Start a degree in January
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You don't have to wait until autumn 2026 to study with us. We offer you the opportunity to start some of our postgraduate courses in the new year – browse our courses below.
We understand that a September start date isn't practical for everyone. That's why the Royal College of Art offers many of our postgraduate programmes beginning in January. This option gives you the flexibility to start your studies when it works best for your life and career schedule, without having to wait a full year.
Programmes with a January start date
Pre-Master's
- Graduate Diploma Art & Design (options to study on-campus, on-line or hybrid)
Master’s degrees
- Communication MFA
- Creative Education MEd (options to study on-campus or hybrid)
- Design Practice MArch
Research degrees
- Ageing, Health & Inclusive Design MPhil/PhD
- Architecture MPhil/PhD
- Arts & Humanities MPhil/PhD (including History of Design)
- Communication MPhil/PhD
- Computer Science MPhil/PhD
- Design MPhil/PhD
- Intelligent Mobility MPhil/PhD
- Materials Science MPhil/PhD
- Robotics PhD
Can't start in January? All our programmes also offer September start dates.
Key dates
Application deadline: 5 December 2025, noon GMT
Term starts: 5 January 2026
We recommend you apply as early as possible to allow yourself plenty of time to receive and accept your offer and prepare to enrol, particularly if you will require a study visa.
Once you have submitted your application you should expect to hear the outcome within three weeks.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Pre-Sessional Course
Our pre-sessional courses can help you develop not only your English level, but also how you communicate and develop the academic skills needed for postgraduate education at the RCA.
If you have not reached the required level of IELTS 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in every component) to begin your Master's programme at the RCA, the College offers a 6-week EAP Pre-Sessional Course starting on 10 November 2025. An IELTS 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in every component) is required to join.
You can book your place by emailing [email protected] and use ‘EAP Pre-sessional Autumn course’ in the subject line.
Would you like to speak to an advisor?
How to apply
Your application consists of an initial upload of information (Stage 1), followed by your portfolio submission (stage 2).
Note:
- You can save your application and retrieve it later, so you do not have to complete it all in one go.
- Once you've submitted your application, we'll send you an Application Reference Number. This number should be quoted in all correspondence regarding your application.
- Please do not submit any information other than via the application portal as this may not be shared with the selection panels.
- You may not apply for the same programme more than once, and can apply for a maximum of two (2) different programmes in the 2025/26 admissions year.
Create an account
If you don’t yet have an account, you’ll need to create one so that we can process your application and keep you informed of progress.
Stage 1: Submit personal information
You will need to provide your personal details, date of birth and contact information. In addition, we'll ask you to provide:
- predicted or achieved performance in previous qualifications and/or evidence of equivalent professional experience
- evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language
- context in which qualifications have been achieved or are being completed
Once you have completed stage 1, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your portfolio.
Stage 2: Submit your portfolio
Once you've provided your basic information, we'll send you a link to submit your portfolio. Please review these requirements carefully before submitting your application.
Depending on your programme, this will include:
- A digital portfolio following the guidance provided. Depending on the programme, your portfolio may include files of your work and any written descriptions, explanations or justifications required.
- A 300-word written statement about your motivation to study on the programme (Graduate Diploma and Master's programmes) or a 1,000-word research proposal (MPhil/PhD).
- Complete the critical challenge – a short video, up to two minutes, of yourself talking to the camera about your personal creative journey (Graduate Diploma and Master's programmes only).
- One written reference.
Online and on-campus open days
Register for online and on-campus open days, portfolio Q&A sessions, campus tours and the chance to meet the RCA globally and in the UK.
MFA Communication
Online Portfolio Q&A: Monday 24 November, 12noon GMT
MArch Design Practice
- Online Portfolio Q&A: Wednesday 12 November, 10am GMT
Event Recordings
Watch the recordings from previous Online Open Days
