Although small by comparison with most academic institutions in the UK, the College is linked formally and informally to an enormous range of external organisations including museums, public-sector bodies, business and industry.

The Royal College of Art is especially proud of its many links with leading universities and colleges of art. In 1990 the RCA became a charter member of Cumulus (the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media) and this has served to further develop the College’s international role and collaborations with its counterparts. Cumulus’s 140 member universities represent 41 different countries, supporting a dynamic and flexible forum that brings together top level educational institutions from all parts of the world.