Course summary

The MRes RCA Design Pathway builds design research skills that can be deployed within academic and professional careers. We foster innovation and tackle complex systems and social challenges, from the future of work to the circular economy, climate change, AI and healthcare. We offer interdisciplinary learning; you'll be exposed to the full range of programmes across the School of Design, including our MAs, research centres and networks. Experienced researchers run seminars and workshops on design research across topics that include cybernetics, ethnography, ethics, future forecasting, speculative design, participatory design, action research, reflective practice, robotics and coding. The pathway's curriculum offers a transformational experience and gives you the opportunity to construct your own area of expertise through a solo research project. You'll develop knowledge in design research through experimentation in theory and practice, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer review. About the RCA The Royal College of Art, is an internationally renowned art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to deliver art and design projects that transform the world. A small, specialist and research-intensive postgraduate university based in the heart of London, the RCA is a high performing institution, a radical traditionalist in a fast paced world. The RCA's approach is founded on the premise that art, design creative thinking, science, engineering and technology must all collaborate to solve today's global challenges. In 2021 the RCA was named the world’s leading art and design university for the seventh consecutive year in the QS World University subject rankings.