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
- Art & Design Graduate Diploma (options to study on-campus, on-line or hybrid)
Master’s degrees
- Communication MFA (on-campus; options to study full-time or part-time)
- Creative Education MEd (options to study full-time or part-time; on-campus or hybrid)
- Design Practice MArch (on-campus; options to study full-time or part-time)
Research degrees
- 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.
Would you like to speak to an advisor?
Full-time and Part-time study options
We understand that pursuing a postgraduate degree while maintaining a career or other commitments can be challenging. All our Master's and Research degrees with a January start can be taken part-time, allowing you to balance your academic pursuits with your personal and professional responsibilities.
Our part-time programmes are designed to provide you with the same high-quality education as our full-time equivalents, while giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits you. Our world-renowned faculty of academics and practitioners will guide you through your studies, providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel in your chosen field.
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.
Graduate Diploma Art & Design
- Online Study Day: Wednesday 22 October, 2pm BST
- On-campus open day: Wednesday 15 October
MFA Communication
- On-campus open day: Thursday 6 November
- Online Portfolio Q&A: Monday 27 October, 12pm GMT
MArch Design Practice
- School of Architecture: Tuesday 4 November
- Online Portfolio Q&A: Wednesday 5 November, 10am GMT
MPhil/PhD
Watch the recordings from previous Online Open Days
