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Ranked for 11 consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a creative professional. Committed to creating the next generation of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The broad range of disciplines on offer is based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a unique and transformative experience. *QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025)
About Royal College of Art
"The RCA was all about brain expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a richer experience." - Lucy Hardcastle, Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from the world’s number one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.
We attract the most talented students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of their fields.
“I learned how to work with people and with communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’ has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
- Rashmi Bidasaria, Design Products MA
About Royal College of Art
Ranked for 11 consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a creative professional. Committed to creating the next generation of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The broad range of disciplines on offer is based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a unique and transformative experience. *QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025)
About Royal College of Art
"The RCA was all about brain expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a richer experience." - Lucy Hardcastle, Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from the world’s number one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.
We attract the most talented students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of their fields.
“I learned how to work with people and with communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’ has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
Admissions requirements vary slightly depending on the program. Candidates are selected for places entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world.
For the majority of programs the first part of the entrance examination consists of an assessment of the application and portfolio of work, followed by an interview. For some programs this will also include a a practical test.
Open Days are great opportunity to visit the RCA and are usually held between November and March of each academic year. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and students, find out detailed information about our Programmes and view our campus and facilities. Forthcoming Open Day dates can be found on the website here.
We would also recommend coming along to our annual graduate Shows which take place in June/July each year. The Show offers visitors the opportunity to meet graduating students and experience their work first-hand.
Our facilities and technical equipment are amongst the best of their kind in the world and support students in their explorations of the creative possibilities of both the new and innovative and traditional craft skills.
Student life
Our Global Creative Community
Students come to the College from across the globe and bring with them a wide range of backgrounds, educational approaches and experiences - due to the cross-disciplinary nature of our work, and our growing range of courses, nearly 25% of students now come to the RCA with a Bachelor's degree in a subject other than art and design. Studying here means you'll be part of a network of inspiring students in a city known for creative culture, and part of the RCA’s rich history since its formation in 1837. Both the RCA and London as a whole are hubs of activity; full of places where you can socialise, explore and make new discoveries. Our London campus is spread throughout the heart of one of the world’s most creative cities, with sites in the historic surroundings of Kensington, the future-thinking hub of White City, and the cultural quarter in Battersea.
“I think it's a pretty magical space, with this energy that you most likely don't get again in life. You work next to like-minded people and you can immediately talk about things, exchange thoughts, and push your practice further. It's motivating to come back every day and see everyone. It’s different from having a studio by yourself.” - Theresa Weber, Sculpture MA
Alumni from all programs and generations at the Royal College of Art continue to play an instrumental role in defining art and design as we know it. Every year scores of RCA alumni are recognised around the world as innovators and leaders in their disciplines, making headlines on both a national and international scale. From established alumni such as Christopher Bailey, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Asif Kapadia, and Ridley Scott to more recent graduates such as Saul Nash, Judah Armani, Lewis Hornby, Phoebe Cummings and Roland Lamb – all are leading thinkers, makers and researchers transforming the world through art and design.
Cost of Living
Accomodation
$27,790
Food
$3,330
Transport
$2,870
Utilities
$5,480
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:
Royal College of Art
Kensington, London United Kingdom
# 1QS WUR Ranking By Subject
38Undergrad. & Postgrad. Programmes
About Royal College of Art
Ranked for 11 consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a creative professional. Committed to creating the next generation of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The broad range of disciplines on offer is based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a unique and transformative experience. *QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025)
About Royal College of Art
"The RCA was all about brain expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a richer experience."
- Lucy Hardcastle, Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from the world’s number one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.
We attract the most talented students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of their fields.
“I learned how to work with people and with communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’ has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
- Rashmi Bidasaria, Design Products MA
About Royal College of Art
Ranked for 11 consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university*, the Royal College of Art’s postgraduate programmes enable you to tackle complex issues, push the boundaries of your practice, build your networks and find your voice as a creative professional. Committed to creating the next generation of artists, designers, architects, communicators, researchers, creators and innovators, the RCA’s world-leading academic staff will guide and challenge you to push the boundaries of your practice. As the world’s largest community of postgraduate-only art and design students, you will be part of a collective of inspirational creative peers opening up opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The broad range of disciplines on offer is based on a strong foundation of practice-based research and integrates STEAM subjects - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - providing a unique and transformative experience. *QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025)
About Royal College of Art
"The RCA was all about brain expansion and being exposed to things that I had never considered or thought of or had to deal with within my work. It very much felt like breaking down everything I already knew. Being able to learn in such an environment with such an amazing range of academic and technical staff, and the fact that everyone kind of came from a different background made it so much more of, so much of a richer experience."
- Lucy Hardcastle, Information Experience Design MA
Whatever your creative career aspirations, the RCA can help you realise them. A qualification from the world’s number one ranked university for Art & Design has proven invaluable to the careers and practice of thousands of graduates. You too could be part of our international network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the world surrounding us, and address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.
We attract the most talented students who come to us as the world’s most influential postgraduate art and design school to have access to leading faculty and push the boundaries of their fields.
“I learned how to work with people and with communities, just understanding different points of view and bringing that together. Coming to RCA with the idea of: ‘What are the things I could make?’ has completely shifted to: ‘How can we get together and make things?’
- Rashmi Bidasaria, Design Products MA
Available programmes
Art & Design Graduate Diploma
Art & Design Graduate Diploma
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Digital Direction MA
Digital Direction MA
Fashion MA
Fashion MA
Interior Design MA
Interior Design MA
Arts and Humanities (2)
Architecture MA
Architecture MA
Art & Design Graduate Diploma
Art & Design Graduate Diploma
Ceramics & Glass MA
Ceramics & Glass MA
City Design MA
City Design MA
Contemporary Art Practice MA
Contemporary Art Practice MA
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Curating Contemporary Art MA
Design Products MA
Design Products MA
Environmental Architecture MA
Environmental Architecture MA
Fashion MA
Fashion MA
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 (Experimental Humanities specialism)
Master of Research RCA MRes (Experimental Humanities 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
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
University information
Admissions requirements vary slightly depending on the program. Candidates are selected for places entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world.
For the majority of programs the first part of the entrance examination consists of an assessment of the application and portfolio of work, followed by an interview. For some programs this will also include a a practical test.
You should be able to meet both the cross-college requirements and individual program Requirements. Please visit the website for more details.
Open Days
Open Days are great opportunity to visit the RCA and are usually held between November and March of each academic year. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and students, find out detailed information about our Programmes and view our campus and facilities. Forthcoming Open Day dates can be found on the website here.
We would also recommend coming along to our annual graduate Shows which take place in June/July each year. The Show offers visitors the opportunity to meet graduating students and experience their work first-hand.
Find out more at www.rca.ac.uk
Our facilities and technical equipment are amongst the best of their kind in the world and support students in their explorations of the creative possibilities of both the new and innovative and traditional craft skills.
Student life
Our Global Creative Community
Students come to the College from across the globe and bring with them a wide range of backgrounds, educational approaches and experiences - due to the cross-disciplinary nature of our work, and our growing range of courses, nearly 25% of students now come to the RCA with a Bachelor's degree in a subject other than art and design. Studying here means you'll be part of a network of inspiring students in a city known for creative culture, and part of the RCA’s rich history since its formation in 1837. Both the RCA and London as a whole are hubs of activity; full of places where you can socialise, explore and make new discoveries.
Our London campus is spread throughout the heart of one of the world’s most creative cities, with sites in the historic surroundings of Kensington, the future-thinking hub of White City, and the cultural quarter in Battersea.
“I think it's a pretty magical space, with this energy that you most likely don't get again in life. You work next to like-minded people and you can immediately talk about things, exchange thoughts, and push your practice further. It's motivating to come back every day and see everyone. It’s different from having a studio by yourself.” - Theresa Weber, Sculpture MA
Alumni from all programs and generations at the Royal College of Art continue to play an instrumental role in defining art and design as we know it. Every year scores of RCA alumni are recognised around the world as innovators and leaders in their disciplines, making headlines on both a national and international scale. From established alumni such as Christopher Bailey, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Asif Kapadia, and Ridley Scott to more recent graduates such as Saul Nash, Judah Armani, Lewis Hornby, Phoebe Cummings and Roland Lamb – all are leading thinkers, makers and researchers transforming the world through art and design.
Cost of Living
Accomodation
Food
Transport
Utilities
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:
Scholarships to study abroad
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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.
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.
Rankings & Ratings
Royal College of Art is one of the top public universities in London, United Kingdom. It is ranked #1 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2025.
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
QS WUR Ranking By Subject
Royal College of Art
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