Overview

By bringing theory, methods and practice into dialogue, the programme helps you develop experimental and practice-led research skills across Architecture, Communication, Design, Fine Art and Experimental Humanities. You will develop your own research direction through interdisciplinary dialogue, supported by research-active practitioners, historians, curators, designers and artists. The Research at the Royal College of Art encourages collaboration, flexibility and experimentation, enabling you to build a research identity rooted in art and design thinking and develop a substantial independent research project, either practice- or thesis-based.

Key facts

Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.

The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.

For 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe..

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Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Term 1

In term 1, you take Research Methods Part 1: Developing Research Questions, which supports you in articulating concise research questions and developing an interdisciplinary toolkit of conceptual, analytical, technical and theoretical research methods.

Term 2

In term 2, you take Research Methods Part 2: Developing a Research Proposal, where you develop a research proposal that mirrors a PhD application, defining your aims, context and methodology alongside an annotated bibliography and research reference repository.

Term 3

In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, applying your accumulated research skills to develop a substantial independent project. You can pursue either a practice-based or thesis-based project, with the practice-based route combining an original body of work with a connected thesis, while the thesis-based route develops an extended written research project.

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-23 00:00:00

More details

Round 1 deadline: Friday 8 January 2027 (12:00)
Round 2 deadline: Tuesday 23 March 2027 (12:00

Language

English

PTE Academic

59

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Design Educational Research Data Science & Big Data View 121 other Masters in Educational Research 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

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

RCA welcomes 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

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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

39250 GBP / year

≈ 39250 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

15600 GBP / year

≈ 15600 GBP / year

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.

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 Research.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Key facts

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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