Overview

The MA Writing at the RCA helps you develop intellectual, literary and technical skills as a writer working within a creative university. Writing is seen as part of the world, not just about it, and the programme supports you to explore many forms and subjects often blending genres, approaches and experimentation. You will work with writers, editors, publishers and commissioners, complete live projects with partners, and build a critical, supportive writing community. The programme nurtures your growth not only as a better writer, but also as a better thinker, encouraging you to understand how writing engages with and shapes culture. By the end, you’ll produce a portfolio of practice and a substantial piece of writing supported by reflection and public facing presentation.

Programme Structure

In Term 1, you take Writing Studio, which focuses on developing your writing practice through workshops, one-to-one tutorials, and critical discussion, encouraging experimentation with form, style, and content.

In Term 2, you take Writing in Context, where you explore your practice in relation to professional, historical, and cultural contexts, deepening critical understanding of your work.

Also in term 2, you take Urgency of the Arts school-wide unit that explores how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent socio‑political issues.

In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, producing a major written work accompanied by reflective documentation, supported by critical feedback and professional guidance.

During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses 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

Creative Writing Liberal Arts Journalism View 107 other Masters in Journalism 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

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

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

32100 GBP / year

≈ 32100 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

14050 GBP / year

≈ 14050 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

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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.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

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

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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