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Key details

Date

  • 1 November 2022

Read time

  • 1 minute
Students soldering in workshop


Why choose the RCA?


Teaching and research expertise

  • The opportunity to learn from world-leading academic staff. We are the only UK art and design university where all academics are research active – meaning everything we teach is related to cutting-edge research.

Renowned alumni

  • Our 20,000 alumni are leaders in their disciplines, making national and international headlines. Alumni include Henry Moore, Bridget Riley, David Hockney, Sir Ridley Scott, Sir Frank Bowling, Sir James Dyson, Tracey Emin, Sir David Adjaye, Philip Treacy, Christopher Bailey and Thomas Heatherwick.

Creative networks

  • The RCA is the world’s largest concentration of postgraduate artists and designers, representing the largest talent-base and most opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration available at Master’s and doctoral level.

Global hub

  • A central London location internationally renowned for creativity, culture and innovation with easy access to the rest of the UK and Europe to complete your international experience.

Where do...

Team Shellworks, 2021


Engineers grow new materials from bacteria?

Shellworks was co-founded by RCA alumni to create a plastic-free future. They work with bacteria to produce materials that are truly compostable, aesthetic, performant and cost competitive.


Learn more

OR_BITAL_BLOOM data-driven artworks


Artists generate gardens from data?

Orbital Bloom is a virtual garden that combines data reporting with the creativity of digital arts, algorithmic tracking, and AI to incentivise and express meaningful climate action.


Learn more

Our Schools

Collaborate and gain an unparalleled opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary design practice and research.

Explore the School of Architecture

Bridges research and study in the fine and applied arts together with curating, writing and the history of design.

Explore the School of Arts and Humanities

Develops the critical tools needed to amplify marginalised voices and connect people in supporting positive change.

Explore the School of Communication

Engage with design on multiple levels, from the highly conceptual to the deeply practical, with a strong culture of innovation, experimentation and debate.

Explore the School of Design

Useful links

Find your path to joining the Royal College of Art

Application process

Secure your place

Whether you have a creative background or you’re a career-changer – become part of our global network of innovators.

Enquire now
Student in painting studio