How to apply

Apply now for study in September 2021

Applications are now open for our 2021 intakes. For complete programme information, including specific entry requirements, and student interviews, visit the links below. Programmes starting in September 2021 are:

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

We are also accepting applications for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design (January 2021 intake).

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 study in September 2020

Applications are still open for the September 2020 intake for the following programmes:

MA Contemporary Art Practice

MA Curating Contemporary Art

MA Environmental Architecture

MA/MSc Global Innovation Design (with Imperial College London)

MA History of Design (with the V&A)

MA Writing

MRes (Architecture, Communication Design, Design and Fine Arts & Humanities pathways)

MRes Healthcare & Design 

Research degrees

All other programmes are still accepting applications, but only have waiting list places available at this time. If you would like to complete your application as soon as possible for any other programme we, will consider it subject to the availability of places. Visit our Admissions Support webpages to find out more about teaching arrangements for autumn term 2020/21.

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

Learning and teaching in academic year 2020/21

We have published information on arrangement for learning and teaching in the 2020/21 academic year.  

EU students

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students applying to English universities for autumn 2020 entry will continue to benefit from the current system of postgraduate loans and pay the same fees as UK students, for the duration of their programme. EU nationals will also remain eligible to apply for Research Council PhD studentships at UK institutions for 2020 to help cover costs for the duration of their study. For more information, including frequently asked questions following the results of the UK Referendum held in June 2016, see EU Students. 

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. These pages will be updated regularly with current funding information, so do check back during your application process for updated information.

Government Postgraduate Loan Scheme 

£10,000 study loans available for MA, MPhil and MRes programmes at the RCA. Government loans are available to eligible Home students and EU students (for the 2020 intake only) resident within the UK. Click here for more details.

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. 

Office for Students Guidance for Prospective Postgraduate Students

The Office for Students guide Steps to Postgraduate Study provides information and resources for prospective UK, European Union 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.