerging project and critically reflect on your material choices.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Textiles Make, where you deepen your making practice through lectures, workshops, technical inductions and independent study. You develop specialist skills and techniques and engage with debates in textiles covering topics like sustainability, future materials, identity, and manufacturing.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that asks you to work on a “wicked” design problem in a cross-disciplinary way, often with external partners.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, defining and delivering your own body of work. This culminates in a public event (Textiles Festival) where you present and reflect on your MA-level practice.
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 Textiles at the RCA operates at the creative interface between materials, making and meaning. Practice-led research is at the heart of the programme: you ‘think through making’ by experimenting with materials and processes in both physical and digital domains. The community brings together commercial designers, craft practitioners, gallery-based makers and smart textiles innovators. Through individual initiatives, collaborative work, and interdisciplinary projects, you develop a unique creative identity. With a focus on radical experimentation, material exploration and transformation, the programme embraces a non-linear, conceptual approach, and values accidental and incidental discovery. You critically engage with all aspects of the discipline and work with responsibility and ethical values.
Programme structure:
Term 1
In term 1, you take Textiles Alchemy, which lets you build foundational skills through research, experimentation, and exploration of colour, materials, and processes. You are encouraged to assess which techniques best support your emerging project and critically reflect on your material choices.
Term 2
In term 2, you take Textiles Make, where you deepen your making practice through lectures, workshops, technical inductions and independent study. You develop specialist skills and techniques and engage with debates in textiles covering topics like sustainability, future materials, identity, and manufacturing.
Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that asks you to work on a “wicked” design problem in a cross-disciplinary way, often with external partners.
Term 3
In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, defining and delivering your own body of work. This culminates in a public event (Textiles Festival) where you present and reflect on your MA-level practice.
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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