Overview

The Graduate Diploma Art & Design at the RCA is a 30‑week, 120‑credit pre‑Master’s programme that provides a bridge between undergraduate study (or non-practical backgrounds) and a full Master’s. You choose one of five specialisms: Communication, Design, Fashion & Textiles, Fine Art, or Research. You study either on-campus, online, or through a mix of both. The programme is interdisciplinary, offering studio-based learning, access to technical facilities, and a supportive community of artists, thinkers and practitioners. Over two 15‑week blocks, you first explore broad themes and learning methods, then focus on developing a body of work and a portfolio. You’ll build a portfolio that prepares you for progression. Distinction guarantees entry to RCA MA and MRes programmes aligned with your specialism, subject to availability. Throughout, the programme emphasises independent learning, critical thinking, and the practices needed to develop your creative identity.

Programme Structure

Unit 1:Learning This runs throughout the programme and develops your critical and analytical thinking, while also supporting your English-language skills to the level needed for Master’s study.

Unit 2: Art & Design Practice You work on structured briefs or self-directed projects, exploring advanced art and design practice. The unit encourages open-ended investigation and discussion rather than fixed right/wrong outcomes.

Unit 3: Independent Art & Design Practice In the second half of the programme, you deepen into a self-directed practice. You take part in critiques and present works-in-progress, demonstrating maturity and clarity in your creative decision-making.

Unit 4: Portfolio Over the full 30 weeks, you compile a digital portfolio that reflects your skills, ideas and understanding of context. This portfolio supports your progression to a Master’s programme.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-05-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-10 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-03 00:00:00

More details

Applications for the May 2026 intake are now open. The application deadline is 10 April 2026 at 12 noon (BST).

Language

English

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Design Liberal Arts View 394 other Masters in Design in United Kingdom

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

21800 GBP / year

≈ 21800 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

10200 GBP / year

≈ 10200 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.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Arts and Design.

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

Our partners