New degrees for 2023 entry
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The RCA’s new MArch, MFA, MDes and MEd qualifications offer students the chance to develop new skills and improve career prospects, whilst pursuing their professional passions and developing further specialisations in their field. Full- and part-time options are available.
These qualifications would most benefit those with professional experience or students who have completed initial postgraduate study and now want to deepen their expertise, although applications for some qualifications will be open to those coming straight from undergraduate study.
- Arts & Humanities MFA
- Communication MFA
- Creative Education MEd
- Design Futures MDes
- Design Practice MArch
- Master of Research MRes
Each programme will provide you with the opportunity to extend professional networks and to locate your professional work in the context of your study. Teaching will be delivered by a combination of core and elective areas of study, which will include an extended research project, and may also include work-based learning such as placements or action research projects.
Students of these new qualifications are encouraged to consider themselves part of an interdisciplinary network of students spread across the RCA's Schools and programmes will stress the importance of opportunities to network and collaborate with peers in different areas.
Full and part time study routes are on offer with more flexible delivery methods such as burst mode study.
Watch our online Q&A event
Find out more about these programmes by watching the replay of our online Q&A from May 2023.
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What is the difference between an MA and an MFA or MDes?
The MFA and MDes awards will allow you to extend your practice in an interdisciplinary and professionally-focussed context while also providing the opportunity to tailor your curriculum through the provision of a suite of College-wide electives.
What is the difference between an MFA/MDes and an MRes?
An MRes has a greater focus on research, fostering innovative thinking and equipping students for PhD-level study or professional industry research roles.
What technical support and access to studio space do I receive?
This will vary from programme to programme, so do look closely at your programme specifications. However, given the professional focus of these programmes, participants are expected to have an established working practice that does not rely solely on the College’s space and technical resources.
How and when can I apply?
Applications are open and are assessed on a rolling basis. Programme requirements will vary from programme to programme, so do read the information on the application portal carefully. We encourage you to apply as early as possible, as programmes do fill up.
What scholarships or bursaries are available?
The RCA Career Progression Bursary supports mid-career applicants with no prior connection to the RCA with a partial fee bursary, and is available for UK applicants to the Creative Education MEd, Communication MFA, Master of Research RCA MRes, Design Futures MDes, Arts & Humanities MFA, Design Practice MArch.
Preference is given to applicants who are 50+; returning after a career break; career changers; parents returning to work; or those with a diagnosed physical or sensory disability.
Bursaries of £3,500 each, awarded as a fee discount, on a first-come, first-served basis. Pro rata for part-time.
There are a limited number of bursaries available and they will be awarded in order of those who apply, so we encourage you to make your application as soon as possible.
Our new degrees
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If you would like to find out more about studying at the RCA, or have a specific question, register your interest and we'll be in touch with information about your programme of interest.
