Overview
The Royal College of Art is a postgraduate institution in London specializing in art and design education.
Established in 1837 and granted Royal Charter and university status in 1967, it operates through three schools: Architecture, Arts & Humanities, and Communication & Design. The college offers Master's degrees, postgraduate research degrees including MPhil and PhD programmes, and professional development courses across disciplines such as fashion, sculpture, graphic design, industrial design engineering, and digital direction.
Located in South Kensington with additional facilities at Battersea and White City.
Location & Contact
Royal College of Art's physical location and contact details are listed below.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Royal College of Art are listed below.
Academic Structures
Royal College of Art's academic units are listed below, by type.
Unit 6 items
- School of Architecture
- School of Communication
- School of Design
- School of Fine Art
- School of Humanities
- School of Material
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Architecture (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Interior Design
Communications (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cinema and Television
- Communication Studies
- Graphic Design
Design (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
Fine Art (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
- Printing and Printmaking
- Sculpture
Humanities (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
- Museum Management
- Writing
Material (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ceramic Art
- Fashion Design
- Glass Art
- Jewellery Art
- Metal Techniques
- Textile Design
Programs Offered
Royal College of Art's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.
32 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Master's Degree 31 programmes
Showing 10 of 31.
Scholarships in United Kingdom
These scholarships are open to students studying in the United Kingdom and may apply to programmes at Royal College of Art.
How to apply to Royal College of Art
A short guide to applying to Royal College of Art — five steps.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Royal College of Art's 32 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Royal College of Art typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through UCAS or direct entry
Royal College of Art takes undergraduate applications through the UCAS system (ucas.com). Postgraduate applicants apply directly through Royal College of Art's own admissions portal at www.rca.ac.uk instead.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (20) 7590 4444. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal College of Art
A short Q&A covering Royal College of Art's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
When was Royal College of Art founded?
Royal College of Art was established in 1837 (approximately 189 years ago).
In which city is Royal College of Art?
Royal College of Art is based in London, United Kingdom.
Is Royal College of Art public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students study at Royal College of Art?
Royal College of Art has approximately 2,555 students.
What degrees does Royal College of Art offer?
Royal College of Art offers master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Royal College of Art have?
The institution comprises 6 academic units.
Who recognises Royal College of Art?
Yes, Royal College of Art is recognised by Privy Council.
How do I find Royal College of Art online?
You can find Royal College of Art online at www.rca.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top the United Kingdom universities. Royal College of Art's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Members of Universities UK
These universities are also members of Universities UK.
Faculties at nearby universities
These universities are located near Royal College of Art, listed below for students comparing options by location.
Where Else to Study Visual Arts
These universities in the United Kingdom also offer Visual Arts programmes, alongside Royal College of Art.
Universities Compared with Royal College of Art
Comparable universities to Royal College of Art are listed below.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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