Master's application process
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Ready to apply for an MA, MArch, MDes, MEd, MFA or MRes at the RCA? Find out about our application process here.
How to apply
Step 1
Choose the programme you want to apply to and review programme-specific entrance and portfolio requirements on the programme page.
Step 2
Visit our Applicant Portal and create an account. You will need to follow the instructions to verify your email and set a password.
Step 3
Complete the application form and upload your portfolio. You can save your application and retrieve it later, so you do not have to complete it all in one go.
Information you will need to supply includes:
- Your personal details, date of birth and contact information.
- Which programme(s) you are applying for.
- Predicted or previous qualifications.
- Evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language.
- Any accessibility needs you may have, so we can better support you.
- Personal demographic information (this is used for equity, diversity and inclusion monitoring purposes; it remains confidential and is not used as selection criteria).
- An image of your passport to verify your identification.
As part of your portfolio, you will be asked to upload:
- A 300-word written personal statement about your motivation to study on the programme.
- A short video, up to two minutes, of yourself talking to the camera about your personal creative journey.
- Three to five files containing your portfolio. Depending on the programme, your portfolio may include files of your work and any written descriptions, explanations or justifications required. Each programme has different requirements; details are given on individual programme pages.
- Details of relevant work experience.
- Upload contact details for your referee(s)
Please only submit information via the Applicant Portal, as any additional information sent by email will not be shared with the selection panels.
You may not apply for the same programme more than once, and can apply for a maximum of two (2) different programmes in the 2025 admissions year.
What happens next?
Once you've submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email which will include your application number. This number should be quoted in all correspondence regarding your application.
You can also use your application number to check the status of your application in the Applicant Portal.
Interviews
In a small number of instances, it may not be possible to make a decision based on an application alone. In these cases, you will be invited to attend an interview either in person or online. Receiving a request for interview does not make you any more or less likely to receive an offer of a place. Your invitation email will contain full details of the interview and anything you might need to prepare. Please ensure you are available for your interview before submitting your application.
Application outcome
Once your application has been reviewed and interview completed (if applicable), you will receive one of the following application outcomes:
- a formal offer of a place
- a place on the waiting list, if the programme is already full
- an offer of a place on our Graduate Diploma Art & Design pre-Master's Programme, which we have designed especially to help transition students to full MA programmes (with January, May and September intakes)
- an unsuccessful notification
If you do receive an offer, you must accept your offer and pay your deposit within three weeks to secure your place. See Accepting an offer and enrolling for more information.