How to apply

Apply now for study in September 2021

As our main application deadlines have now passed, please note that your application will be subject to the availability of places. Some programmes may only have waiting list places available. For complete programme information, including specific entry requirements and the application process, visit the links below. Programmes still accepting applications to start in September 2021 are:

Animation  | Architecture | Ceramics & Glass | City Design | Contemporary Art Practice | Curating Contemporary Art | Environmental Architecture | Fashion | Global Innovation Design | Healthcare & Design | History of Design | Information Experience Design | Innovation Design Engineering | Interior Design | Jewellery & Metal |  MRes RCA: Communication Design Pathway | MRes RCA: Design Pathway | MRes RCA: Fine Art & Humanities Pathway | Photography | Print | Sculpture | Service Design | Sculpture | Textiles | Intelligent Mobility |  Writing

Applications are also open for our  MPhil and PhD programmes. 

We encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a place. 

Programmes closed for new applications are: Design Products | Digital Direction | Interior Design | Information Experience Design (Experimental Design pathway only) | Painting | Visual Communication | MRes RCA: Architecture Pathway | Arts & Humanities MPhil/PhD | Communication MPhil/PhD | History of Design MPhil/PhD

Please note that programme information is updated annually, so do check current details before you make your application, even if you are already familiar with the programme and guidance for applicants. You can also see details of the application process for MA & MRes, MPhil & PhD, Graduate Diploma and post-experience programmes here.  

You can apply for your programme of interest via our online application portal.

Apply now to join the Graduate Diploma Art & Design

Applications will open for the January 2022 intake but have closed for the July 2021 intake of the Graduate Diploma Art & Design. Please complete an Enquiry to Study form to be informed when applications open for January 2022. 

Teaching and Learning in 2021/22

Health and safety are at the heart of all our decisions at the RCA. Our teaching approach for the next academic year, 2021/22, will continue to be informed by UK Government guidelines on Covid-19 especially with regard to access to our studios and onsite activity at our three campuses. We will continue to update offer holders as the situation develops.

Open Days

The RCA is currently offering online open days to allow potential students to find out more about the RCA experience, programmes, admissions and funding. Click here for details of forthcoming Open Days and links to recordings of previous events. Prospective students are also are encouraged to visit RCA2021, the online our graduate show in June-July 2021, and  Work-In-Progress show held in January 2021. to view student work.

International Students

Students from outside the UK can access specific guidance about visa applications, pre-arrival information, accommodation and funding your studies in International Student Support.

Tuition Fees and Funding

Click on the link for details of current Tuition fees and funding opportunities including the UK Government Postgraduate Loan Scheme. These pages will be updated regularly with current funding information, so do check back during your application process for updated information.

Where can the RCA take you? 

Find out how the RCA experience is helping graduates fulfill their career ambitions.

Entrance Requirements

For general entry requirements and guidance for applicants, see Entrance Requirements.

Research Degrees

Information about Research at the RCA, including subject-area research profiles, current MPhil and PhD research projects and funding is available under Research. 

Applicants for 2022 and beyond

If you are planning to apply to study an MA or MRes in 2022 or future years, and feel you need to enhance your critical and analytical skills development your English language skills (if relevant), art and design practice and portfolio, you may wish to consider:

• the Graduate Diploma Art & Design (January 2022 intake), or
• the Art & Design Portfolio Development online short course (starting 19 August) 

Office for Students Guidance for Prospective Postgraduate Students

The Office for Students guide Steps to Postgraduate Study provides information and resources for prospective Home and international students considering taught postgraduate courses. It highlights questions that students may wish to ask themselves and course providers about their study options, and provides links to where they may find answers.