Course summary
RIBA part II and Architects Registration Board (ARB) validated. Choose the World's number one ranked art and design university* and expand the possibilities of your practice by developing a speculative, independent and critical ethos. The programme conceives of architecture as a diverse and complex set of practices that move beyond traditional distinctions and limits in the field. The programme expands the possibilities of architecture and its agency in the world by encouraging an independent and critical ethos among its students. Fostering a culture of independent postgraduate research and experimentation in design, underpinned by a strong connection to practice and the material reality of the discipline, is central to the pedagogy. Teaching aims to harness and extend your knowledge, skills and creativity, preparing you to engage critically with the world of practice. Accreditations Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) part II and Architects Registration Board (ARB) validated since 1983. Architectural Design Studios The core of learning on the MA Architecture programme is project-based and structured around Architectural Design Studios (ADS), with each offering you a unique set of concerns, methods and critical frameworks. Each ADS has approximately 14 students, with first- and second-year students working alongside each other. Practice mentors Each Architecture student is assigned a practice mentor for a part of their studies. This enables students to map shared research themes as well as developing a greater understanding of the diverse range of industry activity. The mentoring scheme offers students another voice on their student work but can also offer guidance on professional development and industry engagement. This initiative recognises the value of the collaborative networks that drive our students and continues the tradition of linking architectural education with industry. 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 (2015-2021) in the QS World University subject rankings.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Architects Royal Institute of British
Entry requirements
Candidates are selected entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world. The selection process will consider creativity, imagination and innovation as demonstrated in your portfolio, as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high MA standards overall. You should have achieved a high quality first degree in architecture (RIBA Part I) or an international equivalent degree or higher, and should have at least one year’s work experience in a design office. If you wish to gain exemption from RIBA Part II, you must have completed your RIBA Part I satisfactorily. Alternative undergraduate qualifications will be considered based on portfolio and personal statement.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need the equivalent of an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a 6.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE). |
Students achieving a grade of at least 6.0, with a grade of 5.5 in the Test of Written English, may be eligible to take the College’s English for Academic Purposes course to enable them to reach the required standard. You are exempt from this requirement if you have received a 2.1 degree or above from a university in a majority English-speaking nation within the last two years. If you need a Tier 4 visa to study at the RCA, you will also need to meet the Home Office’s minimum requirements for entry clearance.
More information about English language requirements
https://www.rca.ac.uk/studying-at-the-rca/apply/entrance-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £26950 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| England | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
| International | £26950 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Visit the programme page on the RCA website for details of fees for each year of this programme.
Sponsorship information
Visit the RCA website to find out more about scholarships and funding options.
Provider information
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
Kensington and Chelsea
SW7 2EU