Royal College of Art (RCA) is considered one of the world’s leading institutions for art and design. It is the only university exclusively dedicated to postgraduate education in art and design (MA, MPhil, MFA, and PhD). RCA stands out for its high academic standards, experienced faculty, and emphasis on fostering creativity. The university enjoys strong international recognition and has been ranked the world’s leading institution in the field of Art & Design by the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 11 consecutive years.
How and when did the story begin?
The roots of RCA date back to 1837, when it was founded as the Government School of Design with the aim of improving the quality of industrial design in Britain. In 1896, it was granted the “Royal” status, becoming the Royal College of Art. Over the years, the university has not only preserved its academic prestige but has also evolved into a center of innovative thinking, enriching global culture through the work of its graduates.
Discover your path at RCA – which field do you want to grow in?
- Fine Art
- Design
- Industrial Design
- Graphic and Communication Design
- Service Design
- Interactive and Digital Design
- Architecture
- Fashion and Textiles
- Transport Design
- New Media, Art and Technology
- Visual Communication
- Social Design and Politics
RCA offers exclusively master’s (MA, MPhil, MFA) and doctoral (PhD) degree programs in the following fields:
Scholarship Programs
RCA offers a wide range of scholarship programs for both domestic and international students. These are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific subject areas.
Types of Scholarships:
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RCA Scholarships – Partial or full tuition fee coverage provided by the university
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The Helen Hamlyn Scholarships – For students innovating in the field of social design or services
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Grand Challenge Bursaries – For students participating in collaborative projects
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External Scholarships – Funding provided by international or national organizations such as Chevening, Commonwealth, or Erasmus+
Funding Sources:
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Stipends (insurance, living expenses) in certain cases
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Professional student loans (available through UK or other national schemes)
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Departmental internal funding, based on academic progress and project excellence
Who are the alumni of RCA?
Royal College of Art has alumni who have transformed the worlds of art, design, and technology.
James Dyson – British engineer, innovator, and founder of Dyson. His vacuum cleaners, air dryers, and breakthrough technologies have made him one of the most influential inventors in the world.
Henry Moore – A master of modern sculpture, whose large-scale bronze works are exhibited in top museums and public spaces around the globe. His distinctive style became a symbol of British art.
Jonathan Ive – Chief designer at Apple and co-creator of the iPhone, iMac, and iPod. His creativity and minimalist approach helped set a new standard in contemporary tech design.
Royal College of Art is not only an academic institution for art and design, but also a cultural, technological, and innovation hub where the creative leaders of tomorrow are shaped. It offers students not just knowledge, but the freedom to change the world through their vision. If your dream is to make an impact through art, RCA could be the starting point of your creative journey.
Article by Ani (a volunteer at Edunetwork)