Study at Royal College of Art

Location and student life

The RCA teaches on three campuses in London: South Kensington, Battersea and White City. The College has said it expects to end its White City lease in June 2027 and continue on two campuses at Kensington and Battersea. Students live across the capital and travel between sites on London's Underground, bus and rail networks. London gives students direct access to galleries, museums, studios and creative employers, and the RCA runs exhibitions, events and an annual showcase that open its buildings to the public. Demand for housing is strong and living costs are high, so the College advises students to arrange accommodation early.

Courses and subjects

The RCA is a postgraduate specialist, with teaching organised into schools spanning architecture, arts and humanities, communication and design. Its 28 subject areas include architecture, fashion, interior design, jewellery and metal, visual communication, contemporary art practice and creative education, taught as MA, MFA, MArch, MEd and MRes degrees, with MPhil and PhD routes for researchers. Applicants who want to change direction can take the Graduate Diploma pre-master's conversion course. International students whose English is below the required level can take English for Academic Purposes pre-sessional courses before starting their Master's.

Entry requirements for international students

Requirements vary by course, so check the exact criteria on the programme page before applying. Creative programmes assess applicants on a portfolio of work submitted through the RCA's applicant portal. Most Master's programmes ask international students for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. Those who fall short can take the College's English for Academic Purposes pre-sessional courses. Graduates with a 2.1 or above from a university in a majority English-speaking country within the last five years can be exempt. Research degrees may set additional requirements.

Accommodation

The RCA has no halls of its own. Instead it subscribes to the University of London Housing Services, which advises students on private rentals, contracts and staying safe in the London housing market. Most students rent privately or take rooms in privately managed student halls across London, which the College suggests budgeting £800 to £1,500 a month for. Start searching early, as demand in central London is strong.

Scholarships and funding

A named award for overseas students is the RCA President and Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship, worth £9,000 towards fees. Eligible applicants in early application rounds are assessed automatically and told of any award with their programme offer. The College publishes its full funding information on its scholarships and awards pages, including support for research students and students from under-represented groups. Awards are limited and change each year, so check the current listings before applying.