Overview

The MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering (IDE) at the Royal College of Art, run jointly with Imperial College London for 40 years, this unique double Master’s programme in Innovative Design Engineering (IDE) will help you integrate design and engineering with science and enterprise. Past RCA IDE students have looked at everything from medical devices that manage health conditions to systems for protecting the environment against pollution.

Key facts

Transdisciplinary teamwork is at the core of our approach, encouraging collaboration with industry and a wide range of stakeholders. IDE nurtures a supportive, empathic culture – the IDE family – both during your studies and through our extensive alumni network.

We aim to create a new type of innovator capable of tackling the complex challenges faced by society and the planet. By the time you graduate, you’ll not only have the necessary technical skills but also be fiercely curious, open-minded, empathic, and analytical.

Follow in the footsteps of students and alumni who have won national and international awards, including the National James Dyson Award, which our students have won three years in a row. Notpla, co-founded by IDE students, won the Earthshot prize for creating a solution to the global plastic packaging problem.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

In phase 1, you take IDE Fundamentals; Transdisciplinary Practices; Cyber Physical Systems; Regenerative Materials; Structures & Aesthetics; and Impact. These units each involve a design-led project (sometimes with set briefs, sometimes self-initiated), where you generate imaginative ideas, build and test prototypes, simulate, and get feedback from expert stakeholders like engineers, designers and potential users.

In phase 2, you take Sustainable Systems and Agency & Implementation. This phase focuses on professional consolidation developing your individual and team identity, engaging with organisations, planning your own projects, and defining your pathway for the next phase.

In phase 3, you lead significant projects through team-based work, individual projects, and an elective module. You build leadership, technical and professional agency, and carve out a specialism aligned with your emerging interests under the guidance of tutors.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 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 Innovation Management Production and Manufacturing Engineering View 171 other Masters in Innovation Management 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

42900 GBP / year

≈ 42900 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

18500 GBP / year

≈ 18500 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.

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 Innovation Design Engineering.

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

Key facts

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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