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Are you applying to start in September 2026?
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Eligibility and key dates

Last updated 30 June 2025

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What you need to know before applying for one of our postgraduate programmes.

Eligibility

You'll need to fulfil specific academic criteria in order to apply for our programmes. Our programme pages explain the requirements for each programme.

You also need to meet English language requirements.

Graduate Diploma Art & Design

If you feel you are not quite prepared to apply for an Master's prorgamme, we invite you to apply for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design pre-Master’s programme. Applicants come from an variety of backgrounds and disciplines and all applications are evaluated on their individual merits.

Taught Master's

Candidates are selected entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world. The selection process will consider creativity, imagination and innovation as demonstrated in your portfolio, as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high Master's standards overall.

Postgraduate research

Our MPhil and PhD programmes welcome applications from candidates from across the world and of all ages, including those with academic and professional backgrounds.

Key dates for applications for 2025 entry

Graduate Diploma

Applications are currently open for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design intake in September 2025. The application deadline is 9 August 2025 at 12 noon (BST).

To apply, email us at [email protected]

Master’s, MPhil and PhD programmes

Applications for Master’s, MPhil and PhD programmes for September 2025 entry are now closed. Applications of the 2026 intake will open in Autumn 2025. If you are considering applying to start in September 2026, you can register your interest for updates on admissions dates, application advice and events.

Round 3 - Closed

Application open: 26 March 2025
Final deadline: 30 June 2025, 12 noon BST
Notification of outcome: Within eight weeks of application

Round 2 - Closed

Application open: 13 January 2025
Deadline: 26 March 2025, 12 noon GMT
Notification of outcome: Within eight weeks of application

Round 1 - Closed

Applications open: 28 October 2024
Deadline: 13 January 2025, 12 noon GMT
Notification of outcome: from 20 January 2025

If you receive an offer, you must accept your offer and pay your deposit within three weeks to secure your place.

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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.
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Graduate Diploma application process

Apply for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design with intakes in January, May and September.
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Master's application process

Ready to apply for a Master's at the RCA? Find out about our application process here.
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MPhil/PhD application process

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

Find out about fees, scholarships and progression discounts, as well as advice and support on how to fund your studies.
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Teaching dates & College hours

These are the periods during which teaching, assessment, any public exhibitions, the library and both supported and supervised technical services are fully operational.

Contact us

Get in touch if you'd like to find out more about studying at the RCA.

Register your interest with us here
RCAfe Terrace, with views of the Royal Albert Hall