Course summary
The MRes RCA Arts & Humanities Pathway introduces you to a range of practice-based research methods, in order to equip you for your future professional and research careers. You’ll develop creative and critically engaged individual research projects that emerge from a broad range of arts-based practices: from painting, sculpture and performance to ceramics, installation, moving image and critical writing. You’ll be able to forge strong networks with a range of peers, artists and academics within the School of Arts & Humanities research community and across the College. The pathway fosters experimentation and innovation. We encourage individual and collective ways of working, thinking and making. You are urged to explore what platforms and interfaces would most benefit your research ideas. 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.
Modules
Unit 1: Research methods and individual research proposal This unit will enable discussion and exploration of key concepts in art and design research. The workshops will introduce you to key methods and methodologies in art and design, based around the areas of specialisms of each of the contributing schools. You’ll also develop an individual research proposal. Unit 2: Research cultures This College-wide unit focus on knowledge exchange and communicating your research effectively to an interdisciplinary audience. This will involve developing an understanding of the contexts in which research is practised, and engaging different research cultures and communities. Unit 3: Research in practice This unit focuses on the process of research. It will connect you with practicing researchers and research teams and encourage you to reflect on how research projects are developed, managed, evaluated and communicated. Unit 4: Group research project This unit builds upon learning undertaken in unit 1 by exploring the nexus between research methods and the ways in which they might be applied to independent and collaborative research projects. Unit 5: Research identities This college-wide unit will focus on further development of your personal research project and professional development. It will enable you to develop your research projects and define your professional identity as a researcher. Unit 6: Personal research project The Personal Research Project will enable your to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding developed through units 1 and 2 within a complex personal research project.
Assessment method
Thesis route You are required to submit a 12,000–15,000 word thesis that defines a research question, outlines the research methodology and theoretical context, presents and discusses the results and offers robust conclusions. Practice route You are required to submit: An original work of art, design or communication (including critical and curatorial works) A visual portfolio of practice with clear documentation in PDF form A 4,000–6,000 word thesis that defines the purpose of the work, outlines its theoretical and technical context, and articulates the contribution it has made to advancing knowledge.
Entry requirements
Candidates are selected entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world. The selection process considers creativity, imagination and innovation as demonstrated in your portfolio, as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high standards overall. You should have a good first degree in a related subject. We welcome applications from students of all ages, and view both prior academic and professional experience as valuable.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £12650 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £12650 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £12650 | Whole course |
| Wales | £12650 | Whole course |
| International | £33500 | Whole course |
Additional fee information
Visit the programme page on the RCA website for details of fees for each year of this programme.
Provider information
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
Kensington and Chelsea
SW7 2EU