Update you browser

For the best experience, we recommend you update your browser. Visit our accessibility page for a list of supported browsers. Alternatively, you can continue using your current browser by closing this message.

Sign up for more information about studying at the RCA

Key details

Date

  • 1 November 2022

Read time

  • 1 minute

* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Art & Design

Discover our programmes

The Royal College of Art offers Graduate Diploma, Master's and MPhil/PhD programmes in the arts, design, communication, architecture and the humanities.

Programme finder

Ready to join us? Applications are now open for 2025 entry.

Apply now to secure your place.

Featured programme: Graduate Diploma Art & Design

Tian Gao, Graduate Diploma

Applications are currently open for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design intake in January 2025 (completing in August 2025). This pre-Master's programme is available on-campus, online or both. The application deadline is 6 December 2024 at 12 noon (GMT).

Watch our open event recording to find out more.

Apply now for the Graduate Diploma Art & Design

Upcoming events

Register for Open Days, Portfolio Q&A sessions, Campus Tours and the chance to meet the RCA globally and in the UK.

Browse events

Why choose the RCA?

Group of architecture students in the studio

Teaching and research expertise

The opportunity to learn from world-leading academic staff. We’re the only specialist art and design university where all of our permanent teaching and research staff are also research active and included in the RCA’s submissions to the UK Research Excellence Framework.

Renowned alumni

Our 28,000 alumni are leaders in their disciplines, making national and international headlines. Alumni include:

  • Hoor Al Qasimi
  • Hurvin Anderson RA
  • Christopher Bailey CBE
  • Sir Peter Blake
  • Sir Frank Bowling
  • Sir James Dyson OM
  • Dame Tracey Emin RA
  • Sir Anthony Finkelstein
  • Thomas Heatherwick RDI, CBE
  • Dame Barbara Hepworth
  • Lubaina Himid RA CBE
  • David Hockney OM
  • Kamala Ibrahim Ishaq
  • Asif Kapadia
  • Julian MacDonald OBE
  • Henry Moore OM
  • Erdem Moralioglu MBE
  • Morag Myerscough
  • Dame Magdalene Odundo
  • Chris Ofili CBE
  • Bridget Riley
  • Sir Ridley Scott
  • Philip Treacy OBE
  • Dame Zandra Rhodes

A diverse creative community

The RCA is the world’s largest postgraduate-only art and design university, representing an exciting talent base and opportunities to build your network and collaborate. An RCA student might be working in industry or the arts, a career-changer, or come straight from an undergraduate course. We typically welcome students from over 70 countries.

Interdisciplinary connections

Our College and School-wide projects, activities and challenges help our students find like-minded creatives to solve major global problems, grow their networks, or find future business partners. Find out more about AcrossRCA.

Build your career

Find out more about how the RCA can help move your career to the next level with our Graduate Careers Report.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now to start in 2025

Life at the RCA

Over 185 years our alumni have defined the industries that they have joined, created and reshaped.

Discover where the RCA will take you

We host a range of opportunities in cities around the world for prospective RCA students to meet with staff and alumni.

Explore our global events

Get advice on sources of funding for MA, MFA, MDes, MEd and MRes students available from external bodies.

Explore funding

Our sites are located in the historic capital city of London, a vibrant cultural centre with an international outlook.

Explore our campuses

Useful links

Find your path to joining the Royal College of Art

Application process

Find out more

Sign up for more information about studying at the RCA

Sign up
Student in painting studio