Course summary
The MRes Master of Research is an interdisciplinary programme at the RCA that equips you with the intellectual, technical and professional tools needed for PhDlevel study or advanced research roles in industry. By blending theory, methods, and practice, the programme helps you to develop experimental and practiceled research skills. You will choose a specialism among Architecture, Communication, Design, Fine Art and Experimental Humanities, and be assigned a supervisor to help you shape your independent, creative research project, whether it is thesis or practicebased. The MRes encourages collaboration, flexibility, and experimentation, enabling you to interrogate your discipline through crossdisciplinary dialogue and to build a research identity rooted in art and design thinking. Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes. About RCA: The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world. For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Modules
Term 1 In term 1, you take Establishing a Painting Practice, which supports you in understanding the content, form and driving research behind your work. Technical inductions, lectures, seminars, individual tutorials and group critiques help you experiment with material possibilities and locate your practice within historical and contemporary contexts. Term 2 In term 2, you take Painting in the Expanded Field: Experimental Positions, where you deepen your conceptual, aesthetic and material approaches through research, experimentation and resolved work. Also in term 2, you take Urgency of the Arts school-wide unit that explores how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent sociopolitical issues through workshops and specialist-led discussions. Term 3 In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, producing a resolved body of work that reflects your critical thinking, research and creative ambitions. You also prepare for a public presentation to share your research led practice. AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2) During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world. RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives. As part of your application, you may need to submit: A portfolio showcasing your work and artistic vision. A personal statement (around 300 words) describing your interests, motivations, and future goals. An introduction video (maximum 2 minutes) to introduce yourself and explain your artistic approach and project ideas. To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register. Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
RCA offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support postgraduate study, including a variety of tuition fee and living cost scholarships. Beyond financial support, many of these scholarships also provide networking opportunities with peers, partnership organisations and professional bodies to enhance your experience. You can find more information about available scholarships and their eligibility criteria here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/funding-your-studies/rca-scholarships-and-awards/
Provider information
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
Kensington and Chelsea
SW7 2EU