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RCA2020 identity toolkit

How to apply to study at the RCA

RCA2020 identity toolkit, George Dutton, Philip Veech and Sean Steed

Find out more about our academic requirements, application process and fees.

Our application process explained

If you're a prospective student and have a question about applying to the RCA, contact the student enquiries team at [email protected], call +44 (0)20 7590 4537 or WhatsApp: +44 07789 562 134.
Emma Harriet Wright. MA Textiles, 2021

Eligibility and key dates

What you need to know before applying for one of our postgraduate programmes.
Tian Gao, Graduate Diploma

Graduate Diploma application process

Ready to apply for our Graduate Diploma? Find out about our application process here.
Animation show

Master's application process

Ready to apply for an MA, MArch, MDes, MEd, MFA or MRes at the RCA? Find out about our application process here.
Studio space, Stevens Building

MPhil/PhD application process

Ready to apply for an MPhil or PhD progamme at the RCA? Find out about our application process here.
Phonebox on Chelsea Bridge

English language requirements

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate that you have a reasonable knowledge of the English language to study at the Royal College of Art.
Online portfolio week

Portfolio and video advice

Your portfolio is an important part of your application to the Royal College of Art. Find out what we’re looking for and best practice for building a strong digital portfolio.

More information

Everything you need to know as a new or prospective student.

Applying to join us in 2026?

Sign up to find out more about the RCA

Darwin Building, Kensington

Programme finder

Explore the programmes we offer, from MA, MRes, MPhil and PhD degrees to our Graduate Diploma and short courses.

Inside the Jewellery & Metal workshop (photo: Richard Haughton)

Open events

Our open events are an excellent way for you to learn more about what to expect from studying at the RCA. Join us on-campus, online, across the UK and abroad.

Royal College of Art students at Battersea

The RCA experience

Studying at the RCA is the starting point for the world's creative leaders; those who redefine what should come next.

Grand Challenge 2019

Fees

Guide

Find out about fees, scholarships, support and potential funding sources.

Cellul air

Facilities

Guide

The Royal College of Art provides the infrastructure, discipline-specific tooling and support for students to master the skills for their particular aesthetic and approach.

Kilns, Woo Building

Learning environment

Guide

Discover what makes studying at the RCA unique.

Working in the Fashion studios
Executive Education

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Short Courses

Gain access to teaching and research from academics at the number 1 university for art & design in the world, plus industry-leading leading guest speakers, with our impressive multi-disciplinary portfolio of short courses, summer schools and executive masterclasses.

RCA Creative Leadership short course

Executive Education

Guide

Online and in person executive masterclasses providing critical business skills, covering topics such as design thinking, creative leadership, entrepreneurship and service design.

Executive education

Custom Executive Education

Guide

We deliver senior-level custom executive education programmes for business, government, the public sector and universities globally.

Custom Executive Education for the National University of Singapore, 2023