Course summary
Our research degrees span the full range of contemporary design and media environments. Research is a rich, central and essential part of the School of Communication. Our MPhil and PhD degrees are grounded firmly in research theory and methods, while maintaining and encouraging a high degree of creativity and experimentation. We welcome research projects that explore topical issues through both practice and theory are particularly encouraged. We look for critical engagement, originality and proven skills in both practice and writing, and encourage questioning and experimental research approaches. The School is focused on broad themes which place communication at the centre of transformational systems and practices, collective commons and experiential modes. The ethos of the School is to foster social, cooperative, pluralistic and inclusive research approaches. 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. 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
Students are encouraged to develop their own methodologies relevant to their individual programmes of research. In recent years, the School’s research students have developed enquiries in areas including the manifestation of digital space, the mediation of cognitive and sensory experience, and the augmentation of design practice and knowledge. MPhil and PhD students follow their own bespoke research route within the School, supported by expertise from staff within the School and the wider College. Students on our new MRes (Communication Design) are guided through a well-planned curriculum and are supported through both local and College-wide expertise. Many of the School’s research students develop collaborative research initiatives during the course of their studies, drawing on the expertise of partner organisations, including creative businesses, cultural and academic institutions. Our current research students’ topics interface with a wide range of subjects including biology, geography, English language and literature, psychology, architecture, social and computer sciences.
Entry requirements
For MPhil: normally a good relevant undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification. For PhD: Master's degree or equivalent qualification; initial registration is usually for MPhil. Exceptionally, other qualifications may be approved, providing that the Academic Board for Concessions and Discipline (ABCD) is satisfied that the applicant has the ability to pursue the programme of research successfully. Candidates who do not speak English as their 1st language will be required to provide evidence that they have achieved at least 93 in the TOEFL internet based test with an additional writing test score of TWE 24 or an IELTS exam score of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing.
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 |
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