Course summary
The MA Digital Direction at the RCA invites you to experiment at the intersection of storytelling, film, performance, games, installation and sound. You will explore how technologies like VR, AR, AI, game engines, spatial sound and mobile platforms shape immersive and interactive narrative experiences. Grounded in critical, cooperative and exploratory research, you learn to rethink what storytelling can be, and to use emerging media to address urgent social, environmental and ethical issues. Within a global community of makers and thinkers, you collaborate to develop inclusive, socially engaged stories, working across collective projects and through an independent research practice that questions how narratives connect with justice, identity, and the planet. 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 Critical Stories, which introduces foundational approaches to experimental storytelling, media ecologies, and communal narrative-making. You test and evaluate inclusive forms of digital storytelling by collaborating with peers, using responsive methods to reflect urgent concerns in contemporary culture. Term 2 In term 2, you take Making Worlds with Others, where you collaborate with students from other disciplines to co-create a shared project. The unit emphasizes convivial knowledge exchange, mutual understanding, and socially engaged storytelling. You also take Immersive Enquiries, where you critically and experimentally work with immersive environments and interactive media to prototype storytelling using platforms like VR, AR, mobile and other time-based media. Term 3 In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, in which you develop a self-directed research-led practice. Your work should demonstrate how your storytelling methods and critical thinking respond to real-world concerns, while defining your future research direction and leadership in digital narrative. 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.
English language requirements
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on English language requirements.
You can also find further details on English language requirements, approved English language tests, equivalent IELTS scores, exempt criteria, and more via the link below.
https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/english-language-requirements/
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
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition fees, deposits, and additional costs for both Home and Overseas/EU students.
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