Course summary
The Architecture research programme focuses on practice-led and interdisciplinary research with tangible public and social impact. The programme fosters research into spatial, environmental, and social challenges with tangible outcomes and impact. We support traditional academic research, but are especially interested in practice-led and experimental research relevant to diverse research careers in academia, industry-based research groups, leading design practices, policymaking, human rights organisations, NGOs, cultural institutions, as well as social and environmental coalitions. We particularly welcome research proposals aligned with the strategic areas of research in the School of Architecture: Architecture & Social Movements, Intergenerational Cities, Institutional Forms & Practices and Climate Justice, as well as the work of the Laboratory for Design & Machine Learning. All research themes encourage interdisciplinary research with new models of collaboration between academic and non-academic institutions or partners. Programme details PhD: 3–4 years (full time), 6–7 years (part time) MPhil: 2–3 years (full time), 4–6 years (part time) 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 March 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.
Modules
At the RCA, research students undertake training both at a cross-College level and within their Schools, offering rich and robust preparation and learning opportunities for their research degree progression. Many of these also offer opportunities to build a portfolio of experience for future careers. First year doctoral students attend compulsory training courses in a range of research methods and methodologies in the first term of study. You’ll attend Doctoral Training Weeks in September, February and July. These are opportunities to participate in the broader research community at the RCA, but also to undertake timely training to support research progression. These intensive weeks include a range of professional development seminars, training and advice in writing, getting published, achieving impact, entering the academic job market and more, and opportunities for you to develop and present your research to your peers and staff.
Assessment method
Research students have Annual Progress Reviews, which they must pass in order to progress into the next year of study. There is a formal Confirmation Exam that takes place midway through the period of study to ascertain your readiness for PhD submission; if you who do not meet the requirements at this stage then you’ll usually be recommended to submit for MPhil examination.
Entry requirements
The programme welcomes applications from candidates from across the world and of all ages, including those with academic and professional backgrounds. Applications are considered in terms of quality of proposal, quality of practice (where appropriate), readiness to undertake a research degree at this level and supervisory capacity.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, MPhil candidates will need the equivalent of an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a 6.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE). |
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
| England | £9750 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9750 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9750 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9750 | Year 1 |
| International | £29000 | Year 1 |
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
Visit the programme page on the RCA website for details of fees for each year of this programme.
The RCA receives a subsidy from the UK Government for UK, Irish, Channel Islands and Isle of Man and some EU student (with settled status), which enables us to charge a reduced fee. These students are referred to as having ‘Home’ fee status. If you hold any other citizenship, you are referred to as having ‘Overseas and EU’ fee status, which includes those EU nationals who do not have settled status in the UK.
Provider information
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
Kensington and Chelsea
SW7 2EU