Overview

The MA Textiles at the RCA operates at the creative interface between materials, making and meaning. Practice-led research is at the heart of the programme: you ‘think through making’ by experimenting with materials and processes in both physical and digital domains. The community brings together commercial designers, craft practitioners, gallery-based makers and smart textiles innovators. Through individual initiatives, collaborative work, and interdisciplinary projects, you develop a unique creative identity. With a focus on radical experimentation, material exploration and transformation, the programme embraces a non-linear, conceptual approach, and values accidental and incidental discovery. You critically engage with all aspects of the discipline and work with responsibility and ethical values.

Programme Structure

In Term 1 you take Textiles Alchemy, building foundational skills through research, experimentation, and exploration of colour, materials, and processes, while reflecting critically on your material choices.

In Term 2, Textiles Make deepens your practice through lectures, workshops, technical inductions, and independent study, developing specialist skills and engaging with debates in textiles, including sustainability, future materials, identity, and manufacturing. You also take the school-wide unit Grand Challenge, addressing a “wicked” design problem through cross-disciplinary collaboration.

In Term 3, the Independent Research Project defines and delivers your own body of work, culminating in a public event (Textiles Festival) presenting and reflecting on your MA-level practice.

AcrossRCA in Terms 1–2 enables collaboration on themed projects addressing cultural, social, environmental, or economic issues.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-03 00:00:00

More details

Applications are now open for September 2026 entry. Round 2 application deadline: 17 March 2026, 12:00 (UK time). Round 3 deadline: Wednesday 3 June 2026(12:00)

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Design Fashion, Textiles and Luxury Goods Fashion Design View 394 other Masters in Design in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives.
As part of your application, you may need to submit:
- A portfolio showcasing your work and artistic vision.
- A personal statement (around 300 words) describing your interests, motivations, and future goals.
- An introduction video (maximum 2 minutes) to introduce yourself and explain your artistic approach and project ideas.
To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register.
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

39200 GBP / year

≈ 39200 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

15600 GBP / year

≈ 15600 GBP / year

Additional Details

Please refer to the programe webpage for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees, deposits, and additional costs for both home and overseas/ EU students

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

RCA offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support postgraduate study, including a variety of tuition fee and living cost scholarships.

Beyond financial support, many of these scholarships also provide networking opportunities with peers, partnership organisations and professional bodies to enhance your experience.

You can find more information about available scholarships and their eligibility criteria here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/funding-your-studies/rca-scholarships-and-awards/

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Textiles.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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