A research degree is an independent programme of work involving the thorough study of a research topic. The first step in applying to do a research degree at the RCA is to approach the Research Co-ordinator responsible for the programme in which you want to study (please note that some programmes offer different avenues for applying - see Subject-area Requirements for details). If your research is interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary and you are uncertain as to which programme to apply we suggest that you e-mail your proposal to the research co-ordinator in each of the relevant programmes, see Research Coordinators.

You might find it helpful to consider the following issues when completing your research proposal:

• What is your particular research question, hypothesis or area?
• How do you propose to address this question or to develop the field (what is your methodology?)
• How do you see your work in the wider context of the discipline? How does it relate to existing work in the area?

At the RCA it is possible to pursue a research degree through thesis only study or through a combination of studio-based and thesis study. If you are proposing to undertake a studio-based research degree, how will the studio and written work relate to each other? If you are proposing to undertake a PhD, what is the original contribution to knowledge and understanding? How do you propose to reflect upon or analyse critically your approach to the project?

Following initial feedback from the Research Co-ordinator, applicants may then be encouraged to submit a formal application. Applicants for MPhil and PhD who are selected on the basis of their application form will be invited to attend an interview at the College.

Research Methods Course Attendance

Please note that students are accepted onto the MPhil register, for at least one year full-time study, prior to successful transfer onto the PhD register.  A key component of this transfer process is mandatory completion of the Research Methods Course (RMC) during their first year of study. The RMC is run on every Wednesday during term-time and applicants are urged to consider this time commitment prior to completing their application form.

Funding

Please note that while MPhil students are eligible for the RCA bursary scheme, PhD students are not. PhD students may be offered part-time teaching, demonstration or research work, for which payment may be made according to College guidelines. The College accepts applications to the AHRC Doctoral Awards scheme – see link below. International students should contact educational support organisations in their home country for advice on funding.

How to Apply

For more information on how to apply for a research degree click here