Course summary
The School of Design is home to internationally significant research, much of which is practice-based. The teaching areas of the School – Design Products, Fashion, Global Innovation Design, Innovation Designing Engineering, Intelligent Mobility, Service Design and Textiles – represent a wide range of approaches to research. Research topics range from those which are strongly needs-focused – such as designing new forms of medical equipment – to those which are more speculative – such as considering the philosophy of computer games. The research methods you adopt will be attuned to your subject: you may use established methods or develop your own. 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.
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